Surrey County Cricket Club Surrey County Cricket Club

Tales from The Oval, presented by Tom Holland – host of The Rest is History - and Jon Surtees, launches with a fascinating delve into the history of Kennington.

Listen on to discover how The Black Prince, a collection of charismatic medieval Knights, Charles I, a celebrity highwayman by the name of Jerry Abershaw, a forger called William Badger, the founder of Methodism John Wesley and the Chartists all played vital and fascinating roles in the history of The Oval.

Before delving into the incredible history of the ground, which will be the focus of future episodes, the first episode explores the ancient history of Kennington and Vauxhall and features an incredible role call of the characters that have populated our part of south London for the last millennium.     

Future episodes will be released every Wednesday, with episode 2 – coming on Wednesday May 29th – investigating the history of cricket on Kennington Common, the founding of Surrey CCC and the Club’s glorious successes during the late Victorian period.

Twitter:

@surreycricket

@holland_tom

@JonnySurtees

Producer: Will Lewis
Executive Producers: Matt Thacker + Jon Surtees

Welcome to a brand new podcast from Tom Holland (The Rest is History) and Jon Surtees - Tales from The Oval.

Over the course of an eleven episode series, Tom and Jon (editor of Wisden at The Oval) will conclusively demonstrate that The Oval ranks as the most historic sports venue in the world.

As well as telling the stories of iconic cricketers who have adorned the ground, from WG Grace to Alf Gover, and from Jack Hobbs to Michael Holding, the podcast will nominate Surrey’s greatest ever player, captain and team, and select the greatest ever innings and spell of bowling seen at the Oval.  

But it is not all cricket! Tom and Jon will also be exploring how The Oval played a key role in the history of football and rugby; has hosted both American football and Aussie rules; and became the first ground in history to floodlight a sporting extravaganza, when torches were erected to illuminate the incredible Victorian sport of Pedestrianism.

There is history too. The podcast ranges from the Middle Ages, when the Black Prince was a regular in Kennington, to the 18th century, when Jacobites and highwaymen were executed opposite what is now the Oval Tube, to the First and Second World Wars, when the ground was requisitioned, and numerous Surrey cricketers distinguished themselves in action.

Tom and Jon will also be playing host to an incredible array of guests - among them, the great West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding, Test Match Special commentator Daniel Norcross, and former England cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent.

Mark Church is joined by Jo Harman, Wisden Cricket Monthly Magazine Editor, to talk through the game against Kent at Beckenham.

The pair talk through a dominant performance, prematurely cut short by the weather. Churchy sings the praises of Will Jacks and they remember Andrew Symonds - a true box office cricketer.

Surrey take on a Sri Lanka Development XI at Guildford starting on Friday 20 May. You can keep up to date with the match on kiaoval.com and get the latest updates from the Club on social media: @surreycricket on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Mark Church is joined by Jo Harman, Wisden Cricket Monthly Magazine Editor, to discuss the three day win against Northants and look forward to the oldest rivalry in cricket.

Churchy and Jo swap surprising Surrey stats and discuss who the first player on the team sheet is.

Surrey take on Kent at Beckenham starting on Thursday 11 May. You can keep up to date with the Club on social media: @surreycricket on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The latest episode of the 3 Feathers Podcast sees Mark joined once again by Wisden Cricket Monthly Editor-in-Chief, Phil Walker.

Churchy and Phil talk through Surrey's draw Gloucestershire where Jamie Smith scored his maiden double century, Jordan Clarke notched three figures of his own and despite the scorecard looking ominous for the bowlers, how there was still plenty to be cheerful for with the ball.

Surrey take on Northamptonshire at The Kia Oval starting on Thursday 5 May. Tickets are still available to come and join us at home and you can always keep up to date with the Club on social media: @surreycricket on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The third episode of the returning 3 Feathers Podcast sees Mark joined by Wisden Cricket Monthly Editor-in-Chief, Phil Walker.

Churchy and Phil talk about Surrey's big win over Somerset - including a special innings from opener Ryan Patel - and look ahead to this week's trip to Bristol to play Gloucestershire, including potential debuts from Dan Worrall and new signing Colin de Grandhomme.

If you can't make it to Bristol, watch the coverage of the game, courtesy of Gloucestershire, on YouTube and the Club website, kiaoval.com. Please follow the Club on social media, @surreycricket on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.