It’s more than just a sporting contest. It’s the pride of two nations, where victory couldn’t be sweeter, but defeat is the bitterest taste of all. It’s a rivalry that transcends sport and creates true heroes and villains. This is Legends of the Ashes, hosted by lifelong cricket fan and current Marylebone Cricket Club President, Stephen Fry.

Over 10 episodes, this podcast series will delve deep into the stories that make the England versus Australia rivalry one of the greatest there is. Relive incredible matches and history-altering moments with new, revealing insights from cricketing royalty including Lord Botham, Sir Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and modern-day heroes such as James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Steve Smith.

All episodes available now.

You can listen on Global Player. Download it from the App store or search for ‘Legends of the Ashes’ at globalplayer.com

The 2005 Ashes is widely thought to be the greatest Test series in the history of the competition. It enthralled two nations and catapulted Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff to icon status.

A titanic battle between bat and ball, featuring one of the closest ever test match finishes, it was the series that had it all and breathed life back into English cricket.

Its dramatic ebb and flow is retold by the likes of Michael Vaughan, Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and Andrew Strauss. Narrated by lifelong cricket fan and current Marylebone Cricket Club President, Stephen Fry.

Four players have dominated Ashes series more than any others: Donald Bradman, Ian Botham, Shane Warne and Freddie Flintoff. In this episode, their immense impact, most dramatic moments and behind the scenes antics.

You'll hear how the phenomenon Bradman shunned his teammates and never socialised, quite the contrast to Botham who lured leading members of the opposition out for the night so they couldn’t perform the next day.

You'll also hear how Warne undermined opponents with brilliant one-liners and amazing deception, and how Flintoff embraced the title of talisman to be at his destructive best.