The Ashes, the historic Test cricket series between England and Australia, is one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in all of sport. For fans across the globe, following every twist and turn is paramount, and the BBC remains the definitive home for comprehensive, free-to-access coverage throughout the summer.
Whether you're listening to the inimitable ball-by-ball commentary on Test Match Special, catching up with the day's video highlights, or diving into in-depth analysis from a legendary panel of experts, the BBC offers a multitude of ways to stay connected to the action.
Test Match Special: The Sound of the Summer
For generations, the distinctive sound of Test Match Special on BBC Radio has been the soundtrack to the English summer. The 2023 Ashes series will be no different, with live ball-by-ball commentary available across BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app.
The iconic commentary box will be led by the masterful Jonathan Agnew, joined by a roster of expert summarisers including the likes of Sir Alastair Cook, Phil Tufnell, and Michael Vaughan. The legendary "Blowers", Henry Blofeld, may even make a welcome return for a guest appearance, bringing his unique perspective to the occasion.
A statement from the BBC regarding its radio coverage emphasised its commitment to capturing the drama, noting, "Our team will bring every moment of tension, skill, and controversy directly to the listeners, wherever they are."
Fans can also expect the usual array of delightful features that make TMS so beloved, from the famous cake stories to the crowd-sourced "View from the Boundary" interviews and the constant, good-natured banter that flows between the commentators, making listeners feel as if they are right there in the stands.
Digital and Online: Your Hub for Ashes Content
The BBC Sport website and app will be the central digital hub for all things Ashes. Here, fans can find a rich and constantly updated suite of content designed to cater to every type of cricket follower. The service goes far beyond simple score updates.
Key features available online include:
- Live Text Commentary: Perfect for following the action at work or in places where audio isn't feasible, this service provides ball-by-ball text updates, expert analysis, and fan interaction.
- Video Highlights: Full, free-to-watch highlights of each day's play will be available shortly after the close, along with condensed match packages and individual moment highlights.
- In-Depth Analysis: Articles, features, and columns from the BBC's cricket experts will break down the tactics, the key players, and the pivotal sessions.
The digital team will also produce a range of additional content, such as podcasts, player statistics graphics, and social media updates across platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. As one BBC Sport editor put it, "Our aim is to ensure that no fan misses a beat, whether they're watching live, catching up on their commute, or reading analysis the next morning."
Television Highlights and The Ashes Podcast
While live television rights for The Ashes in the UK reside with Sky Sports, the BBC provides an essential free-to-air television offering. Today at the Test on BBC Two and the iPlayer is the go-to destination for evening highlights.
Presented by Isa Guha, the programme will feature extended highlights of the day's play, alongside discussion and analysis from a studio panel that includes former England captains and international cricketers. This broadcast is crucial for bringing the spectacle to a wider, terrestrial audience.
For those who prefer audio on-demand, the The Ashes Podcast from the BBC will deliver daily digestible episodes. These podcasts will round up the key events, feature the best audio from the TMS commentary box, and include post-match press conferences and interviews with players and pundits.
Key Broadcast Details at a Glance
To make it easy to follow, here are the core platforms and their offerings:
- BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra / BBC Sounds: Live ball-by-ball radio commentary.
- BBC Sport Website & App: Live text commentary, video highlights, scorecards, news, and analysis.
- BBC Two / iPlayer: Today at the Test highlights show.
- BBC Podcasts: The Ashes Podcast.
Expert Analysis and The TMS Commentary Team
The quality of the BBC's coverage is defined by the calibre of its experts. The 2023 Ashes series will see a blend of experienced voices and recent internationals. Alongside Jonathan Agnew, expect to hear deep tactical insights from Sir Alastair Cook, offering a batsman's perspective fresh from his own Ashes battles.
The spin department will be expertly covered by Phil Tufnell, while the fast-bowling analysis will come from the likes of Isa Guha and Glenn McGrath. The addition of Michael Vaughan provides a former Ashes-winning captain's view on the strategic ebb and flow of a series where, as he often says, "momentum can shift in a single session, and you have to be ready to seize it."
The role of the scorer and statistician is also vital. The meticulous work of Andy Zaltzman, with his unique and often humorous statistical deep dives, adds a layer of context and colour that is unmatched, providing fans with talking points far beyond the simple scoreline.
A Commitment to Free-to-Access Coverage
In an era of rising subscription costs, the BBC's commitment to delivering high-quality, free-to-access sports coverage remains a cornerstone of its public service remit. The Ashes, as a crown jewel of the English sporting calendar, is a prime example of this mission in action.
A BBC spokesperson reinforced this point, stating, "We believe that major national sporting events should be available to everyone. Our multi-platform coverage of The Ashes ensures that every fan, regardless of their means, can be part of this great sporting contest."
This approach allows the drama of The Ashes to reach workplaces, cars, and living rooms across the nation, fostering a shared cultural experience. From the dedicated fan who listens to every ball to the casual observer who tunes in for the evening highlights, the BBC's coverage is designed to be inclusive and comprehensive.
Conclusion: Your Ultimate Ashes Companion
The 2023 Ashes series promises to be another unforgettable chapter in this storied rivalry. With the BBC's extensive and multi-faceted coverage, fans will have a front-row seat to all the action, analysis, and atmosphere.
From the timeless charm of Test Match Special on the radio to the instant accessibility of video highlights online and the daily digest of The Ashes Podcast, the BBC provides a complete and seamless experience. So, whether you're at home, on the move, or sneakily following at your desk, the BBC is your ultimate companion for the summer of cricket.
As the teams walk out at Edgbaston, Lord's, or the Oval, the BBC's team will be there to capture every moment of brilliance, every piece of controversy, and every slice of drama, ensuring you don't miss a thing in the quest for the famous urn.