Media company Global is launching a new cricket podcast series on the history of The Ashes, narrated by actor and comedian Stephen Fry.
The 10-part series, titled Legends of The Ashes, is launching on 15 June, the evening before the start of the 2023 series, and will deep dive into the history of the cricketing rivalry between England and Australia.
A number of historic and current Ashes legends will also be guest starring on the series including Lord Botham, Sir Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath, Stuart Broad, and Steve Smith.
“We are thrilled to launch this new Global Original Podcast about the longest-lasting international sporting contest in the world, just as England and Australia are about to renew their iconic sporting rivalry,” said Global head of news and factual podcasts Vicky Etchells. “We’ve had a brilliant team of storytellers producing Legends of The Ashes which features the biggest names in Ashes history talking about the greatest moments, compèred by the incomparable Stephen Fry. It’s a must-listen for all cricket fans.”
“Across 10 episodes, we will hear from many of the stars who have illuminated the Ashes series over the decades - the dramas they have been involved in and the legends they have created,” said Fry. “How sweat, blood and tears have been shed, jubilation and despair felt, and lives radically altered in the constant quest for its reclamation.”
The show is produced in partnership with independent podcast company Goalhanger. Best-known for creating The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History, the company was co-founded by ex-professional footballer Gary Linekar, and is behind sporting titles such as Broad and Fry - another cricket podcast series with Fry and cricket player Stuart Broad talking about his experience in the industry - as well as Match of the day: Top 10 for the BBC.
Legends of The Ashes is written by cricketer and journalist Simon Hughes, known as ‘The Analyst’ for his work reporting across cricket games. Hughes also hosts The Analyst Inside Cricket podcast with BBC Sports commentator Simon Mann.
“This is the first definitive audio series dramatising the special matches, moments and characters of the greatest sporting rivalry there is, with new and revealing insights from the players at the heart of these brilliant battles,” said Hughes. “It is a rivalry that transcends sport and creates true heroes and villains.”
