IT MIGHT not be the catchphrase he would have chosen for himself, but 'failing to get his leg over' is the one Jonathan Agnew will always be associated with.

That was how the anchorman of BBC Test Match Special memorably described Ian Botham's dismissal live on air against the West Indies at the Oval in 1991.

England's greatest all-rounder lost his balance and stepped back on to his stumps and Agnew's reading of the situation was to be the catalyst for one of the funniest moments in broadcasting history.

Sat next to him in the commentary box was the late, great Brian Johnston who initially let out the faintest of sniggers.

It soon turned into uncontrollable laughter and for the next five minutes, Radio 4 long wave listeners were treated to the sound of two grown men giggling and weeping like naughty schoolboys.

"It's what everybody remembers", said Agnew. "People stop me all the time and tell me how much they enjoyed it.

"It was just one of those unplanned, spontaneous moments and I suppose it proved that we are all fallible - even a legend like Johnners."

And more Aggers-inspired laughter is set to ring out from the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil next week when the ex-Leicestershire and England fast bowler takes to the stage for Sticky Wicket.

The show offers the unique opportunity to share an evening with the voice of Test Match Special and guests, including former England captain Mike Gatting, off-spinner Geoff Miller and commentator Ralph Dellor.

"I'm looking forward to it immensely", said Agnew. "I've not been out on the road before so it's going to be a new experience for me.

"I'm always amazed by the cross- section of people who listen to Test Match Special and hopefully that will be reflected in the audiences.

"The diversity is something I like. One minute I can be reading out an e-mail on air from a 16-year-old girl studying her A-levels, the next I can be deep in conversation with a gruff Yorkshire pensioner who is reminding us all that cricket ain't what it used to be.

"The evening offers a little bit of something for everyone. There will stories, jokes and antidotes which is always good fun and we'll also be touching on some of the more serious cricketing issues.

"But the section I'm most looking forward to is where we invite questions from the audience. It's that sort of interaction I love.

"I'm told there will be a fair few people coming over from Dorset and I'll certainly be interested to hear their opinions and observations."

Having been on both sides of the microphone, Agnew admits that talking about the game is sometimes harder than playing it.

"The two disciplines are very different", he explained, "but being a cricket journalist is perhaps a touch more demanding. But it's a job that I love immensely and I feel very privileged to be in my position.

"Test Match Special is one of Britain's real treasures and it's wonderful to be part of such an amazing and much loved institution."

As an ex-player, Agnew has been well placed when it comes to dressing room gossip although he admits that times are changing fast.

He said: "Being a former player definitely gave me an advantage because I knew all the players well and the trust was there. But when Nasser Hussain retired from international cricket that was the last of the guys I played with for England.

"But the new generation are a tremendous bunch and it's great to see England doing so well.

"Players like Andy Flintoff, Steve Harmison and Michael Vaughan are really nice guys. Talented, co-operative and deserving of their success."

Having reported on the highs and lows of English cricket for more than 13 years, Agnew is well placed to assess his country's chances when they come face to face with the Aussies next summer.

And he thinks Vaughan's rising stars are more than capable of wrestling the Ashes urn from Ricky Ponting's men.

"There's a real buzz about England at the moment and so there should be after Test series wins over the West Indies home and away and New Zealand at home", he added.

"The big test will obviously be the Australians but there's no reason why we can't beat them. We've proved we can bat and proved we can bowl. It might come down to things like holding our catches and if we can do that then the Ashes could be ours."

A brilliant cricketer and even better commentator, Agnew is sure to prove just as compelling under the theatre lights.

"I hope so", he added. "My one rule is to stand up for what I believe in when giving my opinions on cricket.

"Whether it's on the pitch, in the commentry box, in newspaper print or in the theatre, I'll always tell it the way I see it and I think that's important."

Sticky Wicket - The Stars of Test Match Special Live comes to the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil on Wednesday September 29, 7.30pm. Tickets at £14.50 are available from the box office on 01935 422884.