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Agnew, Tufnell and Vaughan confirmed for Test Match Special chatter at York Barbican

Test Match Special chat show: Jonathan Agnew, left, Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan “Aggers” Agnew is to join triumphant Ashes captain Michael Vaughan and maverick spinner Phil Tufnell for a chat at York Barbican on May 7 2022.

The trio will be embarking on a 20-date BBC Radio 5 Live Test Match Special: The Live Tour itinerary next year, “taking you inside the famous BBC commentary box and sharing memories from their remarkable playing careers”.

Among the topics will be: What was it like facing Australian spinning ace Shane Warne in his Pommie-bashing pomp? Which member of the TMS team never buys dinner? What really happened on the infamous night of celebration after the 2005 Ashes victory at The Oval?

Jonathan Agnew

Test Match Special has been the home of cricket commentary on BBC radio since 1957, with Agnew, Vaughan and Tufnell to the fore in the wake of John Arlott, Brian “Johnners” Johnson and Sir Geoffrey Boycott.    

The TMS three will tell stories of life on the road as players, and now as commentators, from Barbados to Birmingham and Christchurch to Kolkata, on a tour promising never-before-seen footage of iconic commentary moments and revelations of how the commentary team kept their emotions in check on air at the 2019 World Cup Final between England and New Zealand at Lord’s. Find out, too, “what life is really like watching England from the finest seat in the house”.

Phil Tufnell. Picture: Guy Levy

BBC cricket producer Adam Mountford says: “Test Match Special is so fortunate to have a unique and special relationship with its audience, and this is a wonderful opportunity for three of our stars to hit the road and meet some of those who make the programme what it is: the listeners.

“I’m looking forward to catching some of the shows, too, and share in a celebration of cricket, radio commentary and perhaps a little cake!”

For tickets, go to: yorkbarbican.co.uk.

Michael Vaughan. Picture: Guy Levy
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Aggers talks a load of balls – cricket, that is – at Theatre Royal charity fundraiser in April

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew presents his solo show, An Evening With Aggers, at York Theatre Royal on April 16.

The voice of summer on Test Match Special, Agnew, 59, is a key figure in the world of cricket, both as a former Leicestershire and England fast bowler and as a commentator on the game.

Last summer, he commentated on England’s World Cup victory in the most breath-taking 50-plus-one overs match of all time, followed by one of the most dramatic Test Match victories ever witnessed, at Headingley, Leeds, when Ben Stokes took on the Australians.

Now broadcaster Aggers will be regaling audiences with some of his special memories and amusing anecdotes.
 
Agnew learnt his craft under the tutelage of Brian Johnston, emerging from the notoriety of the gloriously funny “leg over” incident (yes, you will hear that on the night) to become BBC Radio’s voice of cricket .

Agnew’s solo show takes the audience on a trip down memory lane, waxing lyrical about his extensive and entertaining career on the cricket pitch, as well as his many years on TV screens and radio stations around the world. 

He also recalls encounters on his A View From The Boundary feature on Test Match Special, forwhich he has interviewed many a star of stage, screen and elsewhere, including two prime ministers, several rock stars, film legends, writers, comedians and a boy wizard.
 
Producer Simon Fielder says: “An Evening With Aggers will appeal to cricket fans and non-lovers of the game alike. You don’t have to be into the sport to enjoy the stories and humour. Aggers’s shows are always funny, charming and moving. They capture the essence of TMS, which has been a national institution for the past 60 years.”
 
As Aggers says: “It‘s not just cricket commentary, but friendly company for people at home, in the car, on the beach and even tucked up in bed.”
 
Audience members will have an opportunity to tweet Agnew on the night with questions and maybe even meet his beloved dog Tino.
 
The 7.30pm show will raise money for the Professional Cricketers’ Trust (PCT) and York Theatre Royal’s work in the community. Tickets cost £20 on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.