As BBC Cricket Correspondent and flagship presenter of the institution that is Test Match Special, it is easy to forget that Jonathan Agnew also used to play cricket. When I had the chance to witness the ex England and Leicestershire bowler at work in the commentary box, I took the opportunity to ask him a few questions about the great game.
Who is your favourite companion on the air?
I really enjoy being on the air with Victor (Marks), as we are old friends.
TMS always sounds so relaxed. Does it feel like a job?
It's work like any other job. It's long days, and I do get tired, particularly towards the end of back to back Test matches. But it's important no matter how tired you are not to let it be apparent on air; people don't want to hear negative. I get frustrated when people say that anyone can do it. It's harder than it appears, keeping it up all day and being knowledgeable. I have to watch every ball, even when I am not on air. Working abroad on the England tours keeps it fresh for me; working for other stations such as ABC and NZ radio. It's a nice change, and I can ham up the Brit aboard persona.
Do you enjoy your Saturday lunchtime interviews for A View From The Boundary?
I love doing interviews, it's much more challenging than the commentary. I'd love to present Desert Island Discs! Ian Lavender was an easy one, I know Dad's Army well and he is knowledgeable on cricket. Others have been harder, when I don't know who they are. Then Adam (Mountford - TMS producer) will do some research for me and give me the lowdown on them.
I've had lots of favourite interviews, but Elton John was a particular highlight. I grew up with his music and I had to go and interview him where he was playing in a concert, so I sat on his piano stool to do the interview! That was special. Lily was a great challenge. I'd never met her before, but it was really good. The one interview I would love to do, the one that has always got away, is Errol Brown. Hopefully it will happen one day!
Do you talk about cricket away from match days?
I never watch or talk about cricket outside of work. In fact, there is a no cricket talk rule in my local pub. It's a job; everyone else has two days off a week, why shouldn't I?
What do you do to relax then?
To escape I fly the plane that I have a share in, I have my pilot's license. As a former player we have a different attitude to the game, we see it in a different way, it's a job.
Do you think there is too much cricket?
We see so much 50 over cricket. There is too much. There should be three games as a warm up to a Test series.
What do you think about the recent rotation of England players?
I don't like rotation. You should deserve each cap you get. It's not (Andy) Flower's fault, there's too much cricket. If you can't guarantee the paying public the best team for every game then that indicates that there is too much cricket. Test cricket should be about playing for your country, being the best, not for trying people out. It is already a hard sell to the public to sell out games, this is only making it harder. It's like night Test cricket, you can't do it. Test Cricket is sacrosanct; we shouldn't do anything that affects how special it is. We are lucky in this country to have sell out crowds, we must protect that.
What do you think about Kevin Pietersen's retirement?
I don't blame him; as I said, there is far too much 50 over cricket. It's fun for spectators but not for the players and not for us as commentators. KP behaves like he bats; impetuously. He and the management obviously have an edgy relationship; it is not a rosy. But Andy Flower has worked hard at it, so something must have happened, there must have been some sort of breakdown.
What are your predictions for the South Africa series?
I think England will win the series. They are used to winning. It'll be their biggest challenge for a while, South Africa have a good attack. But I'd be disappointed if England don't win. Three Test matches is a poor reflection of the quality of the cricket that will be played. In a three Test series if you lose the first Test it's very hard to get the series back.
So you think Strauss can lead the team to victory?
Yes. I'm glad he has got some runs, it ends all this witch-hunt nonsense. Had he not been captain I am sure he would have been dropped, but batsmen are harder to dislodge in a team than bowlers. It's good to have continuity in a team but its also important that players know that a place is not theirs regardless, and its good to have young keen players coming in. I remember when I was playing it was different; one bad game and you're gone. But on the flip side of that, it was a good motivator. If you were playing county cricket and there was an England game coming up, it motivated you to play well to be in contention for selection.
How long will you carry on with TMS?
I have been doing it since 1991, and I will continue as long as I still feel challenged. I enjoyed recently covering the jubilee and the royal wedding last year, those things really took me out of my comfort zone.