Test Match Special
Test Match Special
BBC Radio 5 Live
Big changes for the England Test team?
53 minutes Posted Apr 20, 2026 at 9:37 pm.
Intro
How does selection work?
Opening batting partnership
Time for a new opening partnership?
James Rew and a positional dilemma
The cricket structure in England
Jacob Bethell and the Indian Premier League
Scores in the league
Favourites in the IPL
England’s pace bowlers
Spin bowlers
County Championship substitutes rule
0:00
53:03
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Show notes
Mark Chapman, Alex Hartley, Steven Finn and, Matt Prior discuss how England’s Test team is shaping up for the summer, the spots up for grabs and, who is best placed to take them. Less than two months to go until England begin their Test summer against New Zealand at Lord’s, by that time it will be nearly five months since Ben Stokes’ side trudged off the SCG having lost the 5th Ashes Test, losing the series 4-1.Who should remain in the side? What are the main positions up for grabs? And is there someone who has done enough to make the step up?They also discuss the new rules around replacing players in the County Championship which has proved controversial so far.TIME CODES