Test Match Special

2024 is going to be a memorable year for Joe Root. He became England’s highest ever run scorer, and overtook Sir Alastair Cook’s Test century record for England too, but how did that feel and how did he get there?In his own words, along with England captain Ben Stokes and friend & longtime teammate Jimmy Anderson, he talks us through his incredible year, and how he came to be one of England’s greats.

Alex Hartley and Kate Cross have a festive catch up after Kate’s return from South Africa.They discuss Kate’s back injury which meant she hardly played in South Africa and the road to recovery ahead of next month’s Ashes series in Australia. They also reflect on England’s success in all formats across the series which served as good preparation before heading down under.Plus, what do they both want for Christmas?

Simon Mann is joined by former England fast bowler Steven Finn & the BBC’s Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt for reaction to Day two of the third and final Test between England New Zealand. England assistant coach Paul Collingwood gives his thoughts on the day’s play.They discuss Zak Crawley’s series and his struggles against New Zealand quick Matt Henry, the fielding tactics used against the Kiwi’s tail, and England’s trend of finishing Test series poorly.Plus, after Henry’s success over Crawley, who did Steven have similar dominance over?Live text commentary of England’s Test series against New Zealand is available on the BBC Sport website & app.

Henry Moeran is joined by the BBC’s Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt for a bonus podcast.Stephan chats with ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould about the ongoing row with the PCA over The Hundred salaries and no-objection certificates. What’s the latest with the sale of the eight Hundred teams? Will the Champions Trophy take place?You can find out on this bonus episode.Don’t forget, there’s live text commentary of England’s Test series against New Zealand available on the BBC Sport website & app.