BBC to launch 'The Cricket Social': a new online show from TMS

Test Match Special will launch an online-only product during England's winter tour of Sri Lanka, with the show being streamed live via the BBC Sport website and app

Having lost commentary rights for England's tours of Sri Lanka and West Indies this winter, and South Africa for 2019/20, to rivals Talksport, the BBC is to launch 'The Cricket Social, 'a new online show from TMS'.

Test Match Special will launch the online-only product during England's winter tour of Sri Lanka, with the show being streamed live via the BBC Sport website and app.

While taking a different form, TMS listeners will be able to hear from their BBC regulars, with Jonathan Agnew, Michael Vaughan, James Anderson, Ebony Rainford Brent, Phil Tufnell, Simon Hughes, Simon Mann, Charles Dagnall, Dan Norcross and Andy Zaltzman all set to feature in the new venture.

The BBC say they hope the show will "complement the regular live text service and allow the audience to get directly involved in the coverage."

^{TMS regulars will feature on the new show}

BBC Radio 5 Live updates and online live text service will continue as normal with each day's play reviewed on the TMS Podcast with Jonathan Agnew and Michael Vaughan. 

The Cricketer understands that the BBC are keen to reiterate the show will not simply be providing commentary off the TV.

Ben Gallop, Head of BBC Radio and Digital Sport, said: "We know how popular the BBC Sport website is as a way for fans to follow the cricket. We want to build on that and we’re delighted our new show, The Cricket Social, will give fans a chance to hear their favourite TMS broadcasters, like Aggers and Michael Vaughan, give their expert view on England’s tour of Sri Lanka and take part in discussions around all the big issues in the sport." 

The Cricket Social will stream on the BBC Sport website and app from Wednesday October 10.