Mark Chapman is joined by Tammy Beaumont, Steven Finn and Phil Tufnell to look ahead to the start of England’s cricketing summer, as Ireland visit Lord’s for a one-off Test. Ireland men’s national selector Andrew White explains the challenges his nation have faced in establishing themselves as a Test nation. And after Jason Roy ended his contract with the ECB to play in the USA’s Major League Cricket, the team look at how the move could impact the future of international cricket.

Ravindra Jadeja hits the last two balls of IPL 2023 for 6 and 4 to win a record equalling 5th IPL for Chennai Super Kings. Simon Mann is joined by IPL commentator Nikesh Rughani, former IPL player Abhishek Jhunjhunwala and WPL winning coach Lydia Greenway to review an incredible final and the tournament as a whole.

Cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley are back again to reflect on a busy week. In another frank episode, Alex wants to tell the No Balls listeners something important.

The fourth episode of a new series where the BBC’s Chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt discovers untold stories from the Ashes. David Gower breathes rarefied air as a legend of English Ashes cricket. A four-time winner – twice down under – Gower has played more Tests for England against Australia, 42, than all but Colin Cowdrey. Only the great Jack Hobbs made more runs for England against the Aussies than Gower’s 3,269. As captain in 1985, Gower led England to a 3-1 series win whilst making 732 runs in the process. Little did Gower, or anyone, know that 1985 was to be the last time England won a home Ashes series for 20 years, a desolate run that began when he was put back in charge for what turned out to be a calamitous 1989 contest involving a famous press conference, News at 10, a rebel tour and a large wine bill.

The final episode in the series where the BBC’s Chief Cricket writer Stephan Shemilt discovers untold stories from the Ashes. Few have experienced more of England’s modern Ashes history than Alastair Cook. During a 12-year international career, Cook played every one of a possible 35 Ashes Tests, scoring more runs than any player on either side. Only Archie MacLaren, at the beginning of the last century, led England in more Ashes Tests than Cook’s 15 as skipper. Cook was player of the series in a win down under, but was also captain when an England team fell apart in a 5-0 hammering. We find out why he wrestled Graeme Swann in the dressing room at The Oval and why he was reduced to tears after scoring what turned out to be his final Ashes hundred. Don’t forget you can catch up on all the other episodes on BBC Sounds with guests Glenn McGrath, Steve Finn, Sarah Elliott and David Gower plus you can read much more on the BBC Sport website and app.