Jonathan Agnew will continue to lead the Test Match Special team after agreeing a new four-year deal with BBC Sport - but will step down from his role as the BBC's cricket correspondent at the end of this summer.Agnew says the time is right to step down so he can "focus entirely on TMS".The former fast bowler, 63, joined BBC Sport at the start of the 1991 season."I am really delighted that I shall continue to present Test Match Special for the next four years," he said."It is a unique programme of which I am immensely proud, and means so much to so many people."However, this does seem the right time for me to step back from my role as BBC cricket correspondent."This summer, my 34th in the post, will be my last. In a quickly changing cricket landscape it is time for fresh legs to cover the daily duties, leaving me to focus entirely on TMS."Agnew's announcement comes as BBC Sport launches its cricket coverage for the 2024 season, which begins on Friday.Coverage includes:
- Nearly 500 matches broadcast live across BBC Sport.
- All international men's and women's games covered live, featuring matches against Australia, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand - with digital clips for all matches available online.
- Every moment of every County match covered live on the BBC Sport website and app.
- 15 live TV games from the Hundred, all available on BBC Radio.
- The Tailenders Podcast, with England bowler James Anderson, exclusively on BBC Sounds.
Philip Bernie, Interim Director of BBC Sport, said: "After the thrilling Ashes summer last year, we have another feast of cricket to look forward to across the BBC, and our expert teams will once more deliver comprehensive coverage in style."We are so very pleased that Jonathan Agnew will continue to lead our outstanding TMS team. His brilliant commentary and presentation of this iconic programme are so central to its enduring success, and we look forward to Aggers continuing to make our cricket coverage special in the coming years."
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