Stumped: Recent Episodes
BBC World Service
Smriti Mandhana joins Stumped to discuss India's strong dressing room culture and the supportive environment that has helped shape the team's success. The elegant left-hander also reflects on winning the 2025 Cricket World Cup and on playing in the historic Test match at Lord’s and in The Hundred. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma reflect on her remarkable impact and discuss what India must do to consistently challenge the world's best sides. The team also debates whether Joe Root is the right person to captain England after Ben Stokes revealed concerns about the toll the role could take on him, while insisting he wishes Root nothing but success. Plus, Charu has some advice for Babar Azam following Pakistan’s 1-1 series draw with West Indies. He wants the Pakistan skipper to relax and enjoy his leadership ahead of facing England later this month. Photo: Smriti Mandhana of Manchester Super Giants Women bats during The Hundred match between Manchester Super Giants Women and Welsh Fire Women at Emirates Old Trafford on August 05, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Joe Prior/Getty Images)
Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma react to the news that England have appointed Stephen Fleming as their new Test coach with Joe Root returning as skipper. Charu feels he could be a calming influence, while Jim believes it doesn’t matter that England have appointed another coach from overseas. It’s the first time Fleming has taken charge of a red ball team after having success in franchise cricket, winning IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings.
England legend and World Cup winner, Heather Knight, tells Stumped about her new role with London Spirit and says she intends to continue playing franchise cricket.
Plus, could we see cricket at the Commonwealth Games in 2030? It’s under consideration to be included and Jim and Charu have differing views on the impact it could make
Photo: Texas Super Kings Head Coach Stephen Fleming is seen prior to the Major League Cricket match between Texas Super Kings and Washington Freedom on Wednesday July 02, 2025 at Central Broward Regional Park, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Credit: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
West Indies fast bowling legend Ian Bishop tells Stumped that Sir Garfield Sobers transcended the game and stands alongside sporting icons like Pele, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. Sir Gary died at the age of 89 and was regarded as one of the sport’s greatest ever players. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss his legacy and share their memories of meeting him.
Plus - would you like to see a one-off Test match between England and Australia in India? Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg says the two oldest rivals in the sport could possibly play each other in the sub-continent. The Stumped team share their thoughts on the idea.
Photo:Former West Indies cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers during net practice at Kensington Oval on January 19, 2019 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Premier League winner Christian Fuchs tells Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma about his new love for cricket, hitting sixes into the river Derwent and sledging. The former Leicester City and Austria defender has signed up for his village team Grindleford CC in Derbyshire and is enjoying the switch to a new sport.
Is the "Bazball" era coming to an end as Brendon McCullum is sacked as England men’s Test coach? He's apologised for results under his leadership but will remain in charge of the white ball sides till the end of next year's 50-over World Cup. The trio discuss the potential contenders to take over the role.
And some good news for Afghanistan women's refugee cricketers who have had their funding extended by the ICC. It’s hoped the support will help the team towards development for ICC qualification events by 2030. Clare Connor, the Managing Director of England Women, tells Stumped what this means for the team.
Photo:Christian Fuchs of Leicester City kisses the Premier League Trophy as players and staffs celebrate the season champions after the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on May 7, 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has set another record by becoming the youngest ever player to play for India. He was just 15 years and 99 days old when he took to the field in India's second T20 of their ongoing series against England, breaking the long held record of Sachin Tendulkar, who made his debut in a Test against Pakistan aged 16 years and 205 days in 1989. Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Brett Sprigg discuss whether he’s living up to the hype.
Australia won their record extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup, beating England at Lord’s by 7 wickets. The tournament was the biggest to date with 12 teams competing. The trio reflect on the competition and ask what makes the Aussies so good?
Plus, history is being made at Lord’s as it hosts its first every Women’s Test match between England and India. Fast bowler Lauren Filer tells us what the occasion means for the women’s game.
Photo: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of India during the 2nd Vitality IT20 match between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford on July 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Credit: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss what’s next for England’s Test team following Ben Stokes shock retirement. Who will take the armband, how will Stokes international career be remembered and is it the end for ‘Bazball’?
Making it as a professional in one sport is impressive enough but to do it in two is pretty special! That's exactly what 2019 World Cup winner Liam Plunkett has done after he made his pro debut in Baseball for the Oakland Ballers. Known for his fast bowling, Liam tells Stumped about his curve ball a strike out in his first game!
Plus, we hear from former Ireland captain Alan Lewis about a historic weekend for Irish cricket as the men beat India 2-0 for the first time in a T20 series and the women, led by Alan’s daughter Gaby, registered their first ever Women’s T20 World Cup victory.
Photo: Ben Stokes, captain of England, leaves the field at the tea interval, having announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the current Test Match during day four of the 3rd Rothesay Test Match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge on June 28, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
India legend Ravichandran Ashwin tells Stumped about his life in the US playing franchise cricket for the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket. He discusses his coaching ambitions, whether the 50-over game has a future, and endorses the idea of cricket having a Champions League style tournament. He also says teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is “special” and believes he should enjoy his cricket.
Nikesh Rughani, Charu Sharma and Brett Sprigg are also joined by Tooba Sarwari, from the Afghan Women’s refugee cricket team who are currently touring England. She tells us what it was like meeting King Charles, how playing cricket has saved her life and about her hopes for the future.
Photo: India's Ravichandran Ashwin waves to the crowd during the first day of the first Test cricket match between India and Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 19, 2024. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Bangladesh created history by securing their first-ever ODI series victory over Australia, winning the recent three-match contest 2-1. The reigning world champions found themselves on the wrong side of the record books and have now lost four of their last five ODI series. Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta discuss if Australia can fix their problems ahead next year’s Cricket World Cup.
The influence of the new ownership groups in the Hundred is already being felt, with team rebrands as the competition heads into its sixth season. We hear from MI London's’ Nathan Sowter, who has become a short-format specialist, about how the tournament is evolving and what fans can expect this year.
Plus, It was a memorable weekend in the England’s Dorset League as former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara turned out for his local club and smashed a match winning 168 from just 117 balls. We speak to one of his teammates, who tells Stumped he was “coaching” the legendary left-hander through the innings.
Photo: Bangladesh's players celebrate after the dismissal of Australia's Marnus Labuschagne during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Bangladesh and Australia at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss what’s next for Ben Stokes and England?
Joe Root has replaced Ben Stokes as interim captain for the second Test against New Zealand after Stokes and Gus Atkinson were both dropped following an incident in a London nightclub. The team discuss if curfews work, the return of Root as captain and what the future could hold for Stokes?
The biggest ever Women's T20 World Cup is here and we’re joined by Cricket broadcaster Annesha Ghosh to discuss if India could win the tournament for the first time?
Plus, Dr Raf Nicholson joins us to discuss her new book, The Women in Whites, which takes a closer look at the origins of the women's game in England, from the 18th century through to the present day.
Photo: Ben Stokes of England looks on after the First Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground (Credit: Philip Brown/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are building an IPL dynasty after securing back-to-back titles.
The president of France Cricket, Prebou Balane, joins us after 31 men and women connected with the development of the women’s game in France wrote an Open Letter calling for change.
Plus, South Africa's Tazmin Brits reveals her Olympic dream ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup.
Photo: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League (Credit: Reuters)
The Afghanistan Women’s Refugee team are heading to England for a development tour during the Women’s World Cup. The England and Wales cricket board Deputy CEO and Managing Director of England Women, Clare Connor, tells Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma how the tour came about and discusses future funding of the team.
With the start of the T20 World Cup just days away, the team hear more about the preparation of the host country, England. Captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, who’s been recovering from a calf injury in the build-up to the tournament, joins the show.
Plus, have Surrey County Cricket Club found the perfect way to banish those summer workday blues? With the club pondering whether The Oval was the "best home office in the country", the team discuss which cricket ground could be the best home office away from home.
Photo: Afghanistan Women's XI players huddle before the cricket match between Afghanistan Women's XI and Cricket Without Borders XI at Junction Oval in Melbourne on January 30, 2025. Hundreds of women athletes fled Afghanistan as the Taliban took over in August 2021, escaping a hardline stance that essentially banned women's sport and education. Most of the national women's cricket side settled as refugees in Australia, where they reunited for the first time to play a charity match in Melbourne. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Has Virat Kohli earned the right to decide when he calls time on his international career? Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether the 37-year-old needs to prove his worth to India’s selectors ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Kohli recently suggested he may not play if he needs to prove himself.
The Women’s T20 World Cup is just around the corner and will be bathed in orange, as the Netherlands make their tournament debut. Dutch captain Babette de Leede joins the show and explains how far the side have come since she made her international debut as a 14-year-old.
Plus, we discuss the rise of the Tigers, as Bangladesh created history by sweeping Pakistan in consecutive Test series’.
Photo: India's Virat Kohli reacts as he runs between the wickets during the third one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on January 18, 2026. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
On Stumped this week with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma we discuss if IPL investment could be coming to the Big Bash League? It’s an issue that has divided cricket in Australia, but Charu feels Indian investors may not jump at the chance of buying a stake in a franchise.
What’s the point of one-off Test matches? We debate the pros and cons of short series after former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews blasted the potential idea of one-off Tests in the next series of the World Test Championship.
And we hear from Brazil pacer Laura Cardoso, who stunned the cricket world with record-breaking T20 international figures of 9 for 4, the best ever in the format. Remarkably, Cardoso says she had no idea she’d made history.
Photo: The Scorchers celebrate with the trophy after victory in the Men's Big Bash League Final match between the Perth Scorchers and the Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium on February 04, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Credit: Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
New Zealand’s Suzie Bates will retire from international cricket after this summer’s Women's T20 World Cup. It marks the end of an illustrious 20-year career and many records to be proud of. Suzie tells the podcast it was a difficult decision but feels it’s the right time and believes the future is bright for the White Ferns with the next generation of players. Plus, Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets to win the 2026 PSL final in Lahore. Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie starred with bat and ball to register the franchise’s second title in nine years. Cricket broadcaster Zainab Abbas joins Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma to reflect on the tournament in the impact of Babar Azam. Photo: Suzie Bates of New Zealand reacts after the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final 2024 match between South Africa and New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
The Women’s T20 World Cup starts in June and England have included uncapped 18-year-old left arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman in their squad. The teenager impressed in the recent intra-squad matches in South Africa. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss her selection ahead of the tournament.
Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive Venky Mysore says the new Olympic stadium in LA has the potential to host IPL exhibition matches. The venue, in the southern Californian city of Pomona, will become the home of the new franchise Los Angeles Knight Riders and will also host Major League Cricket matches.
And we hear from award winning photographer Gareth Copley- Jones about his new book ‘A Picture of England’ where he’s followed the England men’s cricket team through his lens.
Photo: Tilly Corteen-Coleman of Surrey poses for a portrait during the Surrey CCC photocall at The Kia Oval on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
Just weeks after they were brought in, the new rules allowing replacement players in England's County Championship could be changed at the end of the first block of fixtures. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss how using substitutes in Australian, Indian and English domestic cricket is working and debate the merits of introducing them to international cricket.
The team also reflect on Smriti Mandhana becoming India's highest run scorer in International T20s.
Plus. we find out more about how the ICC is developing cricket across Europe. Esther de Lange, ICC European Development Officer, joins the team along with Scotland's Nayma Sheikh, who played in the recent ICC Europe XI v MCC at Lord’s.
Photo: Jonny Bairstow of Yorkshire receives medical attention during Day Four of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match between Somerset and Yorkshire at The Cooper Associates County Ground on September 11, 2025 in Taunton, England (Credit: Getty Images)
Praful Hinge made history on his debut by taking three wickets in his very first over. The seamers’ haul included dismissing teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi for a first-ball duck. Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta examine his impact in the league.
It's a tradition dating back over 150 years: the latest edition of the little yellow book, the 2026 Wisden Almanack is out. Editor Lawrence Booth joins the team to discuss the five cricketers of the year.
And with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup less than two months away, Australian selector Shawn Flegler admits Sophie Molineux's captaincy may need to be reconsidered if her injury problems continue.
Photo: Sunrisers Hyderabad's Praful Hinge celebrates the wicket of Rajasthan Royals' Dhruv Jurel with teammates (Credit: REUTERS/Stringer)
Essex and South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder talks about his life in the County Championship and shares his thoughts on the impact player rule in the Indian Premier League. Nikesh Rughani, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell also ask him about his famous 367 declaration to protect Brian Lara's 400 runs Test record.
There's discussion on pace bowling as Bhuvneshwar Kumar made IPL history by becoming the first fast bowler to take 200 wickets in the competition and James Anderson reached a rare feat in the opening game of the County Championship. He got James Sales out in the opening game of the season, only 21 years ago, he also dismissed his father, David Sales. What's the secret to the pacer's longevity?
And the team explores the relationship between cricket and poetry as they find out about the new book, Catching the Light – A New Anthology of Cricket Poetry, which is out this month.
Photo: Wiaan Mulder of South Africa celebrates taking the wicket of Travis Head of Australia during day two of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 12, 2025 in London, England. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, continues to make a name for himself after hitting a 15-ball half century against the Chennai Super Kings - the third 50-plus score of his short IPL career so far. Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Sunil Gupta discuss the impact he's had in a short amount of time.
While the IPL is ongoing, so is the PSL in neighbouring Pakistan. Australia's Adam Zampa opted out of the IPL and to play in PSL this season. The team examine whether others could follow the spinners lead.
Plus, we head to the land of the rising sun, as the Japan Super League is growing in popularity. We hear from Alan Curr who is Chief Operating Officer for the Japan Cricket Association about the growth of the game in a nation better known for Sumo, cherry blossom and motorsport.
Photo: Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Suryavanshi warms up before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket match between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 1, 2025. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
The IPL returns for its 19th edition and Royal Challengers Bengaluru start as the defending champions for the first time in their history.
Former IPL player and now commentator Abhinav Mukund joins Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma to discuss the big IPL talking points ahead of the start of the season.
Can RCB win back-to-back titles and should teams expect “a scary version” of Virat Kohli now he goes in as a T20 specialist?
Will this be MS Dhoni’s last dance in the IPL? Mukund gives his view as his former team-mate and how he expects Chennai Super Kings to utilise both Dhoni and new signing Sanju Samson.
There’s also talk around Cameron Green and whether being the most expensive overseas player in IPL history will add extra pressure on the Australian? Plus, what to expect from teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi and has Ben Duckett made the right decision to focus on England over the IPL?
The Stumped team also reflect on the news England coach Brendon McCullum, Test captain Ben Stokes and director of cricket Rob Key are all remaining in their posts, despite the 4-1 Ashes series defeat. Is it the right decision and how can England “evolve”?
Image: Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifts the IPL trophy following the trophy presentation in the 2025 IPL Final match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium on June 03, 2025, in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
Gary Kirsten has been officially appointed head coach of Sri Lanka's men's national side. He aims to build a winning culture in the build up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kirsten famously led India to the 2011 World Cup title and also helped South Africa reach the top of the Test rankings. Kirsten reflects on his short spell coaching Pakistan, gives us his thoughts on whether India can dominate red ball cricket and explains to Alison Mitchell how he previously came close to becoming England head coach.
Plus, Alison, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma all discuss a new chapter for Australia's women's team as life after Alyssa Healy begins with their tour to the Caribbean to face West Indies.
Photo Credit: Dallas, Texas - JUNE 05: Head coach Gary Kirsten of Pakistan looks on during a net session as part of the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium on June 05, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matt Roberts-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Sunil Gupta; after India's men's side banished the ghosts of 2023 and defended their T20 World Cup title on home soil, we look back at a one-sided final and ask whether anyone can match them in white ball cricket?
Plus, we hear from Afghanistan cricketer Tooba Khan Sarwari on how life has been over the last 12 months - including that visit to the Women's World Cup in India - and her hopes for the future.
Photo: Suryakumar Yadav Captain of India along with the teammates lifts the trophy after winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 Final between India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Ahmedabad, India. (Credit: MB Media/Getty Images)
The list of players for the Hundred auction, the England and Wales' franchise cricket competition has been confirmed. It features 16 players from Pakistan, 14 men and two women. We hear from Dr Gregory Ioanndis, professor of sports law at Sheffield Hallam University.
Alison Mitchell, Aaron Bryans and Charu Sharma all react to New Zealand's stunning performance against South Africa to progress to the T20 World Cup final and we ask what would it mean for the Black Caps if they were to be crowned champions.
Plus, the former England fast bowler Saj Mahmood tells us about his new platform in the UK which is aiming to make the game more affordable to youngsters.
Photo Credit: Pakistan's Haris Rauf celebrates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis during the second one-day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on November 14, 2025. (Photo by Farooq Naeem/AFP via Getty Images)
Australia great Alyssa Healy is playing in her final series before retirement as the blockbuster multi format series between Australia and India continues. One player who is tipped to follow in her footsteps is Australia's Georgia Voll, not only did the 22 year old guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Women's Premier League title but she also made her highest T20 international score of 88 in the second T20 against India. Georgia joins us on the programme.
Plus, as the men's T20 World Cup enters the super eight's phase, we discuss South Africa’s statement win over co-hosts and defending champions India and we ask, if that victory could boost The Proteas credentials as one of the title contenders.
Photo Credit: Georgia Voll of Australia bats during game two of the Women's T20 International series between Australia and India at Manuka Oval on February 19, 2026 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images).
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Shara, we assess the opening stages of the T20 World Cup, as the competition heads towards the Super 8's stage. The team discuss the aftermath of the on-off-on India Pakistan game and whether former England captain Michael Atherton’s assessment that the game is now ‘a miserable spectacle’ is a fair comment, plus we discuss the biggest shocks and celebrate the successes of the 'smaller' nations competing.
With the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in full swing, could cricket join the party? The Tallinn Hippos have defended their 'cricket on ice trophy' title in Switzerland's St Mortiz. We speak with their captain Stuart Hook about playing the game on the most unlikely of surfaces, and the cricket scene in Estonia.
Plus, could the Big Bash be heading to India? The team discuss the possibility of the competition's opening match heading to the sub-continent.
Photo: Players walk out during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 match between India and Pakistan at R. Premadasa Stadium on February 15, 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta all build up to the biggest and most lucrative match in cricket. Pakistan against India at the T20 World Cup will go ahead after the Pakistan government ended its order for a boycott.
We'll also reflect on one of the most memorable matches in T20 World Cup history. South Africa edged past Afghanistan after not one but two dramatic super overs in Ahmedabad. South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj joins us on the programme to talk us through the drama which saw Keshav take two wickets in the super over.
We also hear from bowler Sayali Satghare who went unsold at the Women’s Premier League auction but ended up winning the WPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Picture: India v Pakistan - Asia Cup Final
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - September 28: Tilak Varma of India bats during the Asia Cup Final match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images).
With the T20 World Cup starting on Saturday 7th February, Pakistan will take part but have refused to play against tournament co-hosts India. We hear from Pakistan cricket journalist Shahid Hashmi on what this means for the global game.
And 2025 was a record breaking year for New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy who received his maiden senior World Cup call up and was selected for the upcoming Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jacob joins us on the programme.
Image - LAHORE, PAKISTAN - JANUARY 31: Players of Pakistan celebrates wicket of Cooper Connolly of Australia during the T20 International match between Pakistan and Australia at Gaddafi Stadium on January 31, 2026 in Lahore, Pakistan. (Photo by Sameer Ali/Getty Images).
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta are joined by Bangladesh cricket journalist Tawhid Qureshi who reflects on The Tigers decision to withdraw from the tournament after the ICC rejected a request to move their games from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka. Bangladesh had cited safety concerns amid growing tensions between the countries. The ICC refused, saying there was an "absence of any credible security threat".
Scotland have replaced Bangladesh so we hear about their preparations from Cricket Scotland CEO Trudy Lindblade.
A baggy green cap worn by Don Bradman has been sold for 460,000 Australian dollars. It is the highest price for a cap worn by Bradman. So the team discuss if they have any cricket memorabilia.
Photo: Players of Bangladesh cut dejected figures following the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 match between South Africa and Bangladesh at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on June 10, 2024 in New York, New York. (Credit: Getty Images)
A new European T20 League has been launched which will be owned by some of the sport's biggest stars. Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma are joined by one of the owners, former Australia captain Steve Waugh who tells us why he has decided to get involved in franchise cricket. Plus, the co-founder of the league, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan says he hopes it will become 'the largest T20 league in the world".
The men’s T20 World Cup begins on the 7th of February in Sri Lanka and India with the build up being marred by political tensions and injuries. We assess how the tournament is shaping up and debate if India could defend their title with a very different squad to 2024.
Photo: Steve Smith of Australia and Steve Waugh, Former Australian Test Captain and current Australian Team Mentor, pose at stumps after Smith scored his second century for the test during day four of the 1st Specsavers Ashes Test between England and Australia at Edgbaston on August 04, 2019 in Birmingham, England. Steve Smith is the first Australian to score two centuries in the same test in England since Steve Waugh in 1997. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta reflect on the career of Australia great Alyssa Healy after she announced that she will retire from all formats of the game in March. We are joined by her former teammate and fellow World Cup winner Elyse Villani who shares what she believes Healy’s legacy is and her captaincy style. Villani also tells us how she transitioned from player to commentator and why she made her decision to retire from playing in the Women's Big Bash League.
The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League is underway, and we have already seen a hattrick and final ball thrillers. We discuss the tournament so far and go behind the scenes with Mumbai Indians player Milly Illingworth.
Plus, we celebrate another milestone for India's Virat Kohli and Jim tells us his thoughts on the 150th anniversary Test, which will be a pink ball Test at the MCG.
Photo: Alyssa Healy and Elyse Villani of Australia celebrate winning game two of the Women's International Twenty20 series between Australia and New Zealand at Allan Border Field on October 1, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden for our post-Ashes debrief. He tells us if Travis Head should continue opening for Australia, why Steve Smith is so prolific in the Ashes and if he can see England captain Ben Stokes return to Australia in four years' time.
Plus, the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League begins on the 9th January, so we assess how the five teams are shaping up, the impact of the tournament on cricket in India and if Mumbai Indians can win a third title in four years with their new coach Lisa Keightley.
Photo: Australian players celebrate with the Ashes Waterford Crystal trophy after winning the Ashes series 4-1 during day five of the Fifth Test in the 2025/26 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 08, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Back in September we spoke to 18-year-old Tommy Lamb who was travelling from England to Australia to watch the Ashes without using an aeroplane. He has made it and witnessed the bonkers boxing day Test in Melbourne. He gives us his thoughts on if the 125-day journey was worth it to see a two-day Test match.
Australia are 3-1 up in the Ashes, but the final Test in Sydney could be pivotal for both sides in terms of looking to the future. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma assess what could be the key battles and how significant the final match will be for both sides. And the Stumped team make their New Years resolutions and tell us what aspects of cricket they would like to change.
Photo: 18 year old Tommy Lamb travelling from England to Australia. Credit: Tommy Lamb
We look back at the best of Stumped in 2025 which gives you a chance to listen to some of the standout moments from the last twelve months, including our trip to India. We hear from former India captain Anjum Chopra on what it meant to her to witness history being made, when India women won their first ever Cricket World Cup. Plus when Alison Mitchell was in Guwahati, she spoke to the Secretary of the BCCI, Devajit Saikia, who told her how the Women's Premier League has been integral in growing women's cricket in the country.
Back in July, cricket was somewhat divided after South Africa's Wiaan Mulder remarkably passed up the opportunity to break Brian Lara's record for the highest individual score in a Test innings. Mulder, captaining South Africa for the first time, was 367 not out at lunch on the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo when he declared in their first innings. Mulder was just 33 runs short of Lara’s record 400 that he scored for West Indies against England in Antigua in 2004. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma debate if Mulder made the correct decision.
Former India International Cheteshwar Pujara and his wife Puja Pabari joined the Stumped podcast to share how they navigate life in the public eye. They have written a book and told us how the process came about and reveal what Cheteshwar is like behind closed doors.
And we hear from Tommy Lamb who has been travelling from England to Australia for the Ashes without using a plane.
Photo: Harmanpreet Kaur of India celebrates after taking the catch to dismiss Nadine De Klerk of South Africa and lead the teams out her team to victory in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup India 2025 Final match between India and South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on November 02, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Millions of dollars have been spent as the IPL 2026 mini auction was completed. It was the uncapped Indian players who stole the spotlight with franchises spending large amounts of money on raw potential, so the team debate raw talent versus experience and why all-rounders are so sought after. This comes after Australian Cameron Green has become the most expensive overseas player in the history of the IPL after Kolkata Knight Riders bought the all-rounder for approximately US$2.8 million.
The Women’s Big Bash has a new name on the trophy. Hobart Hurricanes are the champions, so we looked back at the tournament as a whole with the ABC’s Brett Sprigg.
And with the controversy surrounding Snicko in the Ashes, the team debate whether technology still has a place in modern cricket.
Photo: Cameron Green gestures during an IPL match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on April 6, 2024. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
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It is all about the Ashes as Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma assess where it went wrong for England in the second Test match at Brisbane and ask how that performance will impact Adelaide and the rest of the series.
We are joined by three-time Ashes winner and former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior. He reacts to Brendon McCullum’s comments that England were ‘overprepared’, tells us how the Ashes winning team he was involved in back in 2010/11 prepared and compares the wicketkeeping of Jamie Smith and Alex Carey. He also tells us what the England team will miss the most about Mark Wood after he has been ruled out of the series after a reoccurrence of his knee injury. Plus, we ask what is the best/quirkiest cricket T-shirt?
Photo: Matt Prior of England poses with a flag after winning the Ashes series during day five of the Fifth Ashes Test match between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 7, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
With the ongoing day-night Test match between Australia and England, Nikesh Rughani, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma debate the success of the format and ask if it could be seen as a gimmick if more countries don't start playing them?
We hear from Aaron Briggs, who is a data analyst for the ECB and did a PHD on the aerodynamics of swing bowling at Cambridge. He tells us what makes the pink balls so different.
With the five Women's Premier League teams locked in for the new season, we look at the major signings and snubs at the mega auction and hear the story of Mumbai Indians new signing Millie Illingworth.
Plus, with the India and South Africa ODI series level on 1-1, we discuss if Virat Kohli is back to his best after hitting two back to back centuries.
Photo: Ollie Pope of England is bowled by Mitchell Starc of Australia during day one of the Second 2025/26 Ashes Series Test Match between Australia and England at The Gabba on December 04, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
After the first two-day Ashes Test match since 1921 and an Australian victory to leave the hosts 1-0 up in the series, Alison Mitchell, Corbin Middlemas and Charu Sharma are joined by former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie. He shares where he thinks it went wrong for England, if they should be playing against the President’s XI, if Travis Head should be the new permanent opener for Australia and the proficiency of the hosts in pink ball Tests.
Plus, South Africa beat India by 408 runs to win their two match Test series away from home 2-0. It is India’s heaviest loss and Temba Bavuma’s eleventh win out of twelve as captain of the Proteas. Charu Sharma assesses the mood in India and tells us where the future lies for head coach Gautam Gambhir.
And India have now won their second cricket World Cup in the space of a month. India cricket journalist Annesha Ghosh tells us more about the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup and how the victory can change the perception of disability sport in the country.
Photo: Travis Head of Australia raises his bat after scoring 100 runs during day two of the First 2025/26 Ashes Series Test Match between Australia and England at Perth Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)Photo:
We celebrate South Africa’s first Test win in India for 15 years, and Charu Sharma tells us what India will look to do differently to ensure they do not lose the two-Test series.
The Ashes is upon us, so Nikesh Rughani and Jim Maxwell discuss how pivotal the first ball of the series can be. We hear from former Australia opener Justin Langer and from England psychologist Gilbert Enoka on its significance.
Plus, the Indian Premier League have announced their release and retention lists for next year's tournament. The team discuss the surprises and debate which is tougher – captaining your national side or being the captain in a franchise?
Photo - South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma, Marco Jansen and Ryan Rickelton celebrate their team's win at the end of the first Test cricket match between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16, 2025. (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)
With just one week to go until the Ashes in Australia begins, we hear from England captain Ben Stokes and debate how both teams are shaping up and which team has got their preparation ‘correct’ after all the criticism.
Plus, three-time Ashes winner Steven Finn joins Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma to talk about his new book, what this current team can learn from their predecessors and the constant pressure surrounding fast bowlers.
And with the format announced for cricket at the Olympics in 2028, we look at the significance of cricket at the Games.
Photo: Steven Finn and Graeme Swann of England pose with the Ashes Urn during day five of the Fifth Ashes Test match between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 7, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are celebrating India women’s first ever World Cup victory! Former India women’s captain Anjum Chopra tells us how she felt at the winning moment, what it was like to be in the commentary box and what it means to all the former players who have paved the way.
We also hear from Radha Gupta who is a member of the Bucket Hat Cult who are a loud and proud supporters’ group of India women’s cricket. She says being at the DY Patil stadium in Mumbai and witnessing the win was the ‘top moment of her life’. Plus she tells us what she hopes the win can do for women’s cricket in India.
And the team look at where it went wrong for South Africa in the final.
Photo: Harmanpreet Kaur of India lifts the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup trophy after her team's victory in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup India 2025 Final match between India and South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on November 02, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by New Zealand captain Sophie Devine who has just retired from ODI’s following the White Ferns exit from the Women’s World Cup. She looks back on her career, tells us about her experience of this World Cup and what is next for her.
India have made it to the semi-finals of a home World Cup, so we ask if their success is down to the Women’s Premier League and hear from Gujarat player Sayali Satghare on how the WPL helped her earn her maiden cap for India.
Plus with the Ashes around the corner we hear from Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris on the fitness of Pat Cummins and the other bowling options in the Aussie team.
Photo: Sophie Devine, Captain of New Zealand pictured ahead of the coin toss ahead of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup India 2025 match between England and New Zealand at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Visakhapatnam, India. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped, with Alison Mitchell, Matt Clinch and Charu Sharma, we take a closer look at how climate change affects cricket. England batter Maia Bouchier tells us about the physical and mental effects of extreme heat; that's after she contributed to a recent report which warns that players at all levels of the game across the globe are being placed at increasing risk due to playing in extreme conditions. They discuss the latest from the Women's World Cup and ask what can be done to mitigate the weather after a number of games were washed out in Sri Lanka.
We hear from UP Warriorz and India player Saima Thakor and find out how getting off the bus at the wrong stop helped catapult her into an international cricket career.
Plus, the team chat about their favourite pieces of cricket memorabilia after Lord's announced that it was making sections of the outfield available for sale ahead of ground renovations.
Photo: New Zealand's Brooke Halliday cools off herself during a drinks break in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 match between Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on October 10, 2025. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, we hear more about how India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur began her cricketing journey. Kaur was born in Moga, in the north of India and was coached by Kamaldeesh Singh Sodhi. His son Yadwinder, who also coached her, explains how his father first spotted her talent, and how she's grown into a player to step up for her team, most notably after scoring 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup.
The women's world cup is really heating up with matches going down to the wire and the pressure becoming more intense. Hosts India have gone from the highs of beating Sri Lanka and Pakistan to losing against South Africa and tournament favourites Australia. The team discuss the state of play as the group stage draws ever closer to the end.
Plus, we hear from 2017 India World Cup finalist Punam Raut, who told us that despite losing the 2017 final in England, the team were greeted like winners upon their return to India.
Photo: Indian cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur (R) and Poonam Raul take a run during the ICC Women's World Cup Twenty20 semi final match between Australia and India at the Beausjour Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia on May 13, 2010. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
With the Women's World Cup underway, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Prakash Wakankar take stock of the opening week of the tournament.
We speak to former India captain and ICC hall of famer, Diana Edulji to find how the Mumbai Cricket Association's talent hunt is helping to grow the women's game in the city. She tells us how a phone call to legend Sachin Tendulkar helped current India captain Harmanpreet Kaur secure a job in the railways.
Plus, we head to a skills camp for girls to see how the Right Pitch Foundation are helping young girls reach their full potential in the game.
Photo: Harmanpreet Kaur of India laughs during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup India 2025 match between India and Pakistan at R. Premadasa Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell is in Guwahati and Mumbai to sample the sights and sounds as the long-awaited Women's World Cup gets underway. Joining Alison are the ABC's Brett Sprigg and Akashvani's Charu Sharma.
We speak exclusively to BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia about the growth of women's cricket in India, and whether handshakes will be exchanged ahead of India's match against Pakistan in Colombo.
Plus, President of the Assam Cricket Association, Taranga Gogoi, tell us about the prestige of being asked to assume hosting duties in place of Bangalore.
Photo: Stumped presenter Alison Mitchell with India fans outside the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India. (Credit: BBC)
There are tales of two rivalries on this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma:
As England coach Brendon McCullum names his 16-man squad for the Ashes in Australia, the Stumped team discuss white ball captain Harry Brook's promotion to vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope. There's a surprise in the bowling department, as Will Jacks returns as England's second spinner after a three-year absence, plus is this England's most hostile bowling attack since 1970?
We reflect on another feisty meeting between India's men and Pakistan at the Asia Cup, and discuss the fall-out following a number of heated flashpoints which has seen both teams submit complaints to the ICC.
Plus, India are in the spotlight as our build up to the Women's World Cup concludes. Broadcaster Annesha Ghosh tells us how the excitement is growing in India ahead of the first match on 30th September.
Photo: Harry Brook of England edges as Usman Khawaja of Australia fields during Day One of the LV= Insurance Ashes 5th Test Match between England and Australia at The Kia Oval on July 27, 2023 in London, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma react to the fallout following India's seven wicket over Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
Our build-up to the ODI Women’s World Cup continues and we hear from former Pakistan captain turned commentator Urooj Mumtaz. She tells us how she thinks Pakistan will fare in the tournament, her thoughts on captain Fatima Sana and tells us if she thinks Pakistan and India should play each other.
Plus we are joined by 18-year-old Tommy Lamb who is travelling from Manchester to Australia to watch the Ashes…. without using a plane. He tells us about his journey so far and about some of the people that he has met on the way.
(Photo: India's captain Suryakumar Yadav (C) tosses the coin at the start of the Asia Cup 2025 Twenty20 international cricket match between India and Pakistan, in Dubai, 14 September, 2025. Credit: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images)
After months of uncertainty, the Asia Cup got under way this week in the United Arab Emirates, having been in doubt following cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan in May, which disrupted the IPL and the Pakistan Super League. That led to speculation whether India would play matches against Pakistan. The Stumped team look ahead to the clash and discuss the competitive balance of the competition and whether any team in the tournament can genuinely challenge India.
Our build-up to the Women’s World Cup continues and this week Sri Lanka are the focus. We hear from journalist Estelle Vasudevan, who explains what it means for the country to be back in the competition for the first time since 2017.
Plus, can you remember what you were doing at 17 years old? Croatia's Zach Vukusic became the youngest ever international cricket captain in a recent T20 series against Cyprus at just 17 years and 311 days. We discuss his history making achievement.
Photo: Captains of participating teams pose with the Asia Cup 2025 Twenty20 international cricket match trophy alongside Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi during a press conference at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on September 9, 2025. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Our Women’s World Cup countdown continues, and this week we focus on South Africa. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by all-rounder Annerie Dercksen who tells us about how she went from growing up on a farm and learning about cricket in the newspapers to being voted the ICC women’s emerging cricketer of the year 2024. She also shares what it was like having Dane Van Niekerk as part of their training camp and how the team has been inspired by the Proteas winning the World Test Championship earlier this year.
We reflect on The Hundred final and debate whether Australian Adam Zampa should have made the 34,000 kilometre round trip to bowl 20 balls for the Oval Invincibles. Plus, with rumours and ‘retirements’ surrounding both the England and Australia teams ahead of the Ashes, we look at which team is faring better.
Photo: Annerie Dercksen of South Africa celebrates with teammate Anneke Bosch after Brooke Halliday of New Zealand (obscured) is caught out during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final 2024 match between South Africa and New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Our Women’s ODI World Cup countdown continues and this week we are hearing from New Zealand Head Coach Ben Sawyer who tells us how their latest T20 World Cup win inspired a generation. He also shares the impact that captain Sophie Devine has had on the team.
Plus, we head to Guernsey whose men’s team are hosting a tri-series this weekend against Finland and Switzerland. We are joined by their Chief Operating Officer Richard Headington to hear how the sport is developing at grassroots level.
Photo: Sophie Devine of New Zealand kisses the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Trophy in front of photographers as she celebrates after defeating South Africa during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final 2024 match between South Africa and New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta discuss the race to be the second biggest franchise tournament behind the Indian Premier League.
SA20 commissioner and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith says they 'want to be the biggest league outside the IPL'. Yet with Australia's Big Bash looking for private investment and Indian owners taking majority shares in some Hundred teams, which franchise league can say it's legitimately the most appealing for the world's best cricketers?
We continue our build-up to the Women's World Cup with Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty. She tells our reporter Charlotte Swift that the team enjoys being the underdog and can build on their first 50 over World Cup appearance three years ago.
Plus, we debate squad selections and omissions for both India's men and women as they prepare for the Asia Cup and World Cup respectively.
Photo: South Africa & Australia Training - ICC World Test Championship Final 2025LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 08: Former South Africa cricketer Graeme Smith pictured ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 08, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Our build-up to the Women’s World Cup in India continues and this week we are focusing on England. We hear from Head Coach Charlotte Edwards who tells us if she thinks they can realistically win the tournament, whether their captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will bowl and the significance of spin bowler Sophie Ecclestone.
Plus, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by Kent and Oval Invincibles player Tawanda Muyeye. He came to England as a refugee and now harbours hopes to represent the country. Muyeye was granted refugee status along with some members of his family due to the human rights violations in Zimbabwe and arrived just days before his 17th birthday. Now aged 24, Muyeye has had a prolific year in 2025 in both the County Championship and the Hundred and we chat about his journey.
Photo: Charlotte Edwards, Head Coach of England pictured during a training session ahead of the 1st T20I match between England Women and India Women at Trent Bridge on June 27, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Matt Lewis - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma reflect on the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and debate their standout moments. They discuss how Shubman Gill has elevated himself in the eyes of the Indian public and celebrate the heroics of Chris Woakes.
Plus with eight weeks to go until the Women's World Cup in India, we will be hearing from a representative from each of the eight countries competing to discuss their prospects. This week it is Australia's Ashes hero, spinner Alana King!
Photo: Alana King of Trent Rockets celebrates taking the wicket of Heather Knight of London Spirit during The Hundred match between Trent Rockets Women and London Spirit Women at Trent Bridge on August 07, 2024 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Jim Maxwell discuss whether India head coach Gautam Gambhir is feeling the pressure. It's after he was seen arguing with the Oval's head groundsman, Lee Fortis, ahead of the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Out of their last 10 matches ahead of the Oval test, India have lost six and won two. We also ask what long term impact Ben Stokes' shoulder injury may have on England after he was ruled out for six to seven weeks.
We debate where Joe Root ranks among the greatest men’s batters of all time after he moved up to second on the all-time list of Test run scorers. This week’s guest, cricket writer and broadcaster, Jarrod Kimber, tells the show that Root’s ability to get off strike when under pressure is his 'super skill' and the best in modern cricket.
And we hear from former India women's captain Mithali Raj as we build up to this September's World Cup.
Image: India Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir speaks to the team ahead of Day Two of the 4th Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford on July 24, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
This episode contains references to suicide and depression. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org
On this week's Stumped, Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the decision to award England the next three World Test Championship finals. Is England the natural home for the event or should the ICC consider rotating between venues?
We hear about plans to pay tribute to legendary England batter Graham Thorpe at the 5th Test between England and India, with ‘A Day for Thorpey'. We hear from Thorpe’s wife Amanda, his daughters Kitty and Emma and we’re joined by Hayley Jarvis from the mental health charity, Mind.
And, with the 4th Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar series well underway - we ask who can share India's fast bowling burden with Jasprit Bumrah?
(Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, West Indies slumped to an historic 27-all out against Australia - the lowest score recorded in Test cricket since 1955. Following their humiliation, the WIndies cricket board called an emergency meeting but what will that do to help turn around their fortunes? The team discuss what's next for Test cricket in the Caribbean.
Plus, in 2013, Puja Pabari, who had never followed cricket and didn’t understand the game, married India batter Cheteshwar Pujara and witnessed firsthand what happens in an international cricketer’s daily life. They both join us, as we pull back the curtain and find out what life is really like for the spouse of an elite cricketer.
Photo: Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Cameron Green and Sam Konstas of Australia celebrate the dismissal of Jayden Seales of West Indies during the third day of the third Test cricket match between West Indies and Australia at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 14, 2025. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether India's women are now the side to beat after they win a T20 series on English soil for the first time. We hear from India's winning run scorer, Jemimah Rodrigues and England women's Head Coach, Charlotte Edwards.
Former England men’s spinner and current England men’s U19s Head Coach, Michael Yardy, tells Stumped the future of English cricket is in good hands as his side prepare to face their Indian counterparts in a two-match Test series. He also gives us his take on India’s 14-year-old batting sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who’s been the standout player for the tourists so far.
And, we debate whether South Africa’s stand-in captain Wiann Mulder did the right thing declaring himself just 33 runs short of Brian Lara's record for the highest individual score in a Test innings.
Photo: Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues of India celebrate hitting the winning runs following the 4th Women's Vitality IT20 match between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford on July 09, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
This week Henry Moeran, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the toll being a fast bowler takes on the body.
We hear from former South Africa quick, Vernon Philander. He fears Jofra Archer doesn’t have enough overs in his legs to play international test cricket yet. He also shares his thoughts on how India are managing Jasprit Bumrah's fitness after he was rested for the 2nd Test at Edgbaston.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt tells Stumped her side’s problems with spin must be addressed as they build to this Autumn’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
And we look at why Pakistan’s men continue to struggle to find a permanent test Head Coach.
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell & Charu Sharma, we hear from Indian Test Cricketer K S Bharat after India lose the opening Test of their five match series away in England.
Bharat talks about what Shubman Gill is like as a captain, what it is like to keep wicket to Jasprit Bumrah and what changes India could make to their side going forward.
The team also discus Australia’s tour of the West Indies, with both sides in transition they assess the changes they’re making.
Plus, we reflect on the Test match retirement of Sri Lanka great Angelo Mathews.
Photo: Joe Root and Jamie Smith of England celebrate after Smith hits the winning runs during day five of the first Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Headingley on June 24, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Credit: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell & Charu Sharma, we hear from South Africa great AB de Villiers about their World Test Championship triumph, what this means for Test cricket and India’s Virat Kohli retiring from the longest form of the game.
Former England fast bowler Liam Plunkett chats about India's Test series in England, the third season of Major League Cricket and the legacy co-hosting the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup has had on cricket in America.
And the team preview England and India playing for the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy.
Photo: Temba Bavuma of South Africa celebrates on the team balcony with the ICC World Test Championship Mace alongside teammates following the side's victory on during Day Four of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 14, 2025 in London, England. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are at Lord's for the World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa. They are joined by Charu Sharma in India to delve into Test cricket's past, present and future. We hear about the history of the format, the challenges faced and what we can learn from its past with cricket journalist Tim Wigmore who has written a book called Test Cricket: A History.
We assess where Test cricket is at now focusing on Australia and South Africa and hear from two legends who have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith speak to Alison Mitchell about if they believe Test cricket is in danger. Plus, the team debate what needs to be done to save Test cricket and how will it look in the future.
Photo: A general view as members look on from the Pavilion during match play of the first South Africa innings on Day One of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 11, 2025 in London, England. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell & Charu Sharma, the team ask whether Virat Kohli has finally completed cricket after getting his hands on the trophy that has eluded him throughout his stellar white ball career.
He won the Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after 18 years and over 260 matches, having first been drafted by them back in 2008, and he’s been loyal to them too - the only player to have played for just one team in all 18 IPL seasons.
The team also reflect on the sad scenes in Bangalore, after eleven people died and dozens were injured in a crush as fans flocked to the Chinnaswamy stadium at an event to welcome the team back home to Bangalore.
Plus, we hear from South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma ahead of the World Test Championship final. Bavuma tells us that Kagiso Rabada has apologised to his teammates and that they're supporting him as much as they can following his recent one month ban from cricket after he tested positive for use of a recreational drug.
Photo: Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifts the IPL trophy alongside teammates following the team's victory in the 2025 IPL Final match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium on June 03, 2025, in Ahmedabad, India. (Credit: Getty Images)
This week we discuss how new India captain Shubman Gill may lead the side. A former member of India’s coaching set up, R Sridhar, is our guest. He explains how Gill is a mix of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
It’s not just a new era for India, but also for England. Harry Brook is the new men’s white ball captain for a series of three ODIs and three T20s against West Indies. We ask whether Brook is the right choice to improve England’s poor form in limited overs cricket, and whether this extra responsibility could affect his Test form.
Plus: the team also reflect on Sikandar Raza’s remarkable journey from playing for Zimbabwe in Nottingham on Saturday, to hitting the title winning runs in the Pakistan Super League in Lahore on Sunday.
Photo: India's Shubman Gill celebrates after scoring a century during the third day of the first Test cricket match between India and Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 21, 2024. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma look ahead to a defining year for England's men's Test team with a home series against India and an away Ashes to come.
We hear from Zimbabwe's Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, on the team playing a remarkable 11 Tests this year and what that means financially. He also tells Stumped why cricket at the Olympics must be different and not solely about the big nations like the Champions Trophy.
Plus, a new era for England's women is underway. We discuss what fans can expect from new head coach Charlotte Edwards and her captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Photo: England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum during the team group during nets ahead of the 3rd Test Match between Pakistan and England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 23, 2024 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharmu speak to former India Test opener, Abhinav Mukund, about Virat Kohli's impact on Test cricket following his shock retirement.
Abhinav and Kohli made their Test debuts together in 2011. We look at Kohli’s legacy on the longer form of the game and ask what his stepping down means for India and Test cricket as a whole?
We also discuss the return of the IPL and how the new schedule may affect players and series’ going forward.
IMAGE: India's Virat Kohli gestures towards his wife Anushka Sharma in the stands as he celebrates reaching his century (100 runs) during day three of the first Test cricket match between Australia and India at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 24, 2024. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma debate who should replace Rohit Sharma as India Test captain?
Sharma has announced his retirement from the longest form of the game, so we discuss his impact and legacy.
Durham head coach Ryan Campbell joins us to share his thoughts on overseas player Brendan Doggett, who is tipped to be named in the Australia squad for the World Test Championship Final. Campbell also updates us on the fitness of England men's captain, Ben Stokes and bowler Brydon Carse. Plus, as Campbell is the former Netherlands coach, we ask what impact the Olympic games could have for Associate Nations?
New England head coach, Charlotte Edwards speaks about the significance of appointing a first ever national women's selector.
Photo: Rohit Sharma of India entering the ground before the start of play on day five of the NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test match of Border Gavaskar trophy between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 30, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Credit: Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma hear from Australian international and Gloucestershire captain Cameron Bancroft who tells us he is still hoping to play for Australia again, six years on from his last appearance. Bancroft also shares that he has never spoken to current Australia head coach Andrew McDonald and shares why he loves red ball cricket so much.
Plus we celebrate two stand out India stars. 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player to hit a T20 century so we find out more about his upbringing. We also hear about Pratika Rawal who has become the fastest female batter to reach 500 One Day International runs.
Photo: Cameron Bancroft of Australia walks out to bat during day four of the First Test Match of the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at The Gabba on November 26, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)
This episode contains references to suicide. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org
The Women’s World Cup qualifiers have reached their conclusion with Pakistan and Bangladesh making it through to the ODI World Cup later this year. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss their prospects in the tournament. We also reflect on West Indies who have missed out on the Women's World Cup for the first time in 25 years.
Plus, we are joined by Lawrence Booth, the editor of the 162nd edition of the Wisden Almanack, he shares his strong opinions on the global game and reveals the name of the five Wisden cricketers of the year.
We hear from Australia all-rounder Cameron Green on his kidney condition and Ashes dreams.
Photo: Hayley Matthews of West Indies looks dejected after defeat to New Zealand during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Semi-Final 2024 match between West Indies and New Zealand at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 18, 2024 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by former Australia player turned commentator Mel Jones who has been integral in helping Afghanistan women’s cricketers. She gives us her reaction after the ICC have announced they are setting up a dedicated taskforce to help the Afghanistan women.
Plus, Tanzania have made history after their under 19's men's team have qualified for the World Cup for the very first time. We are joined by captain Laksh Bakraina and Vice Chair of the Tanzania Cricket Association Ashish Nagewadia who shares what it means to the country. They also tell us about the celebrations and how cricket is developing across Africa.
The Pakistan Super League is now in its tenth year so we look at how the tournament is progressing and discuss David Warner's captaincy with the Karachi Kings.
Photo: Friba Hotak of Afghanistan Women's XI (2nd R) celebrates a wicket with her teammates during the cricket match between Afghanistan Women's XI and Cricket Without Borders XI at Junction Oval in Melbourne on January 30, 2025. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Sunil Gupta take stock of the Indian Premier League and discuss whether MS Dhoni should retire at the end of this season. Dhoni had to deny that he was retiring midway through the season after his parents were pictured at his match for Chennai Super Kings against Delhi Capitals.
Plus we analyse the return of Jasprit Bumrah who has played his first match in 93 days after injuring his back and how big Virat Kohli’s achievement is of reaching 13,000 T20 runs.
Plus we go behind the scenes and hear what life is like for a cricket agent. We are joined by Cameron Richardson who manages a number of female Australian players including Ashes hero Alana King. He tells us that when he first saw her bowl at the age of 18, she reminded him of Shane Warne. He also shares with us the difference between managing male and female players and about balancing player burnout.
Photo: Chennai Super Kings' Mahendra Singh Dhoni looks on during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on the outskirts of Chandigarh on April 8, 2025. (Photo by SHAMMI MEHRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Sunil Gupta are joined on the show by Jake Lehmann who helped South Australia win their first Sheffield Shield title in 29 years. He scored a century in the final to follow in his father’s footsteps, Australia legend Darren Lehmann, who was part of the South Australia team when they last won it in 1996.
The World Cricketers' Association are calling for changes to what they see as the sports 'chaotic' schedule and 'outdated' regulations. We hear from Tom Moffat who is the CEO of the global players union who tells us more about their recommendations and how 'international cricket could be at risk'.
Photo: Jake Lehmann of South Australia gets. his championship medal during the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Queensland at Karen Rolton Oval, on March 29, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
This episode contains references to Postnatal depression. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org
This weeks Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma features an interview with former Australia pace bowler Peter Siddle.
Siddle talks about Sachin Tendulkar being his first Test wicket, why changing Australian conditions could impact the kind of bowling attack England choose in the Ashes and how well Jasprit Bumrah bowled during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The team also speak to Sri Lankan, Nilma Dole-Williams who has had a remarkable life through cricket, playing and coaching in Peru and England and is now training the next generation of Cambodian female cricketers. If you are struggling with your mental health after having a baby, help and information can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org
Plus, we reflect on the news that the iconic Gabba stadium is to be demolished.
Photo: Peter Siddle of Australia appeals for and gets his hat-trick wicket that of Stuart Broad of England during day one of the First Ashes Test match between Australia and England at The Gabba on November 25, 2010 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)
This week’s Stumped with Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta is an Indian T20 franchise special.
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League starts on 22 March, and the team discuss the major talking points heading into the tournament, including Kolkata Knight Riders selecting Ajinkya Rahane as captain and if this could be the year for Virat Kohli's RCB to win their first title?
We reflect on Mumbai Indians winning the Women’s Premier League for the second time in three years.
Plus, we chat to cricket bat restorer Barney Morris about the rare and growing trade in cricket bat repairs.
(Photo: Players of Kolkata Knight Riders celebrate with the trophy after their victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 IPL Final match on 26 May, 2024, India. Credit: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharmu discuss India’s dominance of the men’s white ball game - will it continue all the way through to next year’s T20 World Cup and beyond? It’s after India added the Champions Trophy to the T20 World Cup they won in Barbados last year. Virat Kohli reckons this current squad has enough talent to "take on the world" for the next eight years.
We speak to Cricket Australia’s outgoing Chief Executive Nick Hockley. He’s standing down at the end of this month after five years in charge. He tells us the controversial resignation of men’s Test captain Tim Paine was one of the most challenging periods of his tenure, but that he and Paine have since spent a lot of time together and he backs him to have a long and successful coaching career.
He also told us he believes support for the Afghanistan women’s team will continue after his departure and that the controversial decision to mark 150 years of England against Australia with a day/night game can celebrate the history of the game whilst also nodding to the future.
Plus, we look at what Harry Brook’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming Indian Premier League means for him and England.
Photo: Virat Kohli of India and teammate Rohit Sharma celebrate following the team's victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final between India and New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium on March 09, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Brett Sprigg are joined by former Ashes winning head coach Andy Flower, who shares his thoughts on England’s Champions Trophy exit and who should be the next white ball captain? Flower is the head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are preparing for their 18th season in the Indian Premier League and hoping for their first ever title. He tells us what it is like coaching Virat Kohli and the influence he is having on new captain Rajat Patidar.
Flower spent time as a consultant with the Australia team so gives us his insight into Steve Smith after he announced his international retirement from One Day Internationals.
The ICC Champions Trophy final is set with India taking on New Zealand in Dubai. We preview the final and analyse where it went wrong for Australia and South Africa.
Photo: Coach Andy Flower speaks to his players during an England Lions training session at Allan Border Field on November 24, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)
This week is our 500th episode of Stumped. The show has been going for ten years, so Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma reflect on how the game has changed and developed over the last decade.
India and New Zealand are through to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy at the expense of Bangladesh and Pakistan. We look at where it went wrong for the hosts and celebrate India’s Virat Kohli who became the fastest player to score 14,000 One Day International runs. And after England's defeat against Afghanistan to knock them out of the tournament, we ask if Jos Buttler should remain as captain?
Plus, after 16-year-old G Kamalani hit the winning runs for the Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League, we look at the pressure on young cricketers. Vice President of the Western Region Junior Cricket Association, Vanessa Pereira joins us and tells us she is worried about the risk of burnout in aspiring players.
Photo: Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma reunited (Credit: Alison Mitchell)
Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss Pakistan's disappointing opening performance in the Champions Trophy and how that could impact their match on Sunday against India.
Australia’s Alana King is often hailed for her spin bowling, but what about her exploits with the bat? We are joined by one of her club coaches Carl Sandri. Like King, Sandri also has roots in baseball, so he tells us how he has used their shared interest to improve her batting. He also tells us about his cricketing journey from playing cricket for Italy to coaching Papua New Guinea.
We hear from India’s greatest ever female batter Mithali Raj after she was awarded the lifetime achievement award at the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year awards. She tells us about her journey into cricket and the challenges she has faced.
And we hear from South Africa men’s captain Temba Bavuma who shares his experience of being the first black African player to be appointed as permanent captain of the Proteas.
Photo: Alana King of Australia reacts during day one of the Women's Ashes Test Match between Australia and England at Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 30, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Ahead of the third season of the Women's Premier League, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell, and Charu Sharma hear from former England captain Charlotte Edwards and former India fast bowler Jhulan Goswami on what it’s like working together as coaches at Mumbai Indians after being great rivals in their playing days. Edwards, currently head coach at MI, also says she wants to ‘help’ English cricket and has urged the ECB to ‘get in touch’. It comes as the organisation conducts a review into the Ashes defeat to Australia.
Following the recent success of India’s U19 side at youth level, Jhulan gives her opinion on whether she thinks that victory in Malaysia can help lead the senior team to victory at the Women’s World Cup in Autumn.
Image: Jhulan Goswami and Charlotte Edwards laughing whilst talking to each other on the field. (Credit: Mumbai Indians)
Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma are joined by the captain of the Afghanistan women’s XI who played an exhibition match last week in Melbourne. Nahida Sapan tells us about the day itself, whether the team have felt supported and tells us her thoughts on whether she would support a boycott of Afghanistan men's matches.
In a recent statement the ICC said "The ICC remains closely engaged with the situation in Afghanistan and continues to collaborate with our members,".. The governing body added it was their intention to "support the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in fostering cricket development and ensuring playing opportunities for both men and women in Afghanistan".
An ICC working group, set up after the Taliban takeover in 2021, has met with representatives of the Afghanistan government and is keen to use its position and the sport of cricket to influence change in the country.
Plus, Clint Wheeldon tells us how the Aussie triumph in the Women’s Ashes has been received in Australia and about the influence of spinner Alana King. We also hear from the Managing Director of England Women's Cricket Clare Connor on what she believes went wrong.
And we ask if India coach Gautam Gambhir is beating England coach Brendon McCullum at his own game after their risky approach in the white ball series.
Photo: Nahida Sapan, captain of Afghanistan Women's XI, leads out her teammates before the cricket match between Afghanistan Women's XI and Cricket Without Borders XI at Junction Oval in Melbourne on January 30, 2025. (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma discuss what is next for the International Cricket Council after Geoff Allardice resigned as Chief Executive. He leaves after four years in the role in order to 'pursue other challenges'. Allardice was appointed as Chief Executive in 2021 of the ICC and during his tenure has been involved in major developments including bringing the Men's T20 World Cup to the USA and the creation of the World Test Championship. The decision comes less than two months after India's Jay Shah became Chair and with the Champions Trophy due to get underway next month. The Stumped team discuss his legacy and who may be appointed in the role.
Hobart Hurricanes have won their first Big Bash title largely thanks to lifelong Hurricanes fan Mitchell Owen who scored 108 in the final. Clint Wheeldon tells us more about the hometown hero and what this could mean for his cricketing career.
Plus history has been made at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with a Women's Test Match taking place there for the first time since 1949. The Test celebrates the 90th anniversary of Women's Test Cricket. We are joined by David Studham who is the librarian at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to tell us about their collection.
Photo: Geoff Allardice, former cricketer and ICC chief during day five of the ICC World Test Championship Final between Australia and India at The Oval on June 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma ask where it all went wrong for England after they lost the Women's Ashes. We ask if changes need to be made after England lost the Ashes at the earliest possible opportunity and have now lost all five matches they have played in the series.
Plus we are joined by South Africa Men’s Head Coach Shukri Conrad after his side made it to the World Test Championship Final. He tells us if he thinks a two-tier system is a good idea, shares his message to the Australia team and we ask him if South Africa should boycott the Champions Trophy?
He also shares why he made Temba Bavuma captain and highlights the pressure that the captain faces.
Photo: South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad during the day 1 of the 2nd Test match between West Indies and South Africa at Guyana National Stadium on August 15, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Daniel Prentice/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by Zimbabwe’s first black cricketer, Henry Olonga, as we ask whether boycotts work in cricket?
It’s in light of political pressure on England and South Africa to pull out of their matches against Afghanistan’s men at next month's ICC Champions Trophy. It's due to the Taliban regime's oppression of women, which includes a ban on playing sport. Olonga, alongside Andy Flower, took a stand against Robert Mugabe’s regime by wearing a black armband in the 2003 World Cup game against Namibia. It was to symbolise "the death of democracy" in the country.
Henry's been living in exile from Zimbabwe ever since and told the programme the current situation has echoes of 2003 and that the International Cricket Council and international Governments should be the ones making the decision not to play, rather than the players. We also talk to Australia Ashes winner now commentator, Mel Jones, on the role she played on getting many of those women out of the country when the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Mel’s also been involved in organising the team’s exhibition match which will be played ahead of the opening day of the Women’s Ashes Test in Melbourne later this month.
Photo: Groundmen hold a large national flag of Afghanistan on the eve of the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match between India and Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on October 10, 2023. Credit: (AFP via Getty Images)
Two-time Ashes winner Anya Shrubsole joins us to preview the Women’s Ashes. England will be looking to win the trophy for the first time in a decade on Australian soil. Anya tells us both teams will have a point to prove after their World Cup disappointments and she highlights the key players to look out for.
The Stumped team debate whether there should there be a two-tier World Test Championship? It is being reported that the ICC are looking to make it into a two tiered competition, which would lead to the biggest nations playing each other more often. The plans could see India, Australia, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan in tier one. While the second tier would be made up of Bangladesh, West Indies, Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe - making a seven-five split across divisions.
Plus, after Australia ended a ten year wait to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the team discuss the significance of captain Pat Cummins and ask if India head coach Gautam Gambhir is still the right man to lead the side.
Photo: Tahlia McGrath of Australia looks dejected as she leads players of Australia off the field following defeat to South Africa during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Semi-Final between Australia and South Africa at Dubai International Stadium on October 17, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the record breaking Test Match between Australia and India in Melbourne. The teams now play each other in Sydney with the series 2-1 in favour of the Australian side who will win the trophy for the first since 2015 if they avoid defeat.
We debate the apparent unrest in the India dressing room and the potential retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Jim Maxwell says that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is now bigger than the Ashes.
Plus, we discuss whether South Africa deserve to be in the World Test Championship final after comments were made questioning their perceived easy route to the final.
And we are joined by Ed Stoddart who is the CEO of Stuart Canvas productions. They manufacture hover covers, which are used around the world. Ed tells us about the significance of the technology and the impact of climate change.
Photo: Yashasvi Jaiswal of India looks dejected after being runout by Alex Carey of Australia during day two of the Men's Fourth Test Match in the series between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
We look back at the best of Stumped in 2024, which gives you a chance to listen to some of the standout moments from the last twelve months including our trip to New York. The USA co-hosted the Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time and we spoke to fans from around the world about how cricket can grow in America. Plus, we spoke to Bryan R Caine who is an umpire in the United States about his love of the game and how it can develop in the future.
We also hear from one of the greatest batters of all time, the West Indies legend Brian Lara who joined Alison in the commentary box at Lord’s. He shared what it meant to him when he scored 400 not out for his country and if he believes Test Cricket is sustainable long-term.
New Zealand won their first ever T20 World Cup, when they beat South Africa in the final. All-rounder Maddy Green took us back to that special day and shared the emotion she felt about finally getting that winners medal around her neck. Plus, the Stumped team debate whether reaching 100 Test caps carries the same significance it used to?
And arguably England’s greatest ever bowler Jimmy Anderson finally hung up his boots this year, when he retired from international cricket. He joined the team to talk about retirement, personal loss and what is next for both himself and England.
Photo: Cricket fans cheer and wave the Indian flag during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium at Eisenhower Memorial Park in East Meadow, New York on June 9, 2024(Photo by J. Conrad Williams, Jr./Newsday RM via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss two international retirements after both Tim Southee and Ravichandran Ashwin hung up their bowling boots and ask how will they be remembered?
Plus, after Ben Stokes suffers a reoccurrence of his hamstring injury, we look at the life of an international physio and how their workload is increasing. The Stumped team are joined on the show by Gloucestershire physiotherapist Kirk Russell, he was with the England team from 1998 until 2011 and also worked with Delhi in the IPL.
Photo: India's Ravichandran Ashwin (C) celebrates after taking five-wicket haul during the third day of the fifth and last Test cricket match between India and England at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on March 9, 2024. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta reflect on a series of firsts for the England men’s team in New Zealand. They have clinched their first away Test series win in two years and their first over the Black Caps since 2008. Plus, Gus Atkinson took his first ever Test hat-trick in the win in Wellington. Plus we ask if Harry Brook’s remarkable away record can translate to the Ashes?
After things got heated between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head in Australia, we debate passion versus professionalism.
And the Stumped team are joined by captain of the England men’s Visually Impaired team, Ed Hossell, to ask whether the sport should be in the Paralympics in 2032?
Photo: Harry Brook of England bats during day three of the First Test match in the series between New Zealand and England at Hagley Oval on November 30, 2024 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Credit: Getty Images)
Australia versus India is a rivalry that has intensified over the years. As the two nations are currently involved in a five Test match series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, we ask, is it now bigger than The Ashes? Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma all discuss how this sporting duel has evolved with cricket writer and author Gideon Haigh.
Plus, Melbourne Renegades sealed their first Big Bash title after beating Brisbane Heat in the final. We'll reflect on that historic triumph for the Renegades.
Image: Pat Cummins of Australia and Jasprit Bumrah of India pose with Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar following the coin toss during day one of the First Test match in the series between Australia and India at Perth Stadium on November 22, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, the team speak to Rajasthan Royals CEO Jake Lush McCrum about the Royals signing Jofra Archer and 13-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the recent IPL auction. Lush McCrum also talks about if Rajasthan will add a Hundred franchise to their portfolio of sides.
The team are joined by former Kolkata Knight Riders Team Director Joy Bhattacharjya for a wider look at the winners and losers from the IPL auction.
We also reflect on the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after India beat Australia by 295 runs in Perth.
Photo: Rishabh Pant looks on with his winners medal after India won the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 Final match between South Africa and India at Kensington Oval on June 29, 2024 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Philip Brown/Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma speak to Australian spinner Nathan Lyon as part of them previewing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that gets underway this week between Australia and India. Lyon also speaks about how much he has learnt from playing against Ravichandran Ashwin.
Also ahead of the IPL auction they interview England fast bowler Gus Atkinson. Gus is in Queenstown for England’s Test Match series away in New Zealand that gets underway next week. The team also preview what will happen in that series.
Photo: Australia spinner Nathan Lyon peaks with Stumped presenter Alison Mitchell ahead of the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Perth. (Credit: ABC Australia)
This clip contains discussions and references to miscarriage. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Clint Wheeldon, the team look at what is next for the Champions Trophy after the hosts Pakistan claimed India has told the International Cricket Council they won't travel to the country to play in the event next year.
James Anderson explains how he and his family dealt with personal tragedy, how best to bowl to Steve Smith and Virat Kohli and why he's decided to enter the 2024 IPL auction.
Also an interview with Matt Drakeley, the Head of Talent Pathway at Somerset CC, about Somerset inviting female seam and spin bowlers from across the UK to attend a trial day with the opportunity to potentially join their women’s team.
Photo: England's James Anderson celebrates taking the wicket of India's captain Virat Kohli on the first day of the third Test match between England and India at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds, on August 25, 2021 (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Brett Sprigg, former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim joins the team to discuss the fall-out from New Zealand's historic Test series win in India and what’s next for India's men as they prepare to head to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Plus, former West Indies CEO Johnny Grave tells us how a new broadcast deal could help cricket in the region and welcomes West Indies women's return to playing Test matches from 2026 as part of the updated Future Tours Programme announced by the International Cricket Council.
Photo: India captain Rohit Sharma during day four of the 4th Test Match between India and England at JSCA International Stadium Complex on February 26, 2024 in Ranchi, India. (Credit: Getty Images)
Two big names from two remarkable stories in Test cricket are on the programme.
New Zealand’s men created history by securing their first ever Test series victory in India - ending India’s run of eighteen consecutive Test series wins at home over a dominant period of twelve years.
Rachin Ravindra, Player of the Match from the opening Test of the series, tells Alison there is nothing like a Test win for your country, how he was inspired by the ‘golden generation’ of New Zealand cricket - and his hopes of meeting Sachin Tendulkar.
Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood tells Stumped how they arrested a slump in fortune to earn an incredible come-from-behind win over England - their first series win at home in nearly four years. Masood talks about the team finding “balance in the middle of chaos”, the precarious nature of captaincy, and the future of dropped batting star Babar Azam.
Alison, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma all reflect on the recent success for both New Zealand and Pakistan.
Photo: General view of play during an ICC Men's T20 World Cup match between Pakistan and New Zealand. (Credit: Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma speak with World Cup winner Maddy Green, who celebrated her 32nd birthday on the day of the final. She tells us what New Zealand’s victory means to the country, as well as discussing how they defied expectations to triumph in Dubai.
We reflect on how the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was won, pick out the most memorable moments from the tournament and discuss cricket's omission from the 2026 Commonwealth Games, despite having featured in Birmingham last time out.
Plus, the team discuss some of the more unorthodox methods of preparing a wicket. It’s after industrial fans, patio heaters and wind breakers were all used on the pitch in Rawalpindi ahead of the third Test between Pakistan and England.
Photo: New Zealand's players celebrate with their winning trophy at the end of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup cricket final match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on October 20, 2024. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
As India and England fail to reach the last four of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the inquest into their exit begins. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss where it all went wrong, and ask if anyone can stop Australia defending their title.
Scotland returned from their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and leg spinner Abtaha Maqsood joins the team to talk about her experience of playing in the tournament for the first time, what she’s been able to learn from facing the top-ranked teams in the world, and why being a role model is so important to her.
Plus, we find out more about the garden shed invention which changed the shape of spin bowling. Matthew Pryor, son of the inventor Henry, joins the team explain how Merlyn came to be and how it’s helped teams master the conditions in the sub-continent.
Photo: Abtaha Maqsood of Scotland warms up prior to the the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match between Pakistan and Scotland at The Sevens Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell is alongside Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell to discuss the effects on women’s cricket in Bangladesh, with the country not hosting the Women’s ICC T20 World Cup. Bangladesh cricket writer Tawhid Qureshi gives his thoughts on how the domestic game in Bangladesh would have benefited from the spotlight that hosting a World Cup brings, and how Bangladeshi players need more pathways to the professional game.
Ali, Jim & Charu reflect on Joe Root becoming England’s men’s leading run-scorer in Tests and on his compatriot Harry Brook scoring a triple century in the first Test in Multan against Pakistan.
Plus, they find out more about cricket’s inventors and innovators by talking to Stuart Robertson – the inventor of T20 cricket.
Alison Mitchell is alongside Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell to discuss Pakistan hosting England in a three-test series, which begins on 7 October.
Alison speaks to Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie ahead of the series with the new coach looking to turn around Pakistan’s fortunes, with just two wins in their last thirteen tests. He talks about wanting to instill belief in his squad, as well as managing his captain Shan Masood and improving the squad’s fitness.
Plus, Ali, Jim & Charu find out the origin of one of cricket’s iconic techniques - the ‘Googly’.
Photo Credit: Pakistan men's test team head coach Jason Gillespie speaks to the media at National Bank Cricket Stadium on July 07, 2024 in Karachi, Pakistan. (Photo by Muhammad Sameer Ali/Getty Images).
We are less than a week away from the start of the Women's T20 World Cup. Defending champions Australia are aiming to make it four wins in a row.
West Indies were the last nation to lift the World Cup before Australia embarked on their era of dominance. We speak to all rounder Deandra Dottin who was part of the 2016 West Indies World Cup winning team and she explains her reasons for reversing her international retirement ahead of the tournament.
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma also discuss the possible return of England's Ben Stokes to white ball cricket.
Photo: Deandra Dottin of West Indies celebrates her unbeaten 112 during the ICC T20 Women's World Cup Group A match between West Indies and South Africa at Warner Park on May 5, 2010 in St Kitts, Saint Kitts And Nevis. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma speak to the international captain turned Ultramarathon running cricket coach, Johan Botha, on his passion for endurance running.
The team also discuss India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal who is chasing history in the World Test Championship.
Plus, Ireland captain Gaby Lewis joins us on the programme to reflect on their historic victories over England.
Photo Credit: Johan Botha image four, Bridgetown, Barbados 8th May, Johan Botha of South Africa celebrates the wicket of Michael Lumb during the ICC World Twenty20 Super Eight Match between England and South Africa played at the Kensington Oval on May 8, 2010 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Julian Herbert/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss India’s men’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh and in particular the return of Rishabh Pant.
The wicketkeeper batter has been named in the Test squad for the first time since his serious car accident in December 2022. There’s also a maiden Test call-up for left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal.
Ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup, Australia all-rounder Sophie Molineux tells Charlotte Swift she had a tear in her eye after making her return to international cricket. That’s after a succession of injuries forced her out of the sport for more than two years.
And we look at what Sri Lanka’s third and final Test win over England in London might mean for cricket in Sri Lanka.
Image: Rishabh Pant of India during the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 Super Eight match between Australia and India at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on June 24, 2024 in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Shahriar Nafees joins us following Bangladesh men’s historic Test-series win in Pakistan. The former Bangladesh opener, who is now Head of Operations at the Bangladesh Cricket Board, believes the series win is his country's biggest ever achievement in Test cricket.
Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Sunil Gupta also reflect on the news that England Test coach Brendon McCullum will combine Test and white-ball coaching duties from January. They discuss how he may revitalise the side and discuss what it means for the Test team.
Image: Shahriar Nafees of Bangladesh leaves the field after his innings of 138 during day one of the First Test between Bangladesh and Australia played at the Fatullah Ground on April 9, 2006 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)
A new era in world cricket is imminent as Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council. He will be the youngest ever ICC chair. Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Sunil Gupta discuss what this means for the sport.
Preparations for next month's Women's T20 World Cup have stepped up a level with holders Australia, England, India and Pakistan all naming their squads for the tournament in the UAE. It was moved from Bangladesh following civil unrest in the country. England spinner Linsey Smith joins us on the programme to give us her reaction to being back in the England squad.
We also reflect on a historic moment for Bangladesh as they beat Pakistan for the first time in Test cricket.
Photo: Jay Shah of the BCCI at the T20 World Cup Final. (Credit: Getty Images)
As the Women’s T20 World Cup has been moved from Bangladesh to the UAE, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma ask if it will still generate the same interest with the home crowd and if more countries should have offered to host.
Plus, we debate how to can get more women into leadership roles in cricket after the ICC launched a campaign to do just that. We are joined by Chair of the Northern Superchargers Kirsty Bashforth who tells us about her journey into the role.
To mark 150 years of Test Cricket, a standalone celebratory men's Test match will be played between Australia and England in Melbourne in 2027. Jim Maxwell goes back to 1977 to tell us about the centenary celebrations that happened at the MCG and what it was like being in the crowd.
Photo: A general view as players of Northern Superchargers huddle prior to The Hundred Eliminator match between Northern Superchargers Women and Welsh Fire Women at The Kia Oval on August 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
Nikesh Rughani, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell look ahead to Sri Lanka’s three-match Test Series against England. England will be without talismanic captain Ben Stokes after tearing his left hamstring. The team discuss if Ollie Pope is the right man to lead the side and who should replace Stokes in the line-up. And as the visitors appoint former England star Ian Bell as their batting coach for the series, the team ask what influence he could have on Sri Lanka going forward.
Plus, we speak to Brazil women’s captain Roberta Moretti Avery, who tells us about the growth of the sport in the country, what captaining her country means to her, and whether Brazil’s women could be heading on tour to India in the near future. She also reveals the names of her three dogs who have been named after some cricketing stars.
Photo: Brazil's women's team compete in T10 competition in July 2024 (Credit: Roberta Moretti Avery/Brazil Cricket)
Sri Lanka are celebrating after victory over India in the third One Day International by 110 runs to clinch the One Day series 2-0.
It's the first time since 1997 that Sri Lanka have beaten India in a One Day series. Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell reflect on the series and discuss Gautam Gambhir's tenure as India's Head Coach beginning in defeat.
The Hundred is ongoing in England with the business end of the tournament fast approaching. Australian cricketer Spencer Johnson who is part of the Oval Invincibles team, joins us on the programme. We also pay tribute to former England cricketer Graham Thorpe, who died aged 55 years old this week.
Image: Sri Lanka's players pose with the series trophy after winning the third and final one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Sri Lanka and India at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on August 7, 2024. Spinner Dunith Wellalage took 5-27 as Sri Lanka clinched a first ODI series victory over India in 27 years with a 110-run thrashing of the tourists in the third match on August 7. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma debate who will be the next coach of the England white ball team after Matthew Mott stepped down following two years in charge.
Plus we are joined by Columbo cricket journalist Estelle Vasudevan, who was in Dambulla when Sri Lanka women won their first ever Asia Cup title in front of their home fans. She tells us what the atmosphere was like and whether this could be the springboard for the women’s team ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Can cricket help rehabilitate prisoners? We hear from the President of Mexico Cricket Ben Owen and Ana Cecilia Septien Godard who plays for the women’s national team. They tell us about their Cricket in Prisons programme.
Image: The Sri Lanka team pose with the trophy for a group picture after the 2024 Women's T20 Asia Cup Final match between Sri Lanka and India at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on July 28, 2024 in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta hear from West Indies Chief Executive Johnny Grave. He tells Alison about co-hosting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and he responds to the ICC's announcement of a review into the delivery of the competition. He discusses investment into West Indies cricket and the reliance many cricketing nations have on hosting England, India and Australia. Plus he shares their hopes of pay parity for the women's teams by 2027 and reflects on the remarkable Test Match at the Gabba against Australia earlier in 2024.
The ICC Annual Conference took place this week and we debate the expansion of the Women's T20 World Cup to sixteen teams in 2030.
Plus, India men are about to embark on a new chapter as they face Sri Lanka with their new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Sunil Gupta tells us whether he is the right fit and whether there will be any friction between Gambhir and Virat Kohli.
Photo: Shamar Joseph of the West Indies celebrates victory after taking the wicket of Josh Hazlewood of Australia during day four of the Second Test match in the series between Australia and West Indies at The Gabba on January 28, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
We hear from Venky Mysore who is the Managing Director of the Kolkata Knight Riders. He shares whether he would be interested in buying a stake in a Hundred team and whether players should be allowed to leave their franchise early.
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma celebrate the efforts member nations are making to grow Cricket in emerging nations....
This year's ICC Development Award winners have been announced and the UAE were awarded ICC Associate Member Women's performance of the Year for their displays at the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Kuala Lumpa. We are joined by their captain Esha Oza who tells us what the award means to them.
Plus we discuss England women's triumphs after winning all thirteen matches they have played at home during their international Summer.
Photo: Kolkata Knight Riders' players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 26, 2024. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
One of the greatest cricketers of all time, West Indies batter Brian Lara joins Stumped from Lord's to look back on his career; the highs and lows, plus the future of Test cricket and how the sport could evolve. Lara still holds world records for the highest individual score in both first-class cricket and Test cricket.
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma also discuss with Lara who could be the next global cricket stars and the West Indies legend pays tribute to England’s record breaking pace bowler James Anderson, who will retire after his 188th Test of his career. Anderson was the last English bowler to get Lara out.
Plus we also hear from the Chair of Cricket Australia, Mike Baird on the latest regarding a possible Afghanistan women’s team. Last week, members of the former Afghanistan women’s team called on the International Cricket Council to help them form a refugee team based in Australia. Over 20 members of the Afghan women's team are based in Australia after the national team was disbanded in 2021 when the Taliban returned to power and banned women from playing sport.
Image: Former West Indian cricket player Brian Lara poses for a portrait on November 17, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Lara is in Sydney to play in a Pro-Am golf tournament. (Photo by Ben Rushton/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
Nikesh Rughani, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell all reflect on a thrilling T20 World Cup final which saw India end their 11 year wait for a trophy after narrowly beating South Africa.
The Oman captain Aqib Ilyas feared that he may have to give up cricket following a cancer diagnosis which required eighteen months away from the sport to recover. He returned to lead Oman at the T20 World Cup. He joins us on the programme.
We also look ahead to the Test series between England and West Indies. James Anderson will call time on his international career after the first Test, which will be his 188th of his career.
Photo: India's cricket team lift the ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy after beating South Africa in the final. (Credit: Getty Images)
South Africa have reached their first ever Men's World Cup final after beating Afghanistan in the ICC T20 World Cup. They have previously lost two T20 semi-finals, most recently in 2014 against India and lost five 50 Over World Cup semi-finals. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma debate if they can lift the trophy after going unbeaten so far in the competition. Plus they discuss Afghanistan reaching their first ever World Cup semi-final and their journey through the competition.
Plus Jim Maxwell shares where it went wrong for Australia after their early exit at the World Cup and whether it was a good tournament for the West Indies who were knocked out in the Super 8s. They ask what is next for Sri Lanka after Head Coach Chris Silverwood resigned.
We hear from Netherlands cricketer Sybrand Engelbrecht who has retired from the sport aged 35.
Photo: Tabraiz Shamsi of South Africa celebrates alongside teammates during a DRS review to successfully dismiss Noor Ahmad of Afghanistan (not pictured) LBW during the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 Semi-Final match between South Africa and Afghanistan at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on June 26, 2024 in Tarouba, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
As we are now into the Super 8s at the Men's T20 World Cup, Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta discuss the success of the associate nations. Six out of nine of the associate nations picked up wins and tournament debutants and co-hosts USA have made it to the Super 8s. We look at how this will impact cricket in smaller nations. Plus we ask if New Zealand are entering a new era after Kane Williamson has stepped down as white ball captain.
Scotland won two matches at the T20 World Cup and were unlucky not to make it to the Super 8s after narrowly losing to Australia in their final match. We are joined by Head of Performance at Cricket Scotland Steve Snell who looks back on their campaign and their two wins against Oman and Namibia. He also discusses their impending T20 series against Australia and if they are interested in playing Test Cricket.
We debate the use of Artificial Intelligence in cricket after England women's head coach Jon Lewis has used it for squad selection.
Photo: Matthew Cross of Scotland celebrates victor during the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 match between Oman and Scotland at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on June 09, 2024 in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda. (Photo by Jan Kruger-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
The American cricket dream gathered momentum at the T20 World Cup as over 34,000 fans saw India beat Pakistan in a thriller. Eleanor Oldroyd, Clint Wheeldon and Sunil Gupta all discuss what this result means for both teams and which nations will progress further at the tournament.
We also speak to the former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene who is the Global Head of Performance at Mumbai Indians.
Plus we take you inside one of the oldest cricket clubs in New York.
Photo: A general view of the stadium during play in the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 match between India and Pakistan at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on June 09, 2024 in New York, New York. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell is in New York where the men's ICC T20 World Cup is taking place. The US are co-hosting the tournament for the very first time with matches being player in Dallas, Florida and New York. She explores the history of cricket in New York, what people think of cricket in America and builds up to one of the greatest rivalries in sport, India against Pakistan.
US journalist Peter Della Penna speaks to Alison about the history of cricket in US and the challenges it has faced. He also looks at the future of the game in the country and the legacy of this World Cup.
Charlotte Swift joins Alison in New York and attended the first match which took place at the Nassau County Cricket Ground on Long Island. Charlotte hears from fans from across the world on their excitement that a World Cup is being staged in New York. Plus she speaks to US born umpire Bryan R Caine who has become a social media star showing his love of cricket. He also tells us the quirky way in which he found cricket.
Charlotte also travels to Queens to speak to the NYPD cricket team made up of officers from across the precincts about how they found cricket and the importance of a shared love of the game despite their varying backgrounds.
Are the people in Manhattan actually interested in cricket and know that the World Cup is happening on their doorstep? We find out
And Summit Grosver from Wanderer's Cricket Club in the Bronx was born in Australia but has Indian heritage. He tells us about the significance of India playing Pakistan in New York.
Photo: Alison Mitchell at Eisenhower Park which is where the Nassau County Cricket pop up stadium has been erected. (Credit: Graeme Langford)
Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Brett Sprigg look back on the IPL final and the tournament as a whole and reflect on the dominance of the Kolkata Knight Riders in this year’s tournament.
Plus, we hear from Uganda men’s cricket captain Brian Masaba on leading his team at the Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time. He tells us why they are nicknamed 'The Cricket Cranes', their hopes for the tournament and gives us insight on 43 year old teammate Frank Nsubuga.
And the Stumped team give their predictions for who will make the top four. (They are all very different).
And remember that you can get in touch with us here on Stumped, why not send us a Whatsapp voice note? The number you need is +44 800 032 0470 - include your name and where you are from.
Photo: Uganda's men's team celebrate qualifying for the ICC men's T20 World Cup. (Credit: ICC AFRICA/UGANDA CRICKET ASSOCIATION)
After more than two months, the Indian Premier League comes to a climax this weekend. Alison Mitchell has been speaking to the Lucknow Super Giants Head Coach Justin Langer on what the IPL experience has taught him and whether he would be keen to coach the Indian national team. Alison, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma all discuss the IPL and which team will be celebrating on Sunday.
The countdown to the T20 World Cup is fast approaching. Canada will be making their debut. Alison has also spoken to batter Aaron Johnson who grew up in Jamaica before moving to Canada to pursue his dream.
Photo: Lucknow Super Giants' coach Justin Langer gestures during the warm up before the start of the Indian Premier League T20 cricket match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants in Bengaluru on April 2, 2024. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by not one, but two, former international cricket captains.
England’s Sir Alastair Cook gives us his thoughts on Jimmy Anderson’s decision to retire and reflects on his career. He also shares if he was surprised by the timing of the decision. Plus with a new portrait of Cook being unveiled at the Lord's, he tells us what he really thinks of it.
And we hear from former Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof who has announced her retirement from the game. She tells us why she has decided not to take part in the T20 World Cup later this year and also on her experience of balancing motherhood and cricket.
Photo: Sir Alastair Cook and James Anderson pose with the Ashes urn as England celebrate winning the ashes after day four of the 5th Test match between England and Australia at The Kia Oval on August 23, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma debate whose responsibility is player welfare? Is it the players themselves, coaches, individual clubs or their countries? This comes after former England captain Joe Root has called the domestic cricket schedule “not fit for purpose”. The Professional Cricketers’ Association has found 81% of players have expressed concerns about the physical toll of the fixture list.
Plus we are joined by Australian born Italian international Ben Manenti. He tells us how he was selected for the team, his dreams to play at a World Cup and the love of playing the sport alongside his brother.
And we hear from France cricketer Poppy McGowan on allegations of “ghost matches” and players being banned by the national team for speaking out. She’s calling for the ICC to make their investigation public. France Cricket strongly deny the claims.
Photo: Ben Manenti of the Redbacks appeals for lbw not given during the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales at Karen Rolton Oval, on March 14, 2023, in Adelaide, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)
With all 20 teams heading to the men’s T20 World Cup announcing their provisional squads, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma debate the surprise selections and noticeable omissions.
We are joined by the Chief Executive of Vanuatu Cricket, Tim Cutler who is currently in Dubai where the women’s team are playing in the ICC T20 Qualifiers. They made history by beating Zimbabwe who are ranked 18 places above them in the ICC rankings. Tim tells us how the women's team are Vanuatu's highest ranked sporting team... even better than their men's national football team!
Plus we head to the theatre. We hear from Diane Page who has directed a play called Testmatch which centres around cricket, colonialism and corruption.
Photo: Vanuatu women's team bat against Uganda in a friendly match in Abu Dhabi. (Credit: Vanuatu Cricket Association)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma debate who should be India's wicketkeeper for the Men's T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and America. India have potentially seven options who could take the gloves. Rishabh Pant is the frontrunner after having a stellar season so far in the Indian Premier League for the Delhi Capitals, but he has not played for India since being involved in a car accident in December 2022, where he injured his knee. Other names to consider are KL Rahul, Sanju Samson and Dinesh Karthik. Plus, we speak to Adelaide Oval Head Curator Damian Hough who has been tasked with creating the pitches that will be used in America at the World Cup including the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan. He shares his experiences of starting the process in Adelaide and details the plans transporting the pitches 2,000 kilometres from Florida to New York.
And after Freddie Flintoff's sons are hitting the headlines in England for their cricketing skills, we look at cricketing families around the world and look at the pressure that brings.
Photo: Adelaide Oval Head Curator Damian Hough (Credit: Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions via Phil Martin)
With less than fifty days to go until the Men's T20 World Cup, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma look at how some of the twenty teams are shaping up and ask what is the best way for players to prepare for a major international tournament?
Is it game time in a league like the Indian Premier League? Is it a competitive series with your international team? Or should players have a break to make sure that they are fresh? We look at how some players are planning for the tournament.
Plus the 161st Wisden Almanack has been released and we speak to the editor Lawrence Booth. The five Cricketers of the Year are chosen by the Wisden editor, a tradition that dates back to 1889. Performances in the English summer are the major factor and no player can win the award more than once. He tells us about his selections and the reasoning behind them.
And we debate if the use of the Kookaburra ball in the English County Championship has been a success and discuss how the different balls compare around the world.
Photo: Pandya celebrates after taking the wicket of Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai during the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match between India and Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on October 11, 2023. (Photo by MONEY SHARMA/AFP via Getty Images)
Charu Sharma, Jim Maxwell and Nikesh Rughani are joined by Richard Sydenham who has written a book exploring what makes a cricketer tough and the physical and psychological aspects of it. He shares the stories from former players and what helped inform his 22 player list. Plus the Stumped team devise their own list.
21 year old Mayank Yadav won the player of the match award on his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants. Charu and Nikesh debate if he should be picked in the India T20 World Cup squad and the pressures surrounding the young player.
Photo: Australian cricketer Steve Waugh during the 4th Test Match between the West Indies and Australia in Jamaica, May 1995. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by globetrotter and franchise cricket extraordinaire David Wiese. He has played in no fewer than ten different franchise cricket tournaments around the world and tells us how the different leagues compare. He also shares his thoughts on the future of leagues around the world and what it is really like playing in the Indian Premier League.
Plus Wiese speaks about playing cricket in America which prompts the team to lookahead to the T20 World Cup being hosted in the country and debate whether it will catapult the sport to new heights.
And we hear from a Stumped listener in Austria!
Photo: David Wiese of Saint Lucia Kings celebrates the dismissal of Jason Holder of Barbados Royals during the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League match 25 between Saint Lucia Kings and Barbados Royals at Warner Park Sporting Complex on September 11, 2021 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. (Credit: CPL T20/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma debate the new rule in the Indian Premier League which allows two bouncers to be bowled in an over. They look at whether this rule is too bowler friendly and how this will impact tactics in the game.
Plus we are joined by South Africa umpire Marais Erasmus who has officiated in 82 international Test matches. In his first radio interview since retiring from international cricket he shares his story of how he got involved in umpiring after playing the game, if he has any regrets and if umpires should be mic'd up.
Erasmus also goes into detail about the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow in the Ashes in 2023 when he was infamously 'stumped' by Alex Carey and takes us behind the scenes to what happened in the lunch room.
He also details how it felt to stand in the 2019 men's World Cup final and the reason Angelo Matthews was 'timed out' in the 2023 men's World Cup.
If you would like to get involved in the show, why not send us a Whatsapp voice note? The number you need is +44 800 032 0470 and include your name and where you are from.
Photo: Umpire Marais Erasmus ahead of presented with momento upon reaching his 50 Test alongside Aleem Dar, Chris Gaffaney and Jeff Crowe day two of the 2nd Specsavers Test between England and India at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 10, 2018 in London, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
Royal Challengers Bangalore claimed their first Women’s Premier League title after beating Delhi Capitals in the final. We speak to former England captain Charlotte Edwards who won the tournament last year with Mumbai Indians.
Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Geoff Lemon all discuss Australia’s decision to withdraw from their men's T20 series against Afghanistan later this year.
And, with the Indian Premier League returning this week, we find out what it takes to spot the next IPL star? We speak to the Head of Talent for Kolkata Knight Riders, Abhishek Nayar.
Photo: Kolkata Knight Riders Head of Talent Scouting, Abhishek Nayar, speaking with spinner Sunil Narine. (Credit: Kolkata Knight Riders)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta celebrate England fast bowler Jimmy Anderson. Anderson has become the first fast bowler to take 700 Test wickets and reached the milestone in 187 Tests. He is only the third bowler in all of Test cricket to reach this milestone, with only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne ahead of him in the all-time list.
We are joined by Maccabees and 86TVs guitarist Felix White, who also co-hosts the Tailenders podcast with Anderson. He shares what it is like to share a stage at the London Palladium with the bowler and what makes him so special.
Plus with four new players reaching one hundred Test appearances, we debate the value of reaching the century milestone and ask if it still has the same significance as it used to?
Photo: James Anderson and Felix White (Credit Gregg James)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the retirement of New Zealand's Neil Wagner after his former teammate Ross Taylor said his retirement was 'forced'. Plus the team try and decipher why Australia and New Zealand play so few Test matches against each other. In the 78 years of Test match cricket between the two nations, Australia has played New Zealand just 60 times.
We are joined by former Ireland player Andrew White who earned 232 caps for his country and now men's national selector. He tells us about their first ever Test match victory, his hopes that this could ensure more Test matches are played and if a two-tier World Test Championship is needed.
We reflect on the first leg of the Women's Premier League in Bangalore and assess how the tournament is being perceived in its second season.
We want to hear from you and your thoughts on all things cricket which we'll play on next week's show, so give us your assessment of the state of the game. You can get in touch with your voice notes via WhatsApp. Tell us your name, where you're from and your views on +44 800 032 0470.
Photo: Ireland players and support staff celebrate securing the nation's first victory in Test cricket. The Ireland team beat Afghanistan in a one off Test match in Abu Dhabi. (Credit: Afghanistan Cricket Board)
Charu Sharma, Brett Sprigg and Nikesh Rughani all reflect on the Test series which has seen India continue their fine unbeaten home run and we ask if Shoaib Bashir has a bright future as he shines for England.
We also speak to Japan’s most capped player Shizuka Miyaji on retirement and how she now aims to inspire the next generation.
Plus, we take you on a tour of a cricket museum in Dubai with Shyam Bhatia.
Get in touch with your WhatsApp voice notes on +44 800 032 0470. Tell us your name and where you are listening from in the world.
Photo: Shizuka Miyaji (Credit - Japan Cricket Association)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma all preview the second edition of The Women's Premier League. We discuss which players to look out for and whether Mumbai Indians can defend their title.
We also assess India's chances of sealing a Test series victory over England without their star pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah who has been rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi and we discuss how England will respond after receiving criticism following their heavy defeat in the third Test in Rajkot.
With the second edition of the Women's Premier League starting this week, it's not only the players' fortunes that could be transformed, in fact, it provides an opportunity for the fans to come together and watch the women's game. They are known as the Bucket Hat Cult, named after the group’s ‘uniform’ - a bucket hat in any colour or design. They are a fans group dedicated to women’s sports that are trying to make the stadium experience inclusive, enjoyable and accessible to all. We speak to the co-founder of the group, Parth Suri.
Photo: The Bucket Hat Cult at the Wankhede Stadium. (Credit: Parth Suri/Bucket hat cult fan group)
Mitchell Marsh has had an extraordinary couple of years from being recalled to the Australia Test team, winning the 50 over World Cup and being named T20 captain. Marsh has been telling Alison Mitchell how he got involved with a small charity that focuses on men’s mental health and how he supported a teenager whilst playing in the Ashes.
We also discuss the significance of the historic Test between Australia's women and South Africa plus Australia became world champions at Under 19 level for the fourth time after beating India in the final.
Image: Mitchell Marsh of Australia celebrates reaching his century during Day One of the LV= Insurance Ashes 3rd Test Match between England and Australia at Headingley on July 06, 2023 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Yashasvi Jaiswal became the third youngest player from India to score a Test double century at the age of 22. With the series against England finely poised at 1-1, we hear from Jaiswal’s childhood coach Jwala Singh.
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma also speak to Angus Brown, who represents England Men’s Physical Disability cricket team after their five-match tour to India this week ended in a 3-2 defeat.
Image: India batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal celebrates his double century during day two of the 2nd Test Match between India and England at ACA-VDCA Stadium on February 03, 2024 in Visakhapatnam, India. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
West Indies all-rounder Kevin Sinclair tells Alison Mitchell that Test cricket will live for "a very long time. We have an in depth interview with Kevin on the programme after West Indies won a Test in Australia for the first time since 1997.
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma all discuss how India will respond to losing the opening Test against England and we also find out more about England's hero Tom Hartley after his match winning performance in Hyderabad.
Image: Kevin Sinclair of the West Indies celebrates taking the wicket of Usman Khawaja of Australia during day two of the Second Test match in the series between Australia and West Indies at The Gabba on January 26, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
With the rising stars of the cricketing world showcasing their talent at the Under 19's World Cup in South Africa, we ask, can India's youngsters retain their title? Hear from vice captain Saumy Pandey who is often compared to Ravindra Jadeja.
As the five match Test series begins this week, we discuss how India will cope without their superstar Virat Kohli for the first two Tests against England? Kohli withdrew due to personal reasons.
We'll also react to the Big Bash final in Australia where Brisbane Heat secured their second title.
Photo: Saumy Pandey of India celebrates the wicket of Carson McCullough of Ireland during the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup South Africa 2024 match between India and Ireland at Mangaung Oval on January 25, 2024 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma all react to West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph's dream debut in Test cricket. Joseph struck gold with his very first delivery, claiming the wicket of Steve Smith who was opening for Australia for the first time in a Test match.
The iconic Adelaide Oval scoreboard has been in use since 1911 and is the only manual scoreboard still in use at a major Australian sports venue.We hear from Trevor Manuel who is a Tour Ambassador at the ground.
Plus, with the T20 World Cup just months away, we'll be asking whether India have found a new gem in all-rounder Shivam Dube after his stellar performances against Afghanistan.
Photo: Shamar Joseph of the West Indies walks from the field after taking five wickets in the first innings during day two of the First Test in the Men's Test match series between Australia and West Indies at Adelaide Oval on January 18, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma all react to Ellyse Perry's historic achievement of reaching 300 caps for Australia during the Twenty20 series victory over India.
After all the hype and speculation, we'll also discuss Steve Smith replacing David Warner as Australia's Test opener despite never batting in the position in his 16-year first-class career.
The second edition of the SA20, South Africa's premier T20 competition, is underway. We speak to South African born Netherlands cricketer, Roelof Van Der Merwe, who won the competition last year.
Stumped has been nominated for Best Cricket Podcast in the Sports Podcast awards - go to sportspodcastgroup.com to vote.
Photo Credit: Ellyse Perry of Australia during day five of the LV= Insurance Women's Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Trent Bridge on June 26, 2023 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are in Sydney for David Warner's final Test match for Australia before he retires. They discuss who will replace him as opener and Charu Sharma tells us if he thinks Warner is the best Australian to play all three formats of the game.
How can Test cricket remain a valued form of the game? The Stumped team debate how they would save Test cricket and discuss the viability of the format after South Africa announced seven uncapped players in their squad to face New Zealand next month, including captain Neil Brand. Plus Jim shares his thoughts on the World Test Championship.
Women's Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana joins us as Bangladesh prepare to host the Women's T20 World Cup in October. She discusses their domestic structure and what impact hosting the tournament will have for the country.
Stumped has been nominated for Best Cricket Podcast in the Sports Podcast awards - go to sportspodcastgroup.com to vote.
Photo: Pat Cummins of Australia lifts the ICC World Test Championship Mace during day five of the ICC World Test Championship Final between Australia and India at The Oval on June 11, 2023 in London, England. (Credit:Getty Images)
Please note: This programme contains discussions about alcoholism and references to mental health. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org
We look back at the best of Stumped in 2023. This is another chance to hear some of the standout moments from 2023 including a powerful interview from South Africa wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta. She entered rehab after battling with her alcohol addiction and won a runners up World Cup medal only a few months later.
You can listen back to our trip to Mumbai for the inaugural Women’s Premier League and Charu’s interview with Delhi Capitals and India player Shikha Pandey. She tells us of the new talent emerging in the country.
Australia won the Men's 50 Over World Cup in India thanks largely to their captain Pat Cummins. Cummins has been Australia skipper for 18 months now and we hear from his former teammate Trent Copeland.
Stumped also returns to Lord’s when Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta spoke to former Australian coach Justin Langer who told us about his memories of playing at the home of cricket. Plus we hear from the creator of the viral cricket episode of Bluey and enjoy a classic Stumped debate on the use of red cards.
Stumped has been nominated for Best Cricket Podcast in the Sports Podcast awards - go to sportspodcastgroup.com to vote.
Photo: India's Shikha Pandey (L) celebrates with teammate India's Richa Ghosh (R) after the dismissal of Australia's Beth Mooney (not seen) during the semi-final T20 women's World Cup cricket match between Australia and India at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on February 23, 2023. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Stumped's Jim Maxwell has been a part of ABC for 50 years. He joined the organisation at the age of 22 in 1973 as a trainee and has now commentated on over 300 Test matches. Jim shares how he started his commentary career with Alison Mitchell and Charu Sharma, he also tells us about his favourite moments that he has witnessed and the advice that he would give his younger self.
The team are also joined by former Australia bowler and a player who has shared the commentary box with Jim for many years, Kerry O'Keeffe. Kerry gives us insight into how the pair met, if he has ever known Jim to be tongue-tied and what they get up to both on and off air.
Plus we celebrate another Australian star. Nathan Lyon is the third Australian after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath to take 500 Test wickets and the eighth man in history. Kerry O'Keefe takes us back in time to when he first saw Nathan Lyon bowl and shares some of the secrets to his success.
Stumped has been nominated for Best Cricket Podcast in the Sports Podcast awards - go to sportspodcastgroup.com to vote.
Photo: Jim Maxwell commentates on ABC Radio during day four of the Test match in the series between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 10, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are in Perth as Australia take on Pakistan in the opening Test match of the Australian Summer. They are joined by Sunil Gupta from New Delhi and discuss David Warner's 164 in his final series before retiring from Test cricket. Warner is now fifth on Australia's all-time Test run-scorers list after passing Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke. We debate the importance of the century amid recent criticism from ex-team-mate Mitchell Johnson.
Plus we hear from Australia captain Pat Cummins on the importance of loyalty in the team and discuss the news that Australia all-rounder Cameron Green has chronic kidney disease.
We reflect on the Women's Premier League auction which saw uncapped India fast bowler Kashvee Gautam and Australia all-rounder Annabel Sutherland picked as the most expensive players. We also look at the stars who missed out.
And we are joined by the former Sri Lanka captain, Duleep Mendis who is now head coach of the Oman. He shares their plans to field a team who are all born in the country. He also looks back on his time as team manager when Sri Lanka won the World Cup on 1996.
Stumped has been nominated for Best Cricket Podcast in the Sports Podcast awards - go to sportspodcastgroup.com to vote.
Photo: David Warner of Australia celebrates after scoring a century during day one of the Men's First Test match between Australia and Pakistan at Optus Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by Zimbabwe’s Anesu Mushangwe who has just won the Women's Big Bash League with the Adelaide Strikers. She became the first player from Zimbabwe to win the title and tells us how she learnt how to bowl throwing lemons. Anesu details her journey from growing up in Zimbabwe and falling in love with cricket, to moving to Australia and playing with her idols and all the obstacles in-between.
The team discuss the row that has broken out in Australia with former bowler Mitchell Johnson questioning whether former team-mate David Warner should be given a "hero's send-off" in the Test series against Pakistan. They debate Johnson's comments and assess Warner's global profile.
Stumped has been nominated for Best Cricket Podcast in the Sports Podcast awards – go to sportspodcastgroup.com to vote.
Photo: Anesu Mushangwe of the Strikers celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket of Tahlia Wilson of the Thunder during the WBBL match between Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers at Cricket Central, on November 21, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)
Charu Sharma, Jim Maxwell and Nikesh Rughani preview the Women’s Big Bash League final. They discuss the dominance of the Adelaide Strikers captained by Australia all-rounder Tahlia McGrath who have won 11 out of 14 matches. They will be playing their final against the Brisbane Heat at the Adelaide Oval for the first time and are hoping for a record crowd.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has said that India will be a 'serious challenger' in next year's T20 World Cup. The team debate whether they think he is right and the reasons behind his comments. They also discuss the ongoing Men's T20 series between India and Australia.
And the team react to the news that Rahul Dravid will continue as India head coach and if this is the best move.
Stumped has been nominated for Best Cricket Podcast in the Sports Podcast awards – go to sportspodcastgroup.com to vote.
Photo: Tahlia McGrath of the Strikers celebrates with teammates after dismissing Ellyse Perry of the Sixers during the WBBL match between Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval, on November 18, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Sunil Gupta look back at the Men’s 50 Over World Cup final and debate if Travis Head will be the next superstar of Australian cricket. He sits amongst legends Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist as only the third Australian man to make a century in a World Cup Final. We also discuss who will be the next generation of India cricket stars.
Plus Pat Cummins has had a standout year as captain of Australia winning the World Test Championship Final, retaining the Ashes and now winning the 50 Over World Cup. We get an insight into the man himself with his former New South Wales teammate and former Australia player Trent Copeland. Trent tells us what Pat was like in the dressing room and whether he always thought Pat would be a natural leader.
And we debate the introduction of a stop clock in cricket. Will this speed up the game or is it a gimmick?
Photo: Australia captain Pat Cummins is presented with the trophy by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister for India and Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia after winning the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 Final between India and Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Ahmedabad, India. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss Virat Kohli's World Cup record breaking semi-final performance. Kohli helped India reach the final by becoming the first player to score fifty One Day international centuries, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record. They also ask if India have been challenged so far and can they claim the ultimate title in their own backyard?
We also look back on the Men's 50 Over World Cup with our Stumped awards. We debate the stand out moment, the best player, the emerging star and which team or performance has been the most disappointing?
Plus we look at Sri Lanka's suspension from the Independent Cricket Council.
Photo: Virat Kohli of India celebrates after scoring a century, overtaking Sachin Tendulkar for the all time most ODI centuries during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 Semi Final match between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium on November 15, 2023 in Mumbai, India. (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell is joined by the Chief Executive of the ICC, Geoff Allardice. He is challenged on the plight of the Afghanistan women’s cricket team who fled the country when the Taliban regained control in 2021. Allardice also tells us about cricket's inclusion in the Olympics and the future of the One-Day format.
(Geoff Allardice spoke to Stumped before Sri Lanka was suspended by the ICC due to being "in serious breach of its obligations as a member".)
Plus Jim Maxwell and Prakash Wakankar pay tribute to the most successful captain in the history of cricket. Australian Meg Lanning has announced her international retirement at the age of 31 after winning seven World Cups.
And the team look back on an eventful week in the Men's Cricket World Cup after Sri Lanka player Angelo Matthews became the first player in international cricket to be 'timed out'
(Photo: Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager - Cricket Operations speaks during the ICC Annual Conference at the InterContinental Hotel on June 30, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. Credit: Patrick Bolger-ICC/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta are joined by Catherine Dalton who is the first female coach in the Pakistan Super League. She will also be the first female fast bowling coach of any professional men’s team when she joins the Multan Sultan's. She tells us about the significance of the role, why she did not have any reservations about taking the job and the differences between coaching men and women.
Plus we discuss the Men's Cricket World Cup so far and ask where it is all going wrong for England? We also look at how Australia will cope without Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell and ask if Afghanistan can realistically make it to the semi-finals. There has been some controversy surrounding the lack of both DRS and third umpires in the Women's Big Bash League so we ask if cricketer's are too reliant on technology?
Photo: Catherine Dalton of Ireland steers the ball with Dilani Manodara of Sri Lanka looking on during the Women's ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 match between Sri Lanka and Ireland at the IS Bindra Stadium on March 20, 2016 in Mohali, India. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta are joined by Afghanistan assistant coach Raees Ahmadzai. He was part of the Afghanistan team that progressed to the 2009 ICC World Cup Qualifiers. In 2010 he retired from playing and took up a coaching role within the team.
He tells us the secret to their success after their two shock wins over England and Pakistan in the Men's Cricket World Cup.
Plus, we pay tribute to former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi who died this week aged 77 and look at the influence of Virat Kohli on the current India team.
Finally we reflect on Glenn Maxwell's record breaking century for Australia and South Africa's Quinton de Kock who has scored his third century of the tournament.
Photo: Mujeeb ur Rahman of Afghanistan celebrates the wicket of Harry Brook of England during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 between England and Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Delhi, India. (Credit: Getty Images)
Please note: This programme contains discussions about alcoholism and references to mental health. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org
Alison Mitchell speaks to South Africa wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta who went into treatment 12 months ago for alcohol abuse, to the point she said she was ‘drinking to die’. Fast forward two months and she lifted a runners-up medal in the T20 World Cup. Jafta shares her story in a powerful interview.
Sunil Gupta and Jim Maxwell join Alison Mitchell to reflect on India versus Pakistan and debate if India are the favourites for the Cricket World Cup. We also discuss crowd numbers and the two shocks of the tournament so far.
And last time cricket was in the Olympics was in 1900 when it was a team from Great Britain who won gold. Five players in the squad were from Castle Cary Cricket club in Somerset so, with the news that cricket will be played at the 2028 Olympic Games, Stumped will hear from Paul Stanley who is their club treasurer and historian.
Photo: Nadine de Klerk of South Africa celebrates the wicket of Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka with team mate Sinalo Jafta during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup group A match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Newlands Stadium on February 10, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Credit: Getty Images)
How do you mentally prepare to win the Cricket World Cup? Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Jim Maxwell speak with the man who helped mastermind India’s 2011 World Cup victory on home soil – Paddy Upton. The mental conditioning coach takes us inside the psyche of the victorious team, discusses how to prepare to face your biggest rivals and outlines how he motivates some of the game’s greats, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Also this week, the team discuss how they mentally prepare for commentating on cricket’s biggest matches.
Plus, we meet the 21-year-old record breaker who just smashed a 29-ball century at the Marsh Cup to register the fastest hundred in one-day cricket. Jake Fraser-McGurk’s record eclipses South Africa great AB de Villiers' previous record of 31 balls.
He joins the team to explain what it felt like to break the record and his ambitions to represent Australia in all three formats of the game.
(Photo: India player Sachin Tendulkar and mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton during Indian team's practice session. Credit: Hindustan Times/Getty Images)
Over the next 46 days, the sport's biggest tournament will showcase the world's top ten 50-over teams and with India starting their campaign against Australia, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta all look ahead to the mouthwatering clash.
Plus Tim De Leede, the Netherlands most capped player with 237 appearances, joins us on the programme. He’s featured in three previous World Cups, including the 1996 tournament where India were the co-hosts. 27 years later, Tim's son, Bas is a key member of the Netherlands squad and embarking on his very first World Cup.
Have you ever wondered whether there is a connection that ties Mahatma Gandhi to cricket? Author Kausik Bandyopadhyay joins us to discuss his book, the story of the forgotten partnership. 'Mahatma on the pitch - Gandhi and cricket in India'.
Photo: A general view of the Cricket World Cup during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023. England & New Zealand Net Sessions at Narendra Modi Stadium on October 04, 2023 in Ahmedabad, India. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
Pakistan’s Nida Dar discusses her incredible year. The 36-year-old has become captain of the Pakistan Women's team, made her 100th ODI appearance for her country and broke into the top ten of the ICC All Rounder rankings. She tells Stumped about her journey to the national team and how vital next year’s launch of a Women’s Pakistan Super League will be for the growth of the sport in Pakistan.
Plus Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell react to India winning their first cricket gold medal at the Asian Games. It’s been described by Jemimah Rodrigues as one of the biggest achievements for the women’s team after they beat Sri Lanka by 19 runs in China.
Also with the Cricket World Cup only a week away and the biggest names in the sport descending on India, they discuss which players will shine and who has a point to prove.
IMAGE: Nida Dar from Pakistan reacts to bowling Maddy Green from New Zealand as Suzie Bates from New Zealand looks on during the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Hagley Oval on March 26, 2022 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Credit: Peter Meecham/Getty Images)
Stumped’s Alison Mitchell is joined by South Africa's wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock to discuss why he has decided to retire from one day cricket after the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
Plus he explains why he likes to avoid being in the limelight and his reasons for not ‘taking the knee’ with the South Africa team at the T20 World Cup two years ago.
De Kock tells Stumped that players ‘are not just pawns to Cricket South Africa’ and ‘are becoming their own bosses’.
Also on the programme, Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma reflect on India ending their five year title drought after thrashing Sri Lanka to lift the Asia Cup title.
Picture: Quinton de Kock of South Africa A looks on before the tour match between England Lions and South Africa A at New Road on June 29, 2017 in Worcester, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
In a month where South Africa's women's team toured Pakistan for the first time, we speak to interim captain Laura Wolvaardt about how she is adjusting to the role after a difficult period for South Africa with a number of retirements, including Lizelle Lee.and Dane Van Niekerk. She also gave her reaction to the fact that international match fees for women will match men for the first time in South Africa.
Virat Kohli looked back to his very best as he hit an unbeaten century to guide India to their biggest win over Pakistan in one-day internationals. Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Sunil Gupta all reflect on the Asia Cup clash and the surprise decision to add a reserve day.
Photo: Laura Wolvaardt of the Strikers bats during the Women's Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and the Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval, on November 20, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (CREDIT: Mark Evans/Getty Images)
On Stumped this week, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma speak to 16 year-old Vaishnave Mahesh who has become the youngest player, male or female to take 50 T20 international wickets and she’s still at school. The United Arab Emirates leg break bowler is also the youngest female cricketer to represent the UAE in 50 T20 international matches. Vaishnave chats about taking the record breaking delivery whilst representing her country in the T20 World Cup Asia qualifiers in Malaysia and her old teammate Mahika Gaur, who swapped her international status from the United Arab Emirates to England. With less than 4 weeks to go until the start of the Cricket World Cup we react to hosts India announcing their squad, with the inclusion of KL Rahul, despite not playing a competitive cricket match since May due to injury. Will this squad help India win a third world title with only one recognised spinner? The panel discuss. We’ll discuss the weather affected Asia Cup and why the world should be scared of Pakistan's pace attack. Plus, we’ll hear from Lydia Carrington, Edgbaston Sustainability Manager in charge of the Go Green game. Last weekend’s T20 match between England and New Zealand was the ground’s first international match run solely on renewable energy.
Sunil Narine, the Trinbago Knight Riders spinner has made unwanted history by becoming the first cricketer to receive a red card during a Caribbean Premier League match. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the new rule and whether we could see this being introduced in the Indian Premier League.The legendary England bowler Anya Shrubsole joins Stumped to reflect on the perfect final match as a cricketer, winning her maiden Hundred women’s title for Southern Brave. Anya also discusses the lack of female coaches in the game and whether they should have more support.Anya also reacts to The England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision to ensure that England women’s cricketers will receive the same match fees as the men.Photo: Referee Luis Godinho shows a red card. (Credit: Getty Images)
A post-match football game against the opposition, a beer, and a limousine drive up a mountain. That’s how New Zealand fast-bowler Neil Wagner celebrated his side’s incredible victory over England in February. Wagner took James Anderson's wicket to beat the tourists by a single run earlier this year, and two weeks later he ran alongside Kane Williamson in their final-ball victory over Sri Lanka. He joins Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta to share what it’s like to be at the heart of two of the greatest ever finishes to a Test match. Plus, with England and New Zealand set to face off in a warm-up series for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, we’ll get Wagner’s views on who the favourites are for the tournament.
We preview the Asia Cup, which finally gets under way next week following months of doubt over its location. The tournament was originally scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, but last year the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Jay Shah said that it would need to be held in a neutral venue, stating “we can't go there and they can't come here.” As a result, four matches are taking place in Pakistan with the rest hosted by Sri Lanka, including next week’s match between Pakistan and India.
Plus, Alison Mitchell speaks to the captain of the England Women’s Visually Impaired team, Kathryn Jelfs-White. Kathryn is currently leading her country in the team’s debut appearance at the IBSA World Games.
Image: New Zealand's Neil Wagner celebrates taking the final wicket of England's James Anderson to win during day five of the second cricket test match between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on February 28, 2023. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP) (Photo by MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images)
As recently as three years ago Spencer Johnson was working as a greenskeeper in Australia, supplementing his income as he recovered from a nightmare spell with injuries. Doctors had doubts over whether he would even be able to run again. Fast forward to the present day and he has just been called up for Australia’s T20 matches against South Africa, with a place at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup still a possibility should a compatriot sustain an injury. He joins Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta to share his story and hopes for the future. Having played in the inaugural Major League Cricket series in America, could a stint in the Indian Premier League be on the cards?
The team react to England men’s Test captain Ben Stokes’ decision to end his one-day international retirement and play for the reigning champions at the World Cup later this year. We also discuss the impact of his return on Harry Brook, who has been left out of the England squad for their matches against New Zealand as a result of Stokes’ inclusion.
Plus, we learn about the man with the highest first-class batting average in cricket history. Norman Callaway played one match for New South Wales in 1915 and scored 207 runs, but he went to fight in World War I shortly after and died in battle at the age of 21. Australian historian Ross McMullin has told Callaway’s story in his book ‘Life So Full of Promise: further biographies of Australia’s lost generation’, and he joins us to share more details about his life.
Image: LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Spencer Johnson of Oval Invincibles in action during The Hundred match between Oval Invincibles Men and London Spirit Men at The Kia Oval on August 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
Four-time Ashes winner Lydia Greenway joins us to discuss how she’s been working on the design of the first performance shoes for women cricketers in the UK. Due to be launched in January, Greenway says it’s a much needed development for the women’s game and may help with the prevention of injuries.
With under two months until the start of the Men's Cricket World Cup in India, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma react to Australia's preliminary squad with some surprise selections including the omission of Marnus Labuschagne.
We also reflect on the Twenty 20 international series between West Indies and India.
Photo: England's Lydia Greenway leaves the field after being dismissed by Ellyse Perry of Australia during day two of the Kia Women's Test of the Women's Ashes Series between England and Australia Women at The Spitfire Ground on August 12, 2015 in Canterbury, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sarah Ansell/Getty Images)
The England vice captain Ollie Pope joins us to reflect on a dramatic Ashes series. Pope was ruled out of the contest after dislocating his right shoulder in the second Test. He discusses his recovery and the influence of Stuart Broad on his career. Plus, he reacts to England being docked World Test Championship points for a slow over rate during the Ashes series.
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma all reflect on a pulsating Ashes series which finished all square at 2-2 after Stuart Broad on his 167th and final Test clinched victory for England in their fifth Ashes Test.
The USA Correspondent for Cricinfo, Peter Della Penna also gives us his verdict on the first edition of the Major League Cricket tournament which concluded this week with MI New York lifting the trophy.
Picture: Stuart Broad of England holds a stump following Day Five of the LV= Insurance Ashes 5th Test Match between England and Australia at The Kia Oval on July 31, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Is the two-match ban given to India captain Harmanpreet Kaur by the International Cricket Council sufficient? Jim Maxwell doesn’t think so. On this week’s Stumped, Jim states that her behaviour following her dismissal in a One Day International against Bangladesh brought the game into disrepute and he advocates for a year-long ban in addition to her being stripped of the national team captaincy. Harmanpreet hit her own stumps with her bat after being dismissed and criticised the umpires in the post-match presentation.
Australia have retained the men’s Ashes after rain decided the outcome of the fourth Test with England. Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim discuss whether poor conditions are an inevitability that Test cricket has to put up with, or whether there’s a way around it.
Plus, we meet England’s youngest ever international cricketer. Leanne Davis left exam revision behind to make her debut in an ODI against South Africa in July 2000 as a 15 year old, but she only played once more for her country. 23 years on, she’s living in Adelaide working in the non-profit sector, helping young people affected by cancer.
Image: Harmanpreet Kaur of India cuts a dejected figure following the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Semi Final match between Australia and India at Newlands Stadium on February 23, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
We’re heading to America to meet the co-owner of a Major League Cricket franchise. Anand Rajaraman is an entrepreneur who has sold businesses to Amazon and Walmart, as well as being an early investor in Facebook. His latest start-up is the San Francisco Unicorns and he aims to make cricket a mainstream American sport. The first question is: Why has he named his team after a mythical creature?
Plus, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by England fast-bowler Kate Cross following the conclusion of a thrilling Women’s Ashes. After losing the first Test and T20 of the multi-format series England looked down and out, but managed to rally and draw the series. Unfortunately for them, Australia retained the Women’s Ashes as they were the holders. We get Kate’s thoughts on her side’s performances and whether the structure of the series needs to be reviewed.
Image: Ali Khan and Nosthush Kenjige of USA make their way off following the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Zimbabwe 2023 9th and 10th Playoff match between USA and UAE at Takashinga Cricket Club on July 06, 2023 in Harare, Zimbabwe. (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell is joined by Clint Wheeldon and Sunil Gupta to reflect on an exhilarating Ashes series across both the men’s and women’s game, with more thrills still to come. England looked down and out in the women’s multi-format series after losing the one-off Test at Trent Bridge, but they have rallied and inflicted three consecutive defeats on the reigning world champions. One win from the remaining two one-day internationals would be enough for the tourist to retain the urn, but England have the momentum.
Meanwhile, the men’s Test series is delicately poised. A win for the hosts at Old Trafford would level the scores at 2-2 going into the fifth and final match at the Oval, but similarly to their female counterparts, Australia only need to draw the series to ensure that they won’t be relinquishing the Ashes. The team give their predictions on which way it will go.
Plus, Teja Nidamanuru joins us after helping the Netherlands qualify for their first 50-over World Cup in 12 years. The occasion will mean more than most for the middle-order batter as the tournament is being hosted in the country of his birth, India. He tells us about moving to New Zealand as a six-year-old, playing in England and working a full-time job to support his cricket career.
Image: England players Mark Wood (r) and Chris Woakes celebrate victory after day four of the 3rd LV= Ashes Test Match at Headingley on July 09, 2023 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Where has it all gone wrong for West Indies? Charu Sharma, Jim Maxwell and Nikesh Rughani discuss the decline of a once-great cricketing nation as they failed to reach the World Cup in India later this year. The two-time champions were beaten by Scotland, Netherlands and Zimbabwe in qualifying matches and won’t appear at a men’s 50-over World Cup for the first time ever.
The third Ashes Test between England and Australia is under way at Headlingley but the controversy of Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal in the second Test at Lord’s continues to linger. Jim gives his view on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s claim that the visitors went against the spirit of cricket.
Plus, we pay tribute to Steve Smith as the Australian plays his 100th Test match having just become one of the quickest batters to reach 9000 Test runs.
Image: HARARE, ZIMBABWE - JULY 01: Shamarh Brooks of West Indies makes their way off after being dismissed during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Zimbabwe 2023 Super 6 match between Scotland and West Indies at Harare Sports Club on July 01, 2023 in Harare, Zimbabwe. (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma all react to the landmark review into cricket in England and Wales, which says racism, sexism, classism and elitism are "widespread" throughout the sport.
We also ask, how England can find a way back against a dominant Australian team in the Women's Ashes.
With the second Test coming from the Home of Cricket at Lords, Alison Mitchell speaks to Australian legend Merv Hughes and former England pace bowler Angus Fraser on their favourite Ashes memories
And, the creator of the children's cartoon programme Bluey, Joe Brumm joins us to discuss why they included cricket into one of their episodes and how the sport is inspiring young children.
Picture - Bluey (Credit ABC)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the drama of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston - from Ben Stokes’ shock first-innings declaration, to Pat Cummins’ match winning performance with the bat to what’s next for England’s bowlers.
Plus Australia’s Usman Khawaja tells Alison Mitchell just what it was like being in the away dressing room when Cummins’ scored the winning run.
And with the Women's Ashes series underway, we hear from former England cricketer Katherine Sciver Brunt on what the sporting rivalry means to her and she calls for a worldwide effort to ensure international cricket thrives.
Photo Credit: Australia batsmen Nathan Lyon (l) and Pat Cummins celebrates after winning the match during day five of the LV= Insurance Ashes 1st Test Match between England and Australia at Edgbaston on June 20, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta meet at Lord’s to look back on the World Test Championship final and preview the upcoming Ashes series.
We’re joined at the home of cricket by former Australia opener and coach Justin Langer, who reveals the player he thinks will be the key in the men’s Ashes, what it’s like facing the very first ball of the series, and how he’s finding life after coaching.
Plus, ex England captain Clare Connor discusses her experience of being the first female president of the Marylebone Cricket Club, and tells us about the work that the club’s charitable arm is doing to improve lives all over the world.
On this week's Stumped, Jim Maxwell and Alex Hartley are at The Oval where the ICC World Test Championship Final is taking place between Australia and India. They are joined by Charu Sharma and reflect on a dominant batting display from Australia including an unbeaten 146 from Travis Head. They also debate the decision made by India to drop Ravichandran Ashwin and whether it was the right one.
The team react to the return of Moeen Ali to Test cricket for the Ashes after Jack Leach was ruled out due to a back stress fracture. Plus, how much of an advantage could Australia have in the Ashes, with former England head coach Andy Flower now among the visitors ranks in a consultancy role?
And we are joined by Kuwait's Maryam Omar who is one step closer to fulfilling her dream of playing in the Women’s Big Bash. This year she lined up alongside Sana Mir, Shabnim Ismail and Katherine Sciver-Brunt for the Sapphires squad at the Fairbreak Invitational tournament and tells us how her journey began.
Photo: Travis Head of Australia interacts with Steve Smith as he reaches his century during day one of the ICC World Test Championship Final between Australia and India at The Oval on June 07, 2023 in London, England. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma reflect on arguably the greatest Indian Premier League final ever and ask whether MS Dhoni should retire now after winning his fifth title with Chennai Super Kings? The final spanned three days after heavy rain on Sunday meant the final was held on Monday which was the reserve day. It finished at 1:35 on Tuesday morning.
Plus after Alison Mitchell’s trip to Uganda we are joined by Consy Aweko who captains the Uganda women's team to hear how cricket was established in the country and the challenges that they face. She also tells us how successful the team have been recently and their maternity policies.
Jim Maxwell shares his thoughts on how big a loss it will be for Australia in the upcoming Women’s Ashes without their captain Meg Lanning. Lanning will remain in Australia because of medical reasons.
Photo: Captain MS Dhoni of the Chennai Super Kings after their victory against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 29, 2023 in Ahmedabad, India. (Credit: Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped we are joined by one of the fastest bowlers in the women's game, Shabnim Ismail who has just retired from international cricket. South Africa made it to the 2023 World Cup Final at home in Cape Town but were narrowly beaten by Australia.In a revealing interview Ismail says that if players like Lizelle Lee, Mignon Du Preez, Trisha Chetty and Dane Van Niekerk were playing in the final, then they could have won the World Cup. All four of the players have retired from international cricket in the last twelve months.We look ahead to the final of the Indian Premier League, ask whether Chennai Super Kings can win the title for the fifth time and discuss Gujarat Titan's star player Shubman Gill. And the team debate whether Australian bowler Michael Neser should be in the Ashes squad.Photo: Photo: Shabnim Ismail of South Africa celebrates taking the wicket of Shamima Sultana of Bangladesh during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Bangladesh at Newlands Cricket Ground on February 21, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Credit: Getty Images)
Jim Maxwell catches up with Marcus Harris, who has been named in Australia’s squads for the World Test Championship final against India and the upcoming men’s Ashes series in England. Harris discusses competing with David Warner and Usman Khawaja for an opportunity to open the batting, explains why Steve Smith’s stint in the County Championship is of benefit to England just as much as it is to Australia, and rebuffs Stuart Broad’s claim that Australia’s win in the 2021 series is “void”.We also get Harris’ thoughts on England dropping wicketkeeper Ben Foakes from their Test squad to face Ireland at the start of June to make room for the return of Jonny Bairstow. Plus, Scotland’s Lorna Jack joins Jim, Charu Sharma and Nikesh Rughani to discuss becoming one of the first female cricketers in the country to receive a professional contract. Jack’s played almost 150 times for Scotland over a 16-year career. Away from cricket, she’s a police officer in Glasgow.Image: Marcus Harris of Australia poses before an Australian Nets Session at Adelaide Oval on December 15, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Following crunch talks in the United Arab Emirates, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Najam Sethi tells Alison Mitchell that there is still hope of holding the Asia Cup in Pakistan.The location of the Asia Cup has been in doubt for some time. Pakistan are due to host the tournament in September, but last year the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Jay Shah said that it would need to be held in a neutral venue, stating “we can't go there and they can't come here.”Sethi says he has presented a hybrid model to Asian Cricket Council members, which guarantees that India would not need to play any matches in Pakistan with even the final being played in a neutral venue. Sethi says that if an agreement cannot be reached there is “a very distinct possibility” that Pakistan’s government will prevent the national team from travelling to India for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in October.Sethi, who is currently chairman on an interim basis, says he expects to continue in the role for a three-year term and one of his plans is to launch a women’s league. He says he’s already in the process of sanctioning almost one billion rupees for the development of women’s cricket in Pakistan.Also on Stumped, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta pay tribute to the careers of England’s Katherine Sciver-Brunt and South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail, as the fast bowlers both announced their retirement from international cricket.Plus, we’re re-joined by former cricket journalist Jenny Thompson, who is travelling around the world to experience women’s cricket in as many different countries as she can. Since we last spoke with her in March, she has ticked off Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Korea and Papua New Guinea.
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the volume of short format cricket. While the Indian Premier League continues to flourish, there is speculation that the ECB could be about to axe The Hundred in the UK in favour of a more sustainable T20 competition.Cricket Australia have increased its salary cap in the Big Bash League to lure the top talent to the league, due to a number of overseas players quitting the league mid-season for the T20 tournaments in the UAE and South Africa. So how many competitions is too many?We hear from Australia and Sussex player Steve Smith on playing in the County Championship and whether he will change his style of batting in the Ashes. Plus we are joined by the first female member of ground staff to work at an international venue in England. Meg Lay works for Gloucestershire Cricket Club and tells us about the importance of getting more women involved in the game.Photo: Lewis Gregory and Luke Wood of Trent Rockets celebrates victory during the Hundred Final match between Trent Rockets and Manchester Originals at Lord's Cricket Ground on September 03, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
It's been a rollercoaster of a journey for Ireland since securing Test status back in 2017. Ireland have lost all five Tests they have played but this week, made history by posting their highest Test score of 492 against Sri Lanka. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta react to this achievement with Ireland's head coach Heinrich Malan.Following Mickey Arthur's appointment of Director of Cricket for Pakistan, we discuss how it will work combined with his current role as coach of Derbyshire in the County Championship and if it is a sign of how coaching will change with dual roles?We also discuss the return of Ajinkya Rahane to India’s Test team for the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia.Image: Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan before the Men's T20 International match between Ireland and New Zealand at Stormont in Belfast. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma are joined by Lawrence Booth, the editor of the Wisden Almanack. As the 160th edition is published he discusses the Wisden awards and how the book is still relevant in a digital age.Plus Sachin Tendulkar turns 50 this week. We hear from the man himself on his career highlight and the team share some of their stand-out memories of the Indian legend. His son Arjun Tendulkar made his debut in the Indian Premier League this week meaning that the Tendulkar's are the first father-son duo to play in the IPL. And we pay tribute to Aunty Faith Thomas who has died aged 90. She was the first Indigenous woman to play for Australia in any sport and represented Australia in an Ashes Test.Photo: Sachin Tendulkar is seen during the Indian Premier League Final match between the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, India. (Credit: Getty Images)
Charu Sharma, Brett Sprigg and Nikesh Rughani are joined by New Zealand umpire Kim Cotton. Kim became the first female on-field umpire to stand in a men’s international between two full-member nations. She tells us how this historic moment felt, her journey to becoming an umpire and how she is paving the way for the next generation. Plus, with the Indian Premier League in full swing, the team discuss how the tournament has unfolded. And one of Australia’s most influential player agents, Neil Maxwell has said the next phase of the IPL revolution would have players asking for permission from their Indian owners to represent Australia, not the other way around. The team debate their thoughts on whether this will happen.And with two months to go until the men's Ashes begins, Brett Sprigg assesses the mood in Australia. Photo: Match Umpire Kim Cotton signals during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final match between Australia and South Africa at Newlands Stadium on February 26, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
We hear from West Indies captain and WPL winner Hayley Matthews. She tells us that playing for her country is still her ‘number one priority’ and she speaks about the Fairbreak Invitational and the calibre of associate players in the competition. We discuss a landmark week in Australia where Cricket Australia have announced an increase in payments for all centrally contracted cricketers, with female players now set to become the nation's highest paid women's athletes in Australian team sport.And is there still a place for the physical booklet in cricket/sport when we are in a digital age? We ask this question to Ian Marshall who is the editor of the Playfair Cricket Annual. And the team debate their different preparation techniques for commentary.Photo: PAARL, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 19: Hayley Matthews of West Indies plays a shot during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup group B match between Pakistan and West Indies at Boland Park on February 19, 2023 in Paarl, South Africa. (Photo by Jan Kruger-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Please note: This programme contains references to mental health and conversations about suicide. For more support, go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health-self-harmOn this week’s Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma speak with WPL winner and New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr. She tells us why she thinks Mumbai’s success in the inaugural competition is a pivotal moment for the women’s game, and explains why she’s a mental health advocate. Last year Kerr took a seven-month break from the sport to focus on her mental wellbeing and founded the website Out of the Rough to share stories and help others.Kerr explains why it’s important to normalise conversations and remove stigma around the subject. As the IPL gets underway, the team look ahead to the 16th edition of the competition and ask if anyone can challenge the defending champion Gujarat Titans. How will Brian Lara fair as the new Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach? And we discuss the fitness of England Test captain Ben Stokes. Plus, as Stumped turns 400, we take a trip down memory lane to look back at the most memorable moments over the course of the show’s seven years (and counting).Photo: Amelia Kerr of Team New Zealand prepares to bat prior to a T20 match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on day five of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Edgbaston on August 02, 2022 on the Birmingham, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped, our very own Charu Sharma flies out to Mumbai to visit some of the game’s biggest stars as the inaugural Women’s Premier League reaches its finale. First up is Australia captain Meg Lanning, who has just led the Delhi Capitals to the first ever WPL final. She tells us that the competition is “on another level” to anything else she’s experienced, and discusses her five-month break from sport in which she worked in a café.Charu then catches up with India all-rounder Shikha Pandey, who says the introduction of the WPL means “India will probably go on and win that World Cup title”. Pandey spent ten years working as a squadron leader in the Indian Air Force, which she says shaped her as a person. She discusses the “immense pressure” on young girls in the country and hopes that the coverage of the WPL will inspire parents to encourage their daughters to pursue cricket.Image: BBC
After scoring his first Test century since November 2019, is Virat Kohli finally returning to form? The former India captain has scored a ton in three formats of the game within the last six months, having endured a century drought in the three years prior. Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell praise his performance in India’s final series match with Australia and look ahead to the World Test Championship final between the two sides in June. We also speak to a member of the Afghanistan women’s cricket team who fled the country following the takeover of the Taliban in 2021 and now resides in Melbourne, Australia. Firooza Afghan, 18, says the team have not yet received any support from the International Cricket Council and hopes that they will take action to enable them to represent Afghanistan from their base in Australia.Plus, are New Zealand rivalling England to be Test cricket’s great entertainers? Within the last month, they’ve beaten England by a single run and edged past Sri Lanka on the last ball of the match, in two of the greatest ever Test match finishes.Photo: Virat Kohli of India celebrates after scoring his century during day four of the Fourth Test match in the series between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium.(Credit: Getty Images)
The Women’s Premier League is finally underway. Sunil Gupta tells us what it is like in India, the stand out stars and the team discuss the tournament so far. Plus will the final Test match between India and Australia is underway. Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in attendance alongside India’s prime minister Narendra Modi who took part in a series of events before the Test. The team debate the pageantry and whether the World Test Championship is making Test Matches shorter.And we are joined by Jenny Thompson who is a former cricket writer and currently lives in Adelaide. She is about to begin a mammoth journey across the world to experience the impact women's cricket is making in many different countries around the world and the lessons we can all learn.Photo: Tara Norris of Delhi Capitals celebrates the wicket of Heather Knight of Royal Challengers Bangalore during the WPL 2023 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals. (Credit: Getty Images)
On this week’s episode of Stumped, Jim Maxwell tells us that he believes England would not enforce a follow-on against Australia in the Ashes. England became only the second national side ever to lose a Test match having enforced the follow-on, as New Zealand won by a single run in Wellington to draw the two-match series. Would they Brendon McCullum's side be as bold against their great rivals in an Ashes series?Charu Sharma dismisses Alyssa Healy’s claims that Harmanpreet Kaur’s run-out in India’s Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final loss to Australia was a result of “lazy running”. Australia went on to the win the tournament for a sixth time, beating South Africa in the final. We hear from South Africa’s star batter Laura Wolvaardt about the experience of playing a home World Cup.Plus the head coach of Spain, Corey Rutgers joins us to discuss his side’s dismantling of the Isle of Man. Spain bowled them out for just 10 runs, which is the lowest total ever in a men’s T20 match. They then hit two sixes from the first two legitimate balls they faced to reach their target.Image: England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes leave the field at the end day five of the Second Test Match between New Zealand and England at Basin Reserve. (Credit: Getty Images)
India have retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy after thrashing Australia in the first two Tests of the series. Jim Maxwell tells Alison Mitchell where it all went wrong for the tourists, as their attempts to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy end in premature failure. Elsewhere in India, the chairman of their national selection committee has resigned following a sting operation by a local television channel. We discuss Chetan Sharma being caught on camera talking about the likes of Virat Kohli and Sourav Ganguly. Plus, Sunil Gupta speaks to the founder of Khelo Kricket, Hadeel Obaid. It started as a website aiming to cover men’s grassroots cricket in Pakistan but has turned into an organisation which hosts tournaments for both men and women throughout the night. The player of the tournament in the first ever female edition, Fatima Sana, was named as the ICC’s Women’s Emerging Cricket of the Year in 2022.Image: Khelo Kricket
In a momentous week in women’s cricket when the Women’s Premier League Auction took place Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the big signings and the players that were unsold.Plus we are joined by Ben Gibson who is the Director of Financial Planning at UK based Wealth Management business Evelyn. He tells us how players should manage their newfound wealth. And we discuss where it has all gone wrong for New Zealand in the Women's T20 World Cup.Photo: Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur (C) of India celebrate the victory during the T20 International series between India and Australia at Dr DY Patil Cricket Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
On this week’s episode of Stumped, R Sridhar takes us into the heart of the India dressing room. The former fielding coach for the men’s national side worked alongside the likes of Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Ravi Shastri between 2014 and 2021 and in his new book, ‘Coaching Beyond: My Days with the India Cricket Team’, he reveals details of conversations between the trio which have never previously been reported. He tells us about Shastri’s integrity as head coach, Kohli’s unbeatable work rate as a player and captain, and having to keep Dhoni’s retirement a secret.Eleanor Oldroyd speaks to Pakistan all-rounder Nida Dar ahead of their Women’s T20 World Cup opener with India in South Africa. Dar, who has recently been named in the ICC’s Women’s T20I Team of the Year for 2022, says they're aiming to reach at least the semi-finals.Plus, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the thrilling Big Bash League final which saw Perth Scorchers win their fifth title.Photo: The India fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar looks on prior to game one of the Twenty20 International series between Australia and India at Manuka Oval in Canberra, Australia. (Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
India beat England by seven wickets in an exciting one-sided final held in South Africa to clinch their first world title. Could India winning the Under 19 World Cup be a landmark moment in the women's game? Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell all reflect on India's success.Kim Garth has played in two World Cups for Ireland but in 2020, she quit the country to pursue her dream of playing professional cricket in Australia – Kim joins us on the programme to discuss her move and how she's now been selected for the Australian national team that aims to defend its title at the upcoming T20 World Cup.Photo: India players celebrates after winning the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup following the 2023 final between India and England at JB Marks Oval on January 29, 2023 in Potchefstroom, South Africa. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
On this week’s episode of Stumped, Pakistan batsman Tayyab Tahir joins Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma to discuss his first call-up to the men’s national side, which he found out about when his name was read out on television. He impressed as a substitute in their One Day International series with New Zealand and is now gearing up for a debut stint in the Pakistan Super League with Karachi Kings. He tells us about his three years playing club cricket in England and sharing a dressing room with the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, Babar Azam.We also hear from the Afghanistan women’s cricketers who fled the country following the takeover of the Taliban in 2021 and have been living and playing in Australia ever since. They’ve called on the ICC to support them and have backed the Australia Cricket Board’s decision to withdraw from their ODI series with the Afghanistan men’s team.Plus, we discuss Ashleigh Gardner’s criticism of the ACB’s decision to schedule a match on Australia Day, the public holiday which marks the arrival of the first British fleet in Sydney, 235 years ago. Gardner, who is from the indigenous Muruwari people, said it is a day of “hurt”, and that the scheduling "doesn't sit well" with her or the people she is representing.Image: Credit - Billingham Synthonia Cricket Club
On this week’s episode of Stumped, Shukri Conrad joins Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta for his first interview since being appointed as the coach of South Africa men’s Test side. It’s been a disappointing period for the Proteas after heavy defeats in Australia and England, and Conrad admits that it’s not going to be easy to fix their issues. We discuss their batting frailties, whether Dean Elgar will remain as captain, and we pay tribute to legendary batsman Hashim Amla after he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.Is India’s Shubman Gill realising his potential? After coming under pressure from Ishan Kishan for his place in the side, the 23-year-old repaid the faith shown in him as he became the youngest man to score a double century in a One Day International, helping his side beat New Zealand in the process. Plus, we ask how much pressure is on Virat Kohli ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Australia?We also take a look at the competition that Sachin Tendulkar says could transform the landscape of women's cricket. The Women’s U19 T20 World Cup is in full swing, and we look back on impressive wins for Bangladesh and Rwanda, while there’s yet more Mankad controversy.Image: Dean Elgar of South Africa walk off after being dismissed during day one of the First Test match between Australia and South Africa at The Gabba on December 17, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Former Australia captain Belinda Clark joins Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma after a statue was unveiled of her at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the first of any female cricketer in the world. She gives her thoughts on the current state of the women’s game, including Meg Lanning’s return to the Australia side after a five month break, and the upcoming inaugural women’s edition of the Indian Premier League.With just months to go until the start of the Women’s IPL, uncertainty remains over just about every detail…including the name! Charu brings us up to speed on the latest developments.We also discuss the news that Australia have withdrawn from their ODI series with Afghanistan, following the Taliban's recent announcement regarding further restrictions on women and girls' education and employment. The chief executive of the International Cricket Council, Geoff Allardice, has told the BBC that no women’s or girl’s cricket is being played in the country to their knowledge.Image: Belinda Clark poses for a photo with her newly revealed statue during day two of the Second Test match in the series between Australia and South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 05, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are at the Sydney Cricket Ground as Australia take on South Africa in their third and final Test Match of the series. They are joined by Sunil Gupta and debate how cricket should tackle the problem of bad light and ask whether a pink ball should be used? Jim is also full of praise for Steve Smith who has now scored 30 Test centuries to surpass Sir Donald Bradman.The team discuss the player's that hit the headlines and the stars that missed out at the Indian Premier League mini auction and wish Indian star Rishabh Pant all the best after he sustained injuries in a car crash at the end of 2022. Plus we are joined by Clare Johnston who was the first female accredited cricket bat maker in the world. She lives in Australia and tells us about the importance of making specialist bats for female cricketers and her hopes for the future.Photo: Steve Smith of Australia celebrates after reaching their half century during day two of the Second Test match in the series between Australia and South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 05, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma take a look back at the best of Stumped in 2022. The show features an interview with former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist on his dear friend Shane Warne who died in March 2022. He shares his memories of playing alongside him and what made Warne such a special player and person. Plus we hear from the stand out star of the English Men's Test Summer, Jonny Bairstow. We go back to the morning of the 24th of February. This was the day Russia invaded Ukraine and the Chief Executive of the Ukraine Cricket Federation, Kobus Olivier joined us to share what was happening in the country and how he has been spearheading Ukraine's drive to become an associate member of the International Cricket Council.One half of Australian cricket's power couple, Alyssa Healy, tells us what life is really like living with her husband Mitchell Starc and whether she would face him in the nets. Photo: Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne of Australia pose with a replica Ashes Urn after securing victory on day five of the third Ashes Test Match between Australia and England at the WACA on December 18, 2006 in Perth, Australia. Australia's victory in the third Test Match means they regain the Ashes. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by Adelaide Strikers Head Coach Jason Gillespie. His side created history by bowling out Sydney Thunder for just 15 runs in the Big Bash. He discusses the future of the BBL and the growth of T20 cricket around the world. He also tells us how he thinks England men will get on in next year's Ashes, pays tribute to his dear friend Shane Warne and shares who inspires him the most as a coach.Plus we discuss the incredible Test debut of England's 18 year old Rehan Ahmed who became the youngest Test cricketer to take a five-wicket haul on debut.And Charu Sharma tells us that England's Sophie Ecclestone is the finest spinner right now in women's cricket.Photo: Jason Gillespie, coach of the Strikers looks on from the dugout during the Big Bash League match between the Perth Scorchers and the Adelaide Striker. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss which Test side should be the most confident going into 2023 and who should be the most worried. South Africa sit second in the table with Sri Lanka third but have England left it too late to make it to the final? They sit in fifth. The team talk about England winning their first Test series in Pakistan since 2001, Australia beating the West Indies and the first day of the first Test Match between Bangladesh and India.After India women inflicted Australia's first defeat in 21 matches, we ask whether this could be a turning point for the side and debate whether it is healthy for the India Women's team to have no permanent head coach. Plus we hear the second part of our interview with West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul who tells us the difference between coaching men’s and women’s cricket and the egos involved.Photo: Marnus Labuschagne of Australia celebrates making his century during day one of the Second Test Match in the series between Australia and the West Indies at Adelaide Oval on December 08, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are in Adelaide where Australia are taking on the West Indies in their second and final Test Match of the series. Tagenarine Chanderpaul made his Test debut for the West Indies last week scoring a maiden half century following in his father's footsteps. Sunil Gupta has spoken to his father, the legendary Shivnarine Chanderpaul on what it was like to witness this. They both share the same unique stance at the crease and Shivnarine tells us how that came about. Plus he also tells us about being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. On the eve of Australia’s Test Match against the West Indies, David Warner announced that he had withdrawn his application to have his lifetime captaincy ban removed. Jim Maxwell tells us his thoughts on the decision.The team also discuss England’s remarkable Test Match win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi and ask if England Captain Ben Stokes was brave or reckless with his declaration?Photo: Tagenarine Chanderpaul of the West Indies is presented his cap by Brian Lara during day one of the First Test match between Australia and the West Indies at Optus Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
The Men's Australian Summer has begun with a Test Match against the West Indies. Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell have watched the first two days including two double centuries from Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. Plus the tell us about the confident debut from Tagenarine Chanderpaul, the son of legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul.England have returned to Pakistan to play a Test Match series for the first time in 17 years, but after four centuries were scored on day one, we discuss whether it was brilliant batting or a poor pitch? And it was third time lucky for the Adelaide Strikers who have finally won their first Women's Big Bash championship and stunned the Sydney Sixers with a 10-run triumph in the final. We are joined by opening batter Katie Mack. Steve Smith of Australia celebrates scoring a double century during day two of the First Test match between Australia and the West Indies at Optus Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Geoff Lemon and Sunil Gupta are joined by England women’s captain Heather Knight to preview their tour to the Caribbean and discuss her comeback from injury. She tells us about meeting their new coach, Jon Lewis.
The Hundred will return for its third season with the first women's player draft in a major UK sport. the team debate whether this is a step forward in the women’s game.
And Suryakumar Yadav has been stealing the headlines after hitting 111 in just 51 balls against New Zealand. Sunil Gupta tells us more about this next Indian star.
Photo: Heather Knight of England looks on during Day Four of the Kia Women's Test Match between England Women and Australia Women at The Cooper Associates County Ground on July 21, 2019 in Taunton, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma reflect on England winning the Men’s T20 World Cup and speak to World Cup winner Tymal Mills. Plus we discuss Pakistan’s disappointment and ask where it has all gone wrong for India?
And Alison Mitchell will be speaking to England 50 over World Cup winner Liam Plunkett about the launch of Major League Cricket in America as he signs up to play in the league which begins next year.
Plus the team debate what is better, white ball or red ball only contracts.
Photo: Ben Stokes of England celebrates victory following during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final match between Pakistan and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 13, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell reflect on Pakistan’s journey to the final of the Men’s T20 World Cup.
We are joined by Netherlands coach Ryan Cook who tells us about their victory over South Africa. It was a win which had a huge impact on the tournament as a whole, and it also guaranteed the Dutch their place at the next T20 World Cup in 2024.
Jim Maxwell also gives his thoughts on Australia's exit from the T20 World Cup.
Image: Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam of Pakistan celebrate after winning by 10 wickets following the ICC Men's T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta are joined by one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time and former captain of Pakistan, Wasim Akram. He speaks to us about his autobiography discussing the highlights of his career, plus detailing his cocaine addiction and his time in rehab. Wasim also addressed allegations of match-fixing during his career again denying any involvement in corruption. In 2000, Pakistan players Saleem Malik and Ata-ur-Rehman were banned for match-fixing. A report into the scandal by Justice Malik Qayyum found Wasim not guilty of match-fixing but did recommend that he be fined and not allowed to captain Pakistan because he refused to cooperate and "cannot be said to be above suspicion".
Plus the team debate why this Men's T20 World Cup is the most open competition we have seen for a while and who their stand out performers have been.
Photo: Pakistan`s bowler Wasim Akram celebrates the runout of England batsman Graham Thorpe (not in picture) during the 3rd day of the 2nd test match at Old Trafford in Manchester, 02 June 2001. (Credit: MARTYN HARRISON/AFP via Getty Images)
Has there ever been a better T20 match than the one between India and Pakistan? Jim Maxwell reckons it was “the greatest sporting event ever staged on neutral territory”.
We'll reflect on the T20 World Cup match that had it all, as India registered another win over their great rivals, thanks to Virat Kohli's brilliance. Alison Mitchell and Charu Sharma also discuss England's shock loss to Ireland, as well as Marcus Stoinis' match-winning knock for Australia.
Plus we're joined by the first black cricketer to play for England, Roland Butcher, as we mark the UK's Black History Month.
Image: India's Virat Kohli (L) celebrates their win during the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup 2022 cricket match between India and Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on October 23, 2022. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
On this week’s episode of Stumped, should cricket care where its funding comes from?
The International Cricket Council have announced a partnership with a Saudi state-owned oil company, raising issues of both sustainability and an association with a country that has a poor human rights record. Alison Mitchell finds out more from the BBC’s Sports Editor, Dan Roan.
Elsewhere, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the stand-off between India and Pakistan, which could see the latter boycott next year’s 50-over World Cup.
Plus, we’ll pick out our best moments from the group stage of the men’s T20 World Cup, including shock wins for Namibia and Scotland, as well as a rare hat-trick.
Image: The Saudi national flag flutters at the historical site of al-Tarif in Diriyah district, on the outskirts of Saudi capital Riyadh, on November 20, 2020. - Saudi Arabia hosts the G20 summit on November 21 in a first for an Arab nation, with the downsized virtual forum dominated by efforts to tackle a resurgent coronavirus pandemic and crippling economic crisis. (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)
It’s been an incredible turnaround for Josh Hazlewood. Between March 2016 and September 2020, the fast bowler did not play in a T20 match for Australia. Now, ahead of the start of this year’s T20 World Cup, Hazlewood is ranked as the world’s best T20 bowler. He sits down with Alison Mitchell to discuss his rise to the top and the impact of the Indian Premier League on his career.
We also preview the start of the tournament, which gets under way in Australia this weekend. Will the hosts retain their title? Could India win it for the first time in 15 years? Or will there be a surprise winner? Charu Sharma and Brett Sprigg share their thoughts and predictions.
Image: Josh Hazlewood of Australia fields off his own bowling during game one of the One Day International Series between Australia and New Zealand at Cazaly's Stadium on September 06, 2022 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped, Alison Mitchell speaks to England cricketer Jonny Bairstow about the highs and lows of 2022. The batter has been ruled out of this month’s T20 World Cup after breaking his leg in a golfing accident, but has just been awarded the Bob Willis Trophy, which is given to England’s best cricketer each year.
Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta discuss another star who won't be at the World Cup, India’s Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowler will miss the tournament with a back injury, but is Ravindra Jadeja an even bigger loss to Rahul Dravid’s side?
Plus, we speak to Ireland captain Laura Delany after her team qualified for next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Image: Jonathan Bairstow of England celebrates reaching his century with Joe Root during day five of Fifth LV= Insurance Test Match between England and India at Edgbaston on July 05, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Which side are you on? In the eyes of many, it is seen as unsporting manner despite being perfectly within the laws of cricket, is a run out at the non striker end deemed acceptable? Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma all discuss the controversy surrounding England's third One Day International against India.
After leading Australia to gold at this year's Commonwealth Games, Shelley Nitschke has been appointed Head Coach on a permanent basis. Shelley joins us on the programme to discuss a new era for the women's national team.
We also pay tribute to arguably the best fast bowler women's cricket has seen, India’s Jhulan Goswami who was playing in her 204th and final one-day international.
Picture Credit:- Charlie Dean of England shakes hands with Deepti Sharma of India and the India team after she was Run Out, Mankad, by Deepti Sharma of India during the 3rd Royal London ODI match between England and India at Lord's Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, we speak to a journalist staying in England’s team hotel during their first tour of Pakistan for 17 years. Nick Hoult, the chief cricket correspondent for the Telegraph, shares his experience of watching England’s win in Karachi with security armed with sniper rifles surrounding the press box.
We also discuss the inaugural auction for Cricket South Africa's SA20 league and ask whether the inexperienced Tristan Stubbs is worthy of being the most expensive player in the competition.
Plus, we hear about what cricket's like in the small European country of Montenegro. The national side even boast a former English Premier League footballer amongst its ranks!
Photo: Moeen Ali of England and Babar Azam of Pakistan are seen at the toss ahead of the 1st IT20 match between Pakistan and England at Karachi National Stadium on September 20, 2022 in Karachi, Pakistan. (Credit: Getty Images)
On this week’s episode of Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, we remember Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, who died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
We hear from the former England captain Charlotte Edwards, who shares her memories of meeting Her Majesty the Queen and how she taught the Queen all about the decision review system.
Former Indian wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer also tells us his unique experience of when the Queen revealed his wife had given birth to a baby daughter.
We also discuss Sri Lanka's surprise Asia Cup win following their victory over Pakistan in the final.
Photo: South Africa huddle during Day Four of the Third LV= Insurance Test Match between England and South Africa at The Kia Oval on September 11, 2022 in London, England. (Credit: Getty Images for Surrey CCC)
On this week’s episode of Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, we react to Zimbabwe’s shock win over Australia. It’s the first time that they have beaten Australia on their own soil. We speak to Zimbabwe’s man of the match Ryan Burl, who took five wickets for just ten runs.
We’re also joined by England bowler Mark Wood ahead of the release of his self-help book, The Wood Life! The team get a few life lessons from the man who England’s Test captain Ben Stokes describes as a “32-year-old going on 16”.
Plus, after the second season of The Hundred came to an end, we assess the success of the competition.
Zimbabwe's Ryan Burl acknowledges the crowd after taking five wickets during the third one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Australia and Zimbabwe at the Riverway Stadium in Townsville on September 3, 2022. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) /
On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, we speak to the former South Africa captain and commissioner of the new SA20 league, Graeme Smith.
Smith says he hopes that the league will become the second best league in the world behind the Indian Premier League, and says that despite all six of the teams being owned by IPL franchise owners, the league is open for Pakistani cricketers to participate in.
Plus, our very own Charu Sharma sends us a message from his trip to cover cricket in Kenya.
Image: LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Television presenter and ICC commentator Graeme Smith before the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between England and South Africa at The Oval on May 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo Visionhaus/Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, we speak to Pakistan’s white-ball vice-captain Shadab Khan ahead of the Asia Cup. The 23-year-old says the tournament is ideal preparation for the T20 World Cup in October and claims that his team-mate and captain Babar Azam has now overtaken India legend Virat Kohli as the world’s best batsman across all formats of the game.
Plus the chief executive of Cricket Namibia, Johan Muller tells us about cricket’s development and popularity in Namibia during what has been described as a “golden era” for the country.
On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, we speak to the self-proclaimed Universe Boss…Chris Gayle! The West Indies legend is the ambassador for a quirky new tournament called The 6ixty, which takes place in the Caribbean next week.
We find out why we should be excited about a competition with some very peculiar new rules, including a mid-game fan vote on a free hit.
We also get the 42-year-old's views on the future of cricket, plus we'll find out how long he wants to continue playing for.
IMAGE: Chris Gayle of West Indies looks on ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Sheikh Zayed stadium on November 04, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Gareth Copley-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Australia’s domination of the women’s game continues! Aside from winning both the T20 and ODI formats of the World Cup, as well as being the holders of the Ashes, they are now Commonwealth Games gold medallists! We find out what makes them so successful from bowler Megan Schutt.
We discuss Trent Boult's decision to opt out of his international contract with New Zealand in order to spend more time with his family and play in domestic leagues around the world.
Plus, we reflect on the life and legacy of legendary South African umpire Rudi Koertzen, following his death at the age of 73.
IMAGE: Megan Schutt and Meg Lanning of Team Australia celebrate after winning the gold medal following the Cricket T20 - Gold Medal match between Team Australia and Team India on day ten of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Edgbaston on August 07, 2022 on the Birmingham, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Isabelle Westbury, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, how did Pakistan's women go from having never played an international match to the Commonwealth Games in the space of 25 years? We’ll find out the answer from journalist and author, Aayush Puthran, who has written a book on the subject.
We'll also discuss whether the world's best cricketers could soon be contracted all year round by Indian Premier League franchises and what the impact of that would be on the international game.
Plus we reflect on the career of West Indies star Deandra Dottin after she announced her international retirement.
Image: Pakistan pose for a team photo during the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Hagley Oval on March 26, 2022 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, the reigning One-Day international cricketer of the year, Lizelle Lee explains why she chose to retire from international cricket in the middle of South Africa’s tour of England. The 30 year old reveals failing a weight test was a significant factor in her decision and says Cricket South Africa threatened to deny her an NOC to participate in the T20 leagues around the world. Lee, who’s shock decision means she misses out on the Commonwealth Games, also discusses whether cricketers need to look a certain way and if we should change the way we view fitness in cricket. (You will also hear Cricket South Africa's right of reply, in response to Lizelle Lee's interview)
Lizelle Lee of the Stars prepares to bat during the Women's Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Thunder at Horwall Oval on December 16, 2017 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma we look ahead to the Commonwealth Games with New Zealand star Suzie Bates. 14 years after representing her country in basketball at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008, she says helping the White Ferns to medal in Birmingham would be a career highlight.
Plus, after England's Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from one-day internationals, we debate whether players are being asked to play too much cricket.
Image: Suzie Bates of New Zealand reacts to a boundary during the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between New Zealand and England at Eden Park on March 20, 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, we discuss Sri Lanka's heroic win over Australia to draw the Warne-Muralitharan trophy, amid a political and economic crisis within the country. Is the honeymoon period over for Australia captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald after they suffered their first Test defeat in their new roles?
We speak to the newly appointed president of FICA, former Australia captain Lisa Sthalekar, on what it means to be the first woman in the position and her goals while in the role.
Plus, how do you hit a six in indoor cricket? With the Indoor World Cup coming up in October, we learn all about the rules of the sport with Australia's Clive Rose.
IMAGE: Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya celebrates after taking six wickets during the fourth day of the second cricket Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on July 11, 2022. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA / AFP) (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, are England the most feared side in Test cricket? After earning their fourth consecutive victory in the rearranged Test with India, the sky looks to be the limit for Brendon McCullum's side.
We hear from former South African spinner Robin Peterson after Stuart Broad broke his record for the most runs conceded in one over in Test history. The England bowler conceded 35 runs with India captain Jasprit Bumrah at the crease.
Plus the chief executive of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, Heath Mills tells us more about the landmark equal pay deal for the country's male and female professional cricketers.
Image: India Captain Jasprit Bumrah gestures ahead of day five of Fifth LV= Insurance Test Match between England and India at Edgbaston on July 05, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, we’re joined by Australian international Lauren Cheatle as she eyes a return to cricket. After two surgeries to remove early-stage skin cancer and a fourth shoulder reconstruction, the 23-year-old is aiming to return for the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League in October.
We reflect on Eoin Morgan’s international retirement, his legacy as a World Cup-winning skipper and ask whether Jos Buttler is the right man to replace him as England’s white-ball captain. Plus we discuss India’s re-arranged Test with England, ten months on from its original date.
Photo: Lauren Cheatle of the Sixers celebrates dismissing Grace Harris of the Heat during the Women's Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and the Sydney Sixers. (Credit: Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta we ask whether you would rather miss the birth of your first child or have the chance to play in a World Cup? For Australian international Dan Christian that was a dilemma he had to consider. He joins us to discuss his book ‘The All-Rounder’, in which he documents a chaotic year of dodging Covid-19 and travelling the world playing cricket.
Plus we’ll catch up with the chief executive of the Ukraine Cricket Federation, Kobus Olivier. Kobus spoke to Stumped in February on the day Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. He has since fled his home in Kyiv and started a new life teaching refugees how to play cricket in Croatia. We’ll also look ahead to South Africa women’s first Test match in over seven years.
Image: Dan Christian of the Sixers celebrates the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat at Metricon Stadium, on January 10, 2021, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma look back at England’s dramatic final day victory over New Zealand in the second Test at Trent Bridge. We discuss Jonny Bairstow’s history-making second innings knock as he hit the second-fastest century by an England batter in Test cricket, making 136 from 92 balls.
And we hear from Netherlands head coach Ryan Campbell, who in April was placed in an induced coma for seven days after suffering an unexplained cardiac arrest. The Australian won’t be in charge of his side when they face England’s ODI side in a three-match series, but the team find out about his recovery and when he aims to be back in charge of his team.
Photo: England batsman Jonny Bairstow celebrates his century during day five of the Second Test Match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma discuss the future of Test cricket following comments made by the ICC chairman, Greg Barclay who’s questioned the direction of the longest format of the game, particularly in women’s cricket.
The team celebrate Joe Root’s milestone moment during the first Test with New Zealand at Lord’s, becoming the 14th player to reach 10,000 Test runs and ask if the former England captain could surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s run record.
We wave goodbye to another Indian legend, as Mithali Raj announces her retirement from international cricket. Plus we speak to the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation after they received a global award from the ICC for their efforts to use cricket as a tool for good.
Photo: Joe Root of England is applauded all the way back into the pavilion after steering England to victory during Day 4 of the First Test match between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by South Africa’s David Miller, days after he helped Gujarat Titans win the Indian Premier League in their first ever season. He tells us about the change in mentality which helped him to top the batting charts, the influence of his captain Hardik Pandya, and his hopes of winning the T20 World Cup later this year.
We cross to Sri Lanka as Australia prepare to touch down for an all-format series in the midst of a political and economic crisis in the country, and the team also discuss why England couldn’t sell out Lord’s for the first Test match of the Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum era.
IMAGE: David Miller of South Africa looks on ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup match between England and SA at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
On this week’s BBC Stumped with Charu Sharma, Alex Hartley and Jim Maxwell, we discuss the Indian Premier League as the competition reaches its climax. Who has caught their eye? Which franchises have failed to reach the heights expected of them? Has the introduction of two new franchises been a success?
The team discuss the state of the women’s game. Is it the last year of the Women’s T20 Challenge before a possible long-awaited Women’s IPL is launched next year?
Award-winning journalist Tim Wigmore joins the team to discuss the release of his new book Crickonomics: The Anatomy of Modern Cricket finding new angles to the sport through statistics.
(Photo: Chennai Super Kings players celebrate with the trophy after the IPL Twenty20 cricket final match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Credit:AFP/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma are joined by New Zealand legend Ross Taylor following his retirement from international cricket. We discuss Ross’ journey through the sport, his departure from the New Zealand captaincy, the high of winning the World Test Championship and the low of the 2019 World Cup final defeat. Plus we get his thoughts on the new England men’s Test coach – his former team-mate – Brendon McCullum.
The team also discuss England’s new white-ball coach Matthew Mott as well as reflecting on the death of former Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds.
IMAGE: Ross Taylor of New Zealand celebrates his century during game two of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Hagley Oval. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma react to Brendon McCullum's appointment as England's new Test cricket coach. The former New Zealand captain has signed a four-year deal to succeed Chris Silverwood, who left his position in February.
The team speak to two-time World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole and find out whether the former England bowler is happy with her decision to retire from international cricket.
Plus we meet Luke Georgeson, the all-rounder who switched his allegiance from New Zealand to Ireland before having a change of heart and switching back just two weeks later.
IMAGE: New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum rings the 5-minute bell before the start of play on day three of the 3rd Investec Test match between England and Sri Lanka at Lord's Cricket Ground. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma find out more about the man touted as India’s next star. Umran Malik, an uncapped 22-year-old, has taken the Indian Premier League by storm with the fastest bowling and best bowling figures in the competition this year.
The team attempt to learn what an NFT is and ask why we’re starting to see them in the world of cricket, as we speak to the co-founder of the world’s first licensed digital collectibles platform for cricket.
We also react to the news that the man heralded as “the Father of Cricket” WG Grace, has had a couple of centuries taken off him, despite his last innings coming over one hundred years ago.
IMAGE: DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma, we discuss the announcement of Ben Stokes as England’s new Test captain.
The team meet Britain’s oldest cricket umpire, Keith Dibb who at 86 years old is showing no signs of slowing down. Dibb has even had surgery on his shoulders to ensure he can keep signalling outs and sixes!
And Bhutan’s vice captain Anju Gurung tells us about her cricket journey as she prepares to take part in the FairBreak Invitational alongside some of the biggest stars in the women’s game.
IMAGE: Ben Stokes of England during day four of the tour match between West Indies President's XI and England XI at Coolidge Cricket Ground on March 04, 2022 in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by Lawrence Booth, the editor of arguably the most famous sports book in the world. The 159th edition of the Wisden Almanack has just been released and Lawrence shares which cricketer has been named the leading cricketer of the year and women’s cricketer of 2021.
Plus with the ever changing set up in English men's cricket we debate who should be the next captain and the next coach of the national side and which one should take priority.
And we discuss the Indian Premier League as the competition reaches the halfway stage. The last five winner have been either the Chennai Super Kings or the Mumbai Indians, yet this season Chennai and Mumbai sit bottom of the table with only one win from 12 matches between them. Conversely the new teams Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans are top of the table with 9 wins out of 12. We debate why this could be the case.
Photo: England captain Joe Root waits for the toss ahead of day one of the 3rd Test match between the West Indies and England at National Cricket Stadium on March 24, 2022 in Grenada, Grenada. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Matt Clinch are joined by Australian superstar Alyssa Healy.
She currently tops the ICC Women's One Day International player rankings and most recently smashed 170 runs in the World Cup final to help Australia win their seventh World Cup title. She tells us all about that final, how she felt playing her shots and how special it was to play after carrying drinks in the 2013 World Cup.
She also tells us about the dominance of Australian cricket, the possibility of a women's Indian Premier League and her family’s influence on her life.
We also hear what comes first in her life; cricket, golf, her dogs or her husband... Australian bowler Mitchell Starc.
Photo: Alyssa Healy of Australia poses with the World Cup trophy in front of fans after Australia won the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Final match between Australia and England in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Credit: Getty Images)
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Did you know the Rajasthan Royals have a cricket academy based in Cornwall, South West of England? That’s right!
On this week’s BBC Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell are joined by Sean Hooper, the head coach of the new academy, to discuss how the affiliation with the IPL franchise came about.
We also discuss Australia’s dominance in the women’s game, after beating England in the Women’s World Cup Final, plus we discuss The Hundred draft and whether the format has global appeal.
Photo: A group of spectators make their way to the cricket as Truro Cathedral is seen in the background during the 4th NatWest International One Day match between England Women and India Women at Truro Cricket Club on July 8, 2012 in Truro, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Jim Maxwell. We remember Australia cricket legend Shane Warne after his emotional memorial service.
Plus we preview the Women’s World Cup Final. Can Australia can win nine matches out of nine to lift the trophy? Have England peaked at the right time? Sunil Gupta also tells us the reaction to India’s early exit from the competition.
After England men were beaten 1-0 against the West Indies we ask if it is the right time to appoint a new captain or if the team should wait for a permanent coach?
Photo: Meg Lanning, Captain of Australia(L) and Heather Knight, Captain of England look on during the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 match between England and Australia at The Brightside Ground on July 9, 2017 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
The Indian Premier League begins this weekend and Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Sunil Gupta preview the latest season by analysing the two new teams entering the competition and debate how the Royal Challengers Bangalore will fare without Virat Kohli as captain.
Plus with a much changed England Test team currently facing the West Indies in the Caribbean, we head back to 1953 when the action was not quite as amicable. Who Only Cricket Know tells the story of the second most controversial tour in English cricket history both on and off the field. We are joined by the author Doctor David Woodhouse.
We are joined by former England, Surrey and Sussex bowler Stuart Meaker who is currently in Poland trying to help refugees from Ukraine by helping with Visa's and delivering supplies.
Photo: MS Dhoni of the Chennai Super Kings hits another six during the 2010 Airtel Champions League Twenty20 final match between Chennai Super Kings and Chevrolet Warriors from Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether England have left it too little too late in the Women's World Cup and whether Australia are the real deal.
Deandre Dottin, Harmanpreet Kaur and Mignon Du Preez are just some of the biggest names to sign up to a brand new women's cricket tournament featuring players from as many as 36 countries including Bhutan, Vanuatu and Germany. The Fair Break Invitational is a women’s T20 cricket tournament which will be played in Dubai and contested by six teams featuring world-renowned players. The team hear from the man behind the tournament Shaun Martyn.
And we look back on the remarkable second test match between Pakistan and Australia which resulted in an incredible draw and congratulate England captain Joe Root who has scored his ninth century since the start of 2021.
Photo: Deandra Dottin of the West Indies celebrates after taking the wicket of Fran Jonas of New Zealand during the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between New Zealand and the West Indies. (Credit: Getty Images)
A week on from when news first broke about Shane Warne’s sudden death Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma pay tribute to the 'King of Spin'.
He was known as cricket's greatest ever leg-spinner, arguably cricket's greatest bowler and surpassed only by Sir Donald Bradman as Australia's greatest cricketer. Shane Warne took 708 Test wickets, the second most of all time, in 145 matches across a stellar 15-year international career.
Keeping wicket to Warne from 1999 through to the end of his international career was Adam Gilchrist and he joins the team to share his memories of playing alongside him and gives us an insight into the player, man and friend he was.
Photo: Shane Warne of Australia celebrates his 700th test wicket after he bowled Andrew Strauss of England during day one of the fourth Ashes Test Match between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, 2006. (Credit: Getty Images)
A 2018 interview with Australia's legendary bowler Shane Warne, who has died from a suspected heart attack aged 52.
Australian legend Shane Warne takes a look back at his cricketing career, from taking 708 wickets in 145 Tests for Australia to bowling the most famous delivery of all time: the Ball of the Century.
Photo: Former Australia and Rajasthan Royals player Shane Warne poses for a photo in 2019. (Credit: Getty Images for Rajasthan Royals)
As the Women’s World Cup gets underway Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell hear from the Chief Executive of the competition Andrea Nelson. She tells us about the challenges that this tournament has thrown her way, the increase in prize money, domestic women’s cricket in New Zealand and the legacy that she hopes will be left behind.
Plus, as Australia's men tour Pakistan for the first time since 1998, we preview the series and ask how much of a test this will be for both sides.
With the unprecedented new ruling that will allow teams to field backroom staff members as substitute fielders in the Women's World Cup we debate which players we would bring out of retirement and put back on the pitch.
Photo: Image: 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Captain's Media Opportunity at the Antigua Boat Sheds on February 25, 2022 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell speak to the chief executive of the Ukraine Cricket Federation, Kobus Olivier, as Russia launches a major military assault on the country. Olivier has been working to secure Ukraine associate member status from the International Cricket Council, which he says could be just months away.
Plus the Stumped team also discuss the latest changes to the structure of India’s men’s Test cricket team, with Rohit Sharma named as Virat Kohli’s captaincy successor, and we continue our preview of the Women’s World Cup.
(Photo: Ukraine's biggest flag flies some 90 metres above the city as it has been installed on the eve of State Flag Day, which is marked on 23 August and the Independence Day on 24 August. Credit: Aleksandr Gusev/Getty Images)
After IPL auctioneer Hugh Edmeades collapsed on the first day of the IPL mega auction our very own Charu Sharma stepped in to take over. Charu tells Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell all about the experience. Plus we debate which teams came out on top, how the new franchises will fare and why some players weren't selected.
Australia World Cup and Ashes winner Alex Blackwell joins us to discuss her new book Fair Game which outlines the battles she faced on and off the cricket pitch as the first openly gay Australian female player.
And we hear the first part of our interview with Pakistan Women’s ODI captain Bismah Maroof. She tells us about returning to captain the national side for the Women’s World Cup after becoming a mother and the importance of being role models to young Pakistan women.
Image Left: Stumped presenter Charu Sharma during Bid and Hammer exhibition on January 15, 2008 in New Delhi, India. (Photo by Dijeshwar Singh/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) Image Right: India's Ishan Kishan plays a shot during the warmup cricket match between India and England for the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai on October 18, 2021. (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP) (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images)
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Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the resignation of Australia Men’s Head Coach Justin Langer. They look at his legacy and the power play between himself and his players.
Plus this week they are joined by John Buchanan, the former Australia coach from 1999 to 2007 who lead the side to multiple World Cup and Ashes wins. He also coached Justin Langer during this time and shares his experiences of him as a player and who his front-runners are for the vacancy.
England have chosen to drop both Stuart Broad and James Anderson from their tour to the West Indies and with the team also looking for a new head coach we ask whether we are entering a new era for English cricket?
Photo: Justin Langer Head Coach of Australia watches on during an Australian Ashes squad nets session at Blundstone Arena on January 12, 2022 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
On this week’s BBC Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell. We speak to the Unmukt Chand, the cricketer once touted as the next Virat Kohli, about leaving his homeland in search of better opportunities and becoming the first Indian man to play in the Big Bash League in Australia. BCCI rules state any Indian player, contracted or non-contracted is not allowed to play any franchise cricket outside of India. Chand won the Under 19’s World Cup with India in 2012, but now ten years on is living in the USA and recently made his debut for the Melbourne Renegades.
Plus the fallout continues from England’s 4-0 thrashing by Australia in the Men’s Ashes. We discuss the news that Ashley Giles is leaving his role as England's managing director of men's cricket.
We also debate whether there should be more Test matches in the women’s game following the thrilling draw between England and Australia.
JANUARY 19: Unmukt Chand of the Renegades bats during the Men's Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and the Melbourne Renegades at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on January 19, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan Di Maggio/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell & Charu Sharma, we take a look at the state of play in the Women’s Ashes so far, debate the maiden use of DRS in the competition and ask if the format works.
As the ICC name their cricketing achievements of the year, we celebrate Pakistan cricket after they picked up four awards.
We are joined by a Guinness World Record holder who has successfully achieved the highest catch of a cricket ball ever. Plus after an autograph book was found in Somerset containing signatures from the ‘golden age’ of cricket, we share our autograph stories.
Photo: Rachael Haynes of Australia is congratulated by Meg Lanning after reaching her half century during day one of the Women's Ashes Test match. (Credit: Getty Images)
Virat Kohli has been Test captain of India for seven years but this week announced that he would be resigning his position. Charu Sharma, Jim Maxwell and Nikesh Rughani are joined by the former India Test Cricketer and current National Selector and President of the Indian Cricketers Association Ashok Malhotra. He tells us whether he thinks Kohli 'jumped before he was pushed' and his prediction for who will fill his shoes.
Plus, from one outgoing captain to potentially another. The current England men’s captain Joe Root says he wants to stay on, but we debate whether this really is the best choice after a 4-0 thrashing by Australia in the Men's Ashes.
Photo: India captain Virat Kohli during the post match presentations after winning the Fourth LV= Insurance Test Match between England and India at The Kia Oval on September 06, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
On this week’s BBC Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell:
We discuss the drama of Test cricket after England salvaged some pride with a draw on the final day of the fourth Ashes Test, Virat Kohli impresses on his return for India against South Africa and we discuss Tom Latham’s knock of 252 for New Zealand.
Plus we speak to the Australian school boy who after finding himself bored of his card games during lockdown, decided to invent his own-focused on his biggest passion, cricket. It’s been a difficult few years for Ollie Hely and his family after their mum lost her battle with cancer in 2020. Ollie has chosen to give 50% of any profits from the cards to charity.
Photo: Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad of England walk off after the match ended in a draw on day five of the Fourth Test Match in the Ashes series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 09, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
On this Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell, we look back as Bangladesh shocked the cricket world beating the reigning World Test champions, New Zealand by eight wickets in the opening Test at Mount Maunganui. Former Bangladesh player Shahriar Nafees joins us to explain the significance of the victory - their first against the Black Caps in any form of the game.
As England's struggles continue in the fourth Test at the SCG, we discuss the current coaching set up, and if any changes will be made, plus we discuss a dream return to Test cricket for Usman Khawaja as he hit 137 in the fourth Test against England, and we debate what the future holds for India bowler Shardul Thakur after his star performance against South Africa in the second Test.
And we go from one Ashes to another, we head to Iceland to find out about the Volcanic Ashes cricket tournament and the nation’s bid to gain international status with the ICC.
Credit: Bangladesh celebrate against New Zealand during day five of the first Test Match in the series between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Bay Oval on January 05, 2022 (Photo: Getty Images)
Isabelle Westbury, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss Australia winning the Men's Ashes in just twelve days and look at whether this is the start of a golden era for the country in both red and white ball cricket. They also ask who is to blame for England's defeat and how they can improve.
Charu Sharma has been watching the first Test match between South Africa and India and tells us who his stand out players have been, why India seem unable to convert starts to big scores and whether he thinks Test captain Virat Kohli will retire soon.
Plus the team are joined by England bowler Kate Cross to preview the Women's Ashes, tell us how their preparation has been impacted by Covid-19 and the excitement building within the camp.
Photo: Australia's captain Pat Cummins (C) leads his team on a lap of the ground after Australia won the match and retained the Ashes during the third day of the third Ashes cricket Test match in Melbourne on December 28, 2021. (Credit: HAMISH BLAIR/AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell brings you the best of Stumped in 2021.
The show features an interview with the former West Indies cricketer and commentator Michael Holding on his book which documents the racism he has suffered and seen throughout his life.
Plus you can hear a classic Stumped debate on the term 'outs' instead of 'wickets' and hear from the first woman to be made President of the Marylebone Cricket Club, Clare Connor.
Photo: Commentator Michael Holding before the second day of the third test between England and India at Headingley on August 26, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta discuss the chaotic start to the second men's Ashes test including Australia's captain Pat Cummins being forced to miss the match due to being deemed a close contact of a Covid-19 case. We reflect on the warm welcome Steve Smith received as he stepped up again to lead Australia, and if it was the right decision by England not to select Mark Wood or a spinner.
Plus we're joined by the captain of Team USA, Monank Patel ahead of their historic upcoming series against Ireland who will become the first full member nation to tour the US. Patel discusses what impact being chosen to co-host the men's T20 World Cup in 2024 will have on the growth of the game in the United States.
Photo: England's Jos Buttler during the first day of the second test match at the Adelaide Oval. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss Pat Cummins' first match as captain of the Australian Test side in the Ashes, the omission of both Stuart Broad and James Anderson for the first Test match and if technology should be better at spotting no-balls.
Plus what’s the future of cricket’s coin toss? After two thirds of the T20 Men’s World Cup matches were won by the team that won the toss we are joined by Professor Haris Aziz who has come up with a new theory which he says would make the coin toss fairer.
Photo: Australian captain Pat Cummins celebrates with team-mates after dismissing England's Chris Woakes during the First Ashes Test Match at The Gabba. (Credit: Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Ramiz Raja to discuss their run in the men’s T20 World Cup. He tells us that he spoke to captain Babar Azam about how to get India player Rohit Sharma out and what more needs to be done to ensure they win a final soon. Plus he shares his hopes for a women’s Pakistan Super League and how the decision by England and New Zealand to call off their tours made them feel 'used and binned'.
Plus we look ahead to the men’s Ashes series, debate team selection and give our series predictions.
Photo: Newly-elected Pakistan's Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and former team captain Ramiz Raja smiles after addressing a press conference at the cricket academy in Lahore on September 13, 2021. (Photo by Arif ALI / AFP) (Photo by ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images)
With less than two weeks to go until the men’s Ashes begins Alison Mitchell, Geoff Lemon and Charu Sharma react to Tim Paine stepping down as Australia captain, how it was handled and what this means for the team going forward.
Plus we are joined by South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp who will be playing in the final of the WBBL with Perth Scorchers. She shares her experience of joining the Scorchers after six years with the Sydney Sixers, tells us how her experience of winning the inaugural Hundred competition will help her in the final, how the competitions compare and shares her thoughts on former South Africa captain AB de Villiers decision to retire.
Photo: Tim Paine looking solemn (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell react to Australia winning the Men’s T20 World Cup and present the Stumped T20 awards for the best player, stand out moment, biggest surprise, and biggest disappointment of the tournament.
Plus, former cricketer turned sports psychologist, Jeremy Snape, joins the team to discuss what it takes mentally to be a winner and tells us about the different mindsets needed from a World Cup Final to a match with a fierce rivalry - like the Ashes.
Additional note: This week's Stumped was recorded before Tim Paine announced his decision to step down as Australia Test captain.
Photo: Australia captain Aaron Finch lifts the ICC World T20 Trophy with teammates after defeating New Zealand in the final in the UAE. (Credit: Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell examine the fallout from the racism scandal which has engulfed Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the sport over the last few weeks.
The team speak with John Mehrzad QC, who has been involved in conducting independent reviews in sport, to find out what is best practice when it comes to dealing with complaints of racism or harassment in sports organisations. Mehrzad was the only lawyer on the cultural review of British Cycling, chaired the governance review of the British Equestrian Federation and chaired the review into UK Athletics’ handling of allegations concerning athletics coach Alberto Salazar.
Plus we’re also joined by Derbyshire player Anuj Dal, who is Vice Chair of the Professional Cricketers Association and part of their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group. He discusses how the PCA is working with players at all levels to educate them about racism and inclusivity and how the union supports its member when allegations are made.
Photo: Former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq poses for a portrait during the Yorkshire CCC Media Day at Headingley in 2018. (Credit: Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell debate where it has gone wrong for India in the men’s T20 World Cup, if South Africa are peaking at the right time and whether England or Pakistan are the tournament favourites.
Plus we are joined by the General Manager of the Big Bash Leagues in Australia, Alistair Dobson. He tells us how Covid has impacted the WBBL, the significance of having Indian players in the competition and how preparations are going for the men’s Big Bash League beginning next month.
We also speak to Will Gaffney who set up the Bat For A Chance foundation which helps underprivileged children from around the world enjoy cricket.
Photo: Credit: India captain Virat Kohli cuts a dejected figure following his side's 10 wicket defeat against Pakistan during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. (Image: ICC via Getty Images)
We are joined by England Ashes winning coach Andy Flower who is now Afghanistan consultant for the Men’s T20 World Cup. He tells us about the pride that the Afghanistan players have to play for their country and his reason for wanting to be involved with the team. He also tells us his hopes to coach an IPL team in the future and gives his predictions on how the men's Ashes will play out with Ben Stokes back in contention.
Plus Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell discuss the main talking points from the Men's T20 World Cup so far including how India will recover from losing to Pakistan and South Africa's Quinton de Kock choosing not take a knee in their opening match against the West Indies.
Photo: Andy Flower, Coach of Afghanistan looks on ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan and Scotland at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 25, 2021 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
On this week’s episode, Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Jim Maxwell react to the speculation that Indian legend Rahul Dravid looks set to replace Ravi Shastri as head coach of the national team after the T20 World Cup and discuss what Shastri’s legacy will be. Plus in the wake of comments made by India all-rounder Hardik Pandya about how money is extremely important for pushing a player to succeed in professional cricket, the team discuss the role of money as motivation.
With the Men’s T20 World Cup up and running we go behind the scenes in the Irish camp and speak to Shane Getkate. He is a reserve in the team and will tell us about the mood in the side and also his comeback story from cardiac arrest to playing for Ireland.
Finally, in 1994, a well-known chocolate brand created an advert in India which would become iconic - it saw a woman sat on the side-lines of a cricket match watching her male friend score a winning boundary and then running onto the field and dancing with delight. But fast forward to 2021 and the advert has been reimagined by swapping the gender roles and ending with the powerful message of #GoodLuckGirls as a tribute to women athletes. We speak to one of the stars of the new advert, Kavya Ramachandran.
Photo: India A coach Rahul Dravid during a tour match between ECB XI v India A at Headingley on June 17, 2018. (Image: Getty Images)
We discuss the finale of the Indian Premier League and after Virat Kohli played his last game as captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, the team look at how his tenure as captain will be remembered.
We speak to the Chairman of Oman Cricket, Pankaj Khimji who tells us how he feels about hosting the T20 World Cup, how the country has prepared and his predictions on how far his team can go.
And as part of Black History Month in the UK, we hear how the African Caribbean Engagement programme (ACE) is aiming get more British black people playing cricket and improve the number of black professional cricket players in the UK, which has declined by 75% in the last 25 years, and is at less than 1% at recreational level.
(Photo: Khawar Aliof Oman is congratulated after taking the wicket of Namibia’s Zane Green during a ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm up match between Oman and Namibia. Credit: ICC/Getty Images)
South Africa and Delhi Capitals’ fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has told BBC Stumped that ‘bio-bubbles aren’t sustainable’ in world cricket and something must change.
Rabada, who made his IPL debut four years ago as a 22-year-old, has risen to become one of the most successful bowlers in world cricket and a role model for young South Africans. He joined Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Jim Maxwell to discuss his development as a player, what it’s like to be coached by Ricky Pointing and his hopes of lifting the Indian Premier League trophy with Delhi Capitals, after losing last year’s Final.
Also on Stumped, we discuss another week of speculation around the future of the Ashes, what will happen next and we hear from West Indies legend Michael Holding who claims England showed "Western arrogance" by cancelling their tour of Pakistan.
Photo credit: Kagiso Rabada of South Africa walks off for lunch after he took the wicket of Jonny Bairstow of England during day three of the 4th Test at Supersport Park on January 24, 2016 in Centurion, South Africa. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Jim Maxwell speak with incoming Marylebone Cricket Club president Clare Connor about becoming the first woman to take up the role in the 233-year history of the club. She discusses her hopes of using her one-year term to modernise the club to ensure better gender parity. Connor also remains the managing director of women’s cricket at the ECB, and discusses the “unbelievably disappointing” cancellation of England joint men’s & women’s tour of Pakistan which she says was “absolutely the right decision at that time”.
The team also hear from one of the busiest women in cricket - Emily Windsor - who juggles a full time job working for the National Health Service in the UK, cricket commentary for the BBC and playing for the Southern Vipers in the South of England. Last week she was named player of the match in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy final and reflects on the Vipers win.
And we reflect on England all-rounder Moeen Ali’s decision to retire from red-ball cricket, and in the aftermath of India women ending Australia’s 26-match unbeaten ODI run, the team analyse whether the time is right for a women’s IPL-style tournament in the country.
(Photo: Former England women's cricketer Claire Connor rings the five-minute bell ahead of day four of the 2nd Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground. Credit: Getty Images)
We discuss the fallout from England withdrawing their men and women from their October tour to Pakistan and what consequences it could have for international cricket. We talk about Virat Kohli's decision to step down as Captain of India's T20 side and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. We also hear why boycotting Afghanistan cricket might not be the best option for women's cricket in the country in the second part of our interview with Tuba Sangar, the former women's development manager at the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Plus we’re joined by cricket historian and blogger Bill Ricquier to discuss his England men’s all-time greatest XI, as featured in his new book, The Immortals of English Cricket.
Photo credit: Newly-elected Pakistan's Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and former team captain Ramiz Raja speaks during a press conference at the cricket academy in Lahore on September 13, 2021. (Photo by Arif ALI / AFP) (Photo by ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images)
On this week’s episode, Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell hear from Tuba Sangar, who up until just a couple of weeks ago was the women's development manager for the Afghanistan Cricket Board. She tells the team about her fears for the safety of her players, the future of women’s cricket in Afghanistan, and what it was like leaving her home and her job behind.
They also speak with Punjab Kings and Australia bowler Nathan Ellis, whose remarkable two-year journey from playing club cricket continues with the chance to play in the Indian Premier League, which resumes in the UAE, and discuss the fall-out from the fifth Test between England and India. The match was called off just two hours before the scheduled start of play due to Covid concerns in the India camp.
Photo: Members of Afghanistan's first national women's cricket team take part in a training session in Kabul. (Credit: SHAH MARAI/AFP via Getty Images)
We discuss the latest on what the future might hold for cricket in Afghanistan after speculation over whether the women's team will be able to play under the new government.
We also find out how some refugees from the country are being made to feel welcome in the UK thanks to a cricket match organised by Newport Pagnell Town Cricket Club.
Plus we reflect on the Test series between England and India, and discuss MS Dhoni's role as a mentor for the India T20 World Cup squad.
And we learn more about the Disability Premier League in England, which is currently being trialled and is described as a "world first" with players from three different impairment groups playing together for the first time.
Photo description: Afghan girls play cricket on the school grounds in Kabul on December 28, 2010. (Photo credit: SHAH MARAI/AFP via Getty Images)
Isabelle Westbury, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma hear from former Australia bowler Michael Kasprowicz who has been involved in developing the SmartBall, which measures speed, spin and power and is currently being trialled in the Caribbean Premier League. We ask what the players make of it so far and when we could see it being used more widely across international competitions.
We find out more about Brazil's ambitions to qualify for the Women's T20 World Cup in 2023 with their captain Roberta Moretti Avery.
Plus we remember Dale Steyn’s greatest moments as the South African announces his retirement from cricket and discuss the pressure on India’s Virat Kohli both with the bat and his captaincy as the Test series against England continues.
PHOTO: Australian fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz, shows the match ball to spectators after taking five wickets, on day two of the first of three Tests against Pakistan at the WACA ground in Perth, 17 December 2004. (Credit: GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images)
We're joined by the head of The Hundred women's competition, Beth Barrett-Wild to discuss its success and what's next for the tournament.
With all eyes on the third Test between England and India, we find out more about the Pataudi trophy they're competing for, named after one of the biggest stars in the history of Indian cricket.
And we look at the latest situation for Afghanistan's cricketers.
PHOTO: The Oval Invincibles celebrate victory with the trophy after The Hundred Final match between Southern Brave Women and Oval Invincibles Women at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Getty Images)
Afghanistan bowler Naveen-ul-Haq discusses the ongoing political situation in his home country, what the future holds for the national team and whether they will compete at the Twenty20 World Cup in October.
We hear how the Afghan Cricket Association, which normally supports players in the UK, has redirected its efforts to providing emergency aid.
Plus, we reflect on India’s win over England in the second Test, discuss the T20 World Cup draw and look ahead to the final Test between West Indies and Pakistan, after a thrilling first victory for the home side.
Photo: Captain Naveen Ul Haq of Afghanistan and his team mates line up for their national anthem prior to the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup match between New Zealand and Afghanistan at Hagley Oval on January 25, 2018 in Christchurch, New Zealand Credit: Getty Images
Ian Watmore, ECB Chair and head of the International Cricket Council's Olympic working group, joins us to talk about the bid for the sport to be included at Los Angeles 2028 and the beginning of the Hundred.
Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell discuss the injuries affecting England's bowling options heading into the second Test against India
And we'll hear how the inaugural British Gorkhali League is promoting cricket amongst British Nepalese players.
Photo: The torch is lit at the Los Angeles Coliseum as the city was officially named as host of the 2028 Summer Olympics. Credit: Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
We speak to former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori about his coaching career, including his current role in The Hundred, and about mental health in cricket following Ben Stokes' announcement that he's taking an 'indefinite' break from the sport.
Plus, we hear from the women's team in Barcelona which has run a successful campaign to create the city's first cricket pitch.
PHOTO: Spin Bowling Coach Daniel Vettori takes part in warm ups during game one of the International T20 series between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Seddon Park on March 28, 2021 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Credit: Getty Images)
We speak to South Africa's all time leading wicket taker and one of the fastest female bowlers in world, Shabnim Ismail, as we discuss whether the 80 miles per hour women's bowling record could be broken soon.
Plus, we'll look at the concerns over this winter's Ashes, and India's injury list ahead of the Test series with England.
Photo: Shabnim Ismail of South Africa bowls during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Pakistan at Sydney Showgrounds (Credit:Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell are joined by Oval Invincibles and England T20 bowler Tash Farrant. Farrant featured in the inaugural match of The Hundred, as the competition finally got underway a year later than originally planned. We discuss the new format, how well it worked and how it's helping towards gender equality in the sport.
And we hear from the 11-year-old boy who's been given a new lease of cricketing life - all thanks to a special set of glasses.
Photo: Tash Farrant of Oval Invincibles bowls during the The Hundred match between Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals. (Credit:Getty Images)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, West Indies great Michael Holding discusses his powerful speech about racial injustice which went viral last year.
He speaks about his own experiences of racism, reacts to the social media abuse aimed at some of England’s footballers at the European Championships this week and discusses his new book 'Why We Kneel, How We Rise,' and whether it’s easier now for sports men and women to use their platform for change.
And with less than a week to go to the start of The Hundred, we discuss the implications of recent positive covid cases and look back at the India v England’s women multi-format series.
Photo: Former West Indies Cricketer Michael Holding shakes hands with West Indies captain Jason Holder. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell discuss the fallout after the entire England ODI squad was forced into quarantine after a number of players and staff tested positive. An entire new playing and coaching team was named just days before their one-day series against Pakistan.
We also hear from the Northern Diamonds and Yorkshire bowler Katie Levick, who shares her first-hand experience of dealing with the consequences of suspected long Covid. She was left unable to walk down a flight of stairs without a having to take a break and feared the illness would end her career.
And we hear the second part of a wide-ranging interview with Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner. She discusses her aboriginal heritage and how the Australian Women have embraced learning more about the indigenous culture.
Photo: Katie Levick of Northern Diamonds bowls during the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy match between Northern Diamonds and Loughborough Lightning. (Credit: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped, we'll speak to the Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board Wasim Khan who outlines Pakistan's hopes of co-hosting the cricket World Cup in 2027 and 2031.
We'll also discuss the T20 World Cup being moved from India to the UAE.
And we'll hear from Australia All rounder Ashleigh Gardner who's looking forward to the much anticipated one off Test Match against India, taking place at the Waca later this year.
Photo: Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Wasim Khan addresses the media. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped we hear from former Sri Lanka cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara who says since winning the World Cup in 1996, their players been held back by administrative upheaval and archaic systems where everyone is extremely resistant to change.
Sangakarra who was this month inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, believes his country have now been surpassed by other cricketing nations and now is the ‘time to draw a line and say it’s enough’.
Plus we debate the pros and cons of the format of the World Test Championship final and celebrate New Zealand becoming the inaugural winners.
And we ask the question whether women's test matches should be extended to five days?
Photo: Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara raises his bat after scoring a century at the Bellerive Oval ground during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Pool A match between Scotland and Sri Lanka in Hobart on March 11, 2015. (Credit: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)
Stuart Broad has urged the ICC to review the use of soft signals after New Zealand opener Devon Conway controversially survived a claimed catch by Zak Crawley. This follows comments from India Captain Virat Kohli on DRS where he says 'umpire's call creates a lot of confusion'. The Stumped team debate whether there is still a need in the game for soft signals or whether umpires should rely solely on technology.
Plus India and England are playing in a Test Match against each other for the first time since 2014 but the wicket has caused controversy. It is being placed on a used wicket after Gloucestershire played a T20 match on it last week. We ask whether this is a step back in the women's game.
And we hear the second part of our interview with Cricket Australia Chief Executive Nick Hockley. He speaks about sandpaper gate, parity in the women’s game and cricket being on free to air TV.
Photo: England bowlers Stuart Broad (R) and James Anderson (C) inspect the ball with umpire on the third day of the second Test cricket match between England and New Zealand. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
We discuss the latest developments following the suspension of England bowler Ollie Robinson and ask how diverse is English cricket?
We’ll hear from the now permanent CEO of Cricket Australia Nick Hockley. He tells us more about whether English fans will be likely to attend the Ashes in Australia, whether Australian players will be playing in the IPL and their selection for The Hundred.
And we hear from Australia Women’s World Cup winner Megan Schutt on reciprocal IVF after announcing that her wife is pregnant.
Photo: The England team line up in their Anti-Discrimination T-Shirts during the 'Moment of Unity' before day one of the second Test Match between England and New Zealand at Edgbaston. (Credit: Getty Images)
We consider the fallout from the controversial historic tweets sent by England's Ollie Robinson when the bowler was much younger.
Plus following tennis player's Naomi Osaka's withdrawal from the French Open, we discuss mental health and the relationship between the media and elite sports.
And we hear from England women's wicket-keeper Amy Jones on how the team are preparing for their upcoming series against India.
Photo: David Warner of Australia laughs as a camera man fall over during the victory lap for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
On this week’s episode, Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell speak at length to one of the brightest stars of women's cricket - the India and Mumbai all-rounder Jemimah Rodrigues. Plus, we'll hear from the former England all-rounder Arran Brindle and her 12-year-old son Harry who have made history this week by becoming the first mother and son to score a century partnership in a men's club match.
Photo: Jemimah Rodrigues of India leaves the field after being dismissed during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup. (Credit: Getty Images)
Sandpaper Gate has again become the talk of the cricketing world since fresh revelations by Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss if it will ever be forgotten?
Plus we hear from 21 year old New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra. He discusses the prospect of making his international debut, his Indian heritage and the support of his family.
And the team are joined by author Rob Eastaway who has decided to channel the royalties from his latest book into a UK fund to invest in friendly cricket for adults.
Photo: This video grab taken from a footage released by AFP TV shows Australia's captain Steve Smith (R), flankled by teammate Cameron Bancroft, speaking during a press conference in Cape Town, on March 24, 2018 as he admitted to ball-tampering during the third Test against South Africa. (Credit: STR/AFP TV/AFP via Getty Images)
Are bamboo bats the future of cricket? We hear from former Thailand Under 19’s player, Doctor Darshil Shah who has co-authored some research outlining the benefits of using bamboo instead of willow.
Plus we are joined by Ireland captain Laura Delany who looks ahead to their upcoming series against Scotland after 18 months without an international match.
The team also discuss the India squad announcement ahead of their upcoming tour of England, BJ Watling's retirement and Pakistan's new parental support policy for players.
Photo: Laura Delany of Typhoons plays a shot watched by Shauna Kavanagh of Scorchers during the Women's Super Series match between Scorchers and Typhoons at Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin. (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped podcast Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the suspension of the IPL. They ask whether the decision has to come too later and debate what will happen next for cricket in India.
Plus the team are joined by Alex Marshall, the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit General Manager. He tells us what they do to tackle corruption and how convicted cricketers are helped following a ban.
We hear from Scottish cricketer Abtaha Maqsood on Ramadan, wearing a Hijab and preparing to play for the Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred.
Photo: A cricket ball is caught in a pair of wicket keeping gloves with a fan of Australian fifty dollar notes (Credit: Getty images)
Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Alister Nicholson are joined by the General Manager of cricket operations at the BCCI, Dhiraj Malhotra. He gives us the latest on where the IPL stands and whether the competition should be halted or is a welcomed distraction.
The team also hear from former Rajasthan Royals and Australia bowler AJ Tye, who tells the team why he felt it necessary to leave the IPL midway through the tournament and how bubble life left him feeling as though he had lost touch with the outside world.
Plus the domestic cricket season in the Netherlands is about to get underway and we go behind the scenes to see how teams are preparing for the new season and how Covid-19 has had an impact.
Photo: Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his teammates arrive at the airport (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by the number one ranked T20 player in the World Dawid Malan. He discusses his first season in the Indian Premier League after he was chosen by the Punjab Kings, what life is like in the many bio-bubbles that he has experienced and if the IPL is different to what he expected.
Plus they discuss the process of team selection after England abolished the role of chief selector which they have been using for over 100 years.
Photo: Dawid Malan of England poses for a photo with his Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards at the end of the 3rd Twenty20 International between South Africa and England at Newlands Cricket Ground on December 01, 2020 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta we discuss how plans are in place to overhaul some of the game's most historic terminology.
We speak to the CEO of Warwickshire Cricket Club Stuart Cain on the possibility of staging an exhibition weekend where teams from the Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League and Caribbean Super League play the Birmingham Bears. He also tells us about a new app designed to allow the safe return of fans.
And the editor of Wisden Cricketers Almanack Lawrence Booth joins us to reveal the cricketer's of the year and how they put the book together in this very tough year.
Photo: Players for the eight teams in The Hundred line up following The Hundred Draft, broadcast live from Sky Studios on October 20, 2019 in Isleworth, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images for ECB)
On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma we speak to the England physical disability cricketer Liam O'Brien who has swapped playing cricket games for computer games. Plus he also speaks to us about raising awareness of disability cricket and how he leads a double life selling golfing holidays during the day whilst being an England cricketer on an evening.
The team are also joined by Ex-England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor who has just signed for the Welsh Fire in the Hundred. She also tells us about her battle with anxiety, her coaching role at Sussex and ultimately wanting to be a wicket-keeping coach travelling around the world.
And should substitutes be allowed in cricket?
Photo: Liam O'Brien of England raises his bat after he scores 53 not out during the Physical Disability World Series 2019 semi final match between England and Afghanistan on August 13, 2019 in Worcester, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images for ECB)
On this week's show Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma reflect on England's tour of India and look at what lessons can be learned from both sides.
Plus we preview the upcoming IPL and hear from England's director of cricket Ashley Giles, on how some of the players may miss their upcoming Test series against New Zealand due to scheduling.
Does having an older sibling benefit you in cricket? We hear from the co-author of a new book Tim Wigmore. on how statistically younger siblings outperform their older siblings in 2 out of 3 cases.
And we discuss bizarre cricketing injuries.
Photo: Brothers Sam and Tom Curran ahead of the 5th One Day International match between Sri Lanka and England at R. Premadasa Stadium on October 23, 2018 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
On this week’s episode, Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell speak to one of the greatest Indian cricketers of all time, Kapil Dev, about his new role on the board of the Professional Golf Tour of India, and his hopes for creating golf's version of T20 cricket. The team relive the fairytale story of Sri Lanka's win at the Cricket World Cup, 25 years on. And in honour of David "Bumble" Lloyd having a street named after him in his hometown, we talk about the streets and buildings in India and Australia, which have been named after legendary cricketers.
Photo: Former cricketer Kapil Dev in action during an interview about the upcoming film based on 1983 Cricket World Cup. (Credit: Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
We speak to Hashmatullah Shahidi who became the first Afghanistan player to score a Test double century. He tells us how it felt, discusses the rise of Afghanistan cricket and praises his team mate and number one T20 bowler in the world Rashid Khan.
Plus cricket commentator Mark Nicholas reveals which milestone has been named the greatest ever moment to happen at Lord's.
And we hear from Australian cricket star Ellyse Perry who has signed for the Birmingham Phoenix and will take part in the inaugural Hundred competition.
Photo: Hashmatullah Shahidi of Afghanistan celebrates victory during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up match between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Bristol County Ground on May 24, 2019 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
We reflect on the India/England test match series, discuss the potential of England squad rotation during the Ashes and preview India against New Zealand in the Test Championship final.
Plus the team will be joined by Australia women’s Vice-Captain Rachael Haynes after Cricket Australia announced that they are going to be addressing gender imbalances in the game, including the lack of statues of female cricketers around the country. We also hear what she thinks of women’s Test Cricket versus the shorter format of the game.
Finally we will hear fromTemba Bavuma, who has become the first black African to permanently captain a South Africa side after being appointed their limited-overs skipper.
Photo: Rachael Haynes of Australia celebrates a century during game two of the International Women's One Day International Series between Australia and Sri Lanka at Allan Border Field on October 07, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
We speak to one of the best English batsmen against spin, Marcus Trescothick, on what England have been doing wrong against India. Plus he reacts to his appointment as England’s elite batting coach.”
And almost a year to the day since 86,000 people were at the MCG to watch Australia women win the T20 World Cup, we speak to Angela Pippos, the producer of a new Amazon Prime documentary ‘The Record’, which documents Australia’s rise to the top.
Photo: Marcus Trescothick of Somerset raises his bat after reaching his century during day one of the LV County Championship match between Northamptonshire and Somerset at The County Ground on May 8, 2007 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
We discuss the pitch, umpiring decisions and England's fragile batting line up in the third test match between India and England.
Plus the first game of this summer's inaugural Hundred competition will be a women's match, so we look at how the profile of women's cricket is being raised.
And Cricket the Musical! We are joined by writer and star of the show Denis Carnahan.
Photo: Dennis Lillee of Australia poses for a photo during the Beach Cricket Tri-Nations match. (Credit: Getty Images)
On this week’s podcast, Alison Mitchell is joined by Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma to discuss the fallout from India’s victory over England in the second Test in Chennai. The team discuss the state of the surface - was it a poor pitch, or just poor batting by England? And what should we expect from the day-night third Test in Ahmedabad? We’ll also hear from England Women captain Heather Knight, as her world champions prepare to take on New Zealand in a three-match ODI series - their first 50-over cricket in 14 months - and discuss why India Women haven't played for nearly a year. And we hear about how cricket is being played on ice in the Netherlands.
Photo: Heather Knight participates in a drill during an England touring side training session in Queenstown, New Zealand. (Credit: Getty Images)
We reflect on one of England's finest test wins as they beat India in the first test in Chennai.
Plus we hear from the man who delivered one of the most amazing test debuts of all time. West Indies' Kyle Mayers tells us about scoring his match winning double century and how a hurricane in the Caribbean helped to forge his career.
Photo: Kyle Mayers celebrates after scoring a century (100 runs) during the fifth day of the first cricket Test match between Bangladesh and West Indies at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on February 7, 2021. (Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
The Stumped team preview one of the biggest clashes not just in cricket but in world sport as India face England on home soil. We hear from former India player Suresh Raina on where he thinks the key battles will be. Plus as Joe Root is set to play in his 100th test we hear from the man himself and ask whether he could ever surpass Sachin Tendulkar's tally of runs?
Plus with the news coming this week that Australia have pulled out of their tour of South Africa later this month because of coronavirus concerns, we speak to former South Africa all-rounder Robin Peterson on how this will impact cricket in the country.
(Photo: Joe Root of England shakes hands with Virat Kohli of India prior to Day One of the Specsavers 1st Test match between England and India at Edgbaston on August 1, 2018 in Birmingham, England. Credit: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
England opener Rory Burns joins us from quarantine in Chennai ahead of next week's first Test against England. He'll tells us how life has changed since becoming a dad, the competition for places in the English batting line upafter they won their fifth successive Test away from home, and whether India are currently the best Test team in the world. We ask whether travelling sportsmen and women should get Covid vaccines ahead of others.Plus we speak to Himanshu Vaid who has designed and re-constructed the biggest cricket stadium in the world.
Photo: Rory Burns of England during a nets session at the Bay Oval on November 20, 2019 in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
On this week’s episode Alison Mitchell is joined by Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell to look back on India’s final day heroics in the fourth Test match at the Gabba, and ask if the win was the finest ever Test match performance in the country’s history. The team also dissect possible captaincy conundrums for both India and Australia.
And we speak with England’s Dan Lawrence after he hit a maiden half-century on debut in Sri Lanka. The Essex batsman tells us about how practicing in the sub-continent helped his performance batting against spin, and his brother’s rather unusual sporting talent.
Image: India celebrates winning on day five of the fourth Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia (Credit: Reuters)
Australia head coach Justin Langer launches a passionate defence of captain Tim Paine and batsman Steve Smith, but how far has their behaviour in the third Test against India, and the reaction to it undermined efforts to restore the reputation of Australian cricket?
Plus, a new book on the West Indian cricketer, lawyer and politician Learie Constantine, who played a pivotal role in improving race relations in the UK.
Photo: Justin Langer (Getty Images)
New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls on their journey to the top of the world Test rankings ahead of bigger, richer cricket nations like India, Australia and England.
Reaction to an impressive debut for Australia opening batsman Will Pucovski in the third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
And the Nepalese cricket club in Tasmania that finally have their own home ground.
Photo: Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum (Getty Images)
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar gives his reaction to India's brilliant victory over Australia in Melbourne to level the series at 1-1 with two to play.
Plus, Scotland all-rounder Kathryn Bryce on her journey to being recognised as the women's associate player of the decade.
Photo: Ajinkya Rahane and Shubman Gill (Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell brings you the best of Stumped in 2020.
The show features an interview with the world's top fast bowler Pat Cummins and the unlikely secrets behind a leading umpire's success.
Plus, the rise of women's cricket in Germany and an emotional Ebony Rainford-Brent calls for greater racial equality in the sport.
Photo: (L) Australia Vice Captain Pat Cummins and (R) Former England player Ebony Rainford-Brent (Credit: Getty images)
Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are at the Adelaide Oval for reaction and debate as India and Australia go head-to-head in the opening Test, with Charu Sharma giving the Indian perspective.
Plus, England's all-time record run-scorer Sir Alastair Cook looks ahead to a massive year for England's Test team with tours of Sri Lanka, India and Australia.
Photo: Steve Smith (Getty Images)
Has Australia's batting crisis given India the advantage going into their eagerly-awaited Test series.
The remarkable story of the team of Filipino domestic helpers making big waves in the Hong Kong cricket leagues.
Plus, cricket supporters groups from around the world come together to fight for a bigger say in the future of the game.
Photo: Virat Kohli (Getty Images)
Sydney Thunder bowler Hannah Darlington on Big Bash glory, future Australia selection and barefoot circles.
Are England's coded messages from the dressing-room to the captain a vision of cricket's future or an underhand tactic that needs to be stamped out?
The northern city that bore the brunt of Sri Lanka's civil war sets out to discover its first international cricketer.
And reaction to Australia's comprehensive men's one-day series victory over India.
Photo: Sydney Thunder lift the WBBL Trophy (Getty Images)
The weight is over for Australia and India as their heavyweight series gets underway in Sydney.
England's Jos Buttler talks Twenty20 World Cup, Ashes and his captaincy hopes.
And Paul Van Meekeren, the Dutch fast bowler delivering takeaway food during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Photo: Jos Buttler talks to Eoin Morgan (Getty Images)
From a Super Over at Lord's to the opening ball of the IPL final, Trent Boult is a man who thrives on pressure. The New Zealand fast bowler talks about success, failure and plenty in between.
Plus, which cricketers have got the X-factor? The ones you leave on the bench apparently! We'll take a look at some controversial new rules designed to make the Big Bash even bigger.
Photo: Trent Boult (Getty Images)
We hear from Mumbai Indians batting coach Robin Singh after the franchise won a fifth Indian Premier League title in eight seasons.
Plus, has Covid-19 spoilt the Afghanistan story, or can natural talent and determination help them keep climbing cricket's ladder?
And the parallels between the US election race and Test cricket.
Photo: Mumbai Indians logo
Australia's former captain Steve Waugh tells us about his photographic journey through India in search of the spirit of cricket.
Waugh also looks ahead to the titanic Test series between Australia and India and gives his views on the future of Test cricket.
Plus, how women's cricketers at the Big Bash in Australia are using barefoot circles to raise awareness about the country's sometimes troubled relationship with its indigenous past.
(Photo: Steve Waugh. Credit: Getty Images)
We discuss the latest in the Men’s IPL and also preview the Women’s IPL challenge with former India bowler, Snehal Pradhan, and look at the clash in scheduling with the Women’s Big Bash. Plus, we speak to the Chief Executive of US Cricket, Iain Higgins, on their bid for ICC full member status by 2030. And with the whole of the South African cricket board resigning, we speak to Mo Allie live from Cape Town about what is next for South Africa cricket.
Photo: USA team photo (Credit: Getty images)
Has cricket lost touch with the Black Lives Matter movement? West Indies captain Jason Holder tells me the game has gone quiet on racism.
Plus, could England and Australia playing different formats in different countries at the same time provide a financial lifeline to smaller nations?
And Nigeria women's captain Samantha Agazuma on the cricketing journey she hopes will take her all the way to the Big Bash in Australia.
Photo: Glenn Maxwell & Jos Buttler (Getty Images)
With Sri Lanka's strict quarantine rules thwarting their return to the cricket field, we ask head coach Mickey Arthur if he can see a solution.
And the power of a six - we look back at Javed Miandad's era-defining six for Pakistan against India in 1986 - and other key moments that changed the course of cricketing history.
Plus, tributes to former New Zealand captain John Reid.
Photo: Mickey Arthur (Getty Images)
Reaction to a record-equalling 21st consecutive one-day victory by Australia's remarkable women's team.
Plus, Courtney Walsh on how he plans to turn West Indies women back into world beaters themselves.
And the unexpected star of the English cricketing summer - umpire Michael Gough on how he gave up playing cricket at the age of 23 and went on to become statistically the best Test umpire in the world.
Photo: Umpire Michael Gough (Getty Images)
Reaction to an astonishing week in the Indian Premier League, including a record run chase, a Super Over and a gravity-defying boundary save.
Plus, as England legend Andrew Flintoff reveals his battle with bulimia, we'll hear the story of Sarah Coyte, the World Cup-winning Australia bowler who took a break from the game to deal with an eating disorder - and returned to win the Big Bash. Some listeners may find this content upsetting.
West Indies head coach Phil Simmons talks about the challenges facing cricket's poorer nations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Photo: Andrew Flintoff in 2005 (Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma pay tribute to Dean Jones, the great Australia batsman who has died at the age of 59.
Plus, we're joined by Dhiraj Malhotra, CEO of Delhi Capitals, to discuss a controversial week in the Indian Premier League.
Australia vice-captain Rachael Haynes looks welcomes the return of women's international cricket - with fans.
And a dispute over Don Bradman's childhood cricket pitch prompts a debate over how we remember our sporting heroes.
Photo: Dean Jones (Getty Images)
Reaction to Australia's thrilling victory over England in the one-day series at Old Trafford.
Former South Africa star Jonty Rhodes on the incredible advances in fielding in the Indian Premier League, which starts in Dubai this weekend.
And as women's international cricket returns, West Indies batter Hayley Matthews relives the day when she toppled Australia to win the T20 World Cup at the age of 18.
Photo: Jonty Rhodes (Getty Images)
We're joined by England batting great Ian Bell as he bows out of the game with 118 Test matches and more than 20,000 first class runs to his name.
Find out more about a new campaign in Australia that's fronting up to racism and intolerance in cricket.
Can England repeat their T20 dominance over Australia in the 50-over form?
And a life of luxury in the IPL bio-bubble.
(Photo: Ian Bell celebrates and Ashes hundred in 2013. Credit: Getty Images)
Australia quick Riley Meredith joins us to look ahead to the series against their oldest rivals England.
Plus, with women's international cricket set to return, we speak to two of England's biggest stars - Katherine Brunt and Nat Sciver.
And an existential threat to cricket in South Africa. We head to Cape Town to find out about the latest crisis in one of the sport's traditional strongholds.
Photo: Riley Meredith (Getty Images)
On Stumped we discuss whether Jimmy Anderson is the greatest pace bowler of all time after he became the first seam bowler to take 600 Test wickets and we reflect on the third test match between England and Pakistan where Zak Crawley scored 267.
How has the postponement of the Women's World Cup affected teams who were hoping to qualify? The head coach of the Dutch women's national side Sean Trouw joins us to explain what they have been doing during Coronavirus and how they have seen a rise in participation numbers since the start of the pandemic.
Plus one of the biggest parties in world sport, the Caribbean Premier League began last week but how does the bio-bubble in Trinidad and Tobago compare to England? We speak to Danny Morrison who is a journalist there.
Photo: James Anderson of England celebrates after taking the wicket of Azhar Ali of Pakistan to reach 600 Test Match Wickets during Day Five of the 3rd #RaiseTheBat Test Match between England and Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl on August 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images for ECB)
We bid farewell to the iconic wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni and hear from his former India coach Greg Chappell.
Plus - how do you solve a problem like bad light? We'll try to find a solution to one of cricket's oldest dilemmas.
And can a ground-breaking sponsorship in the India Premier League help tackle the stigma around women's periods?
Photo:MS Dhoni in 2005 (Getty Images)
We reflect on the first Test match between England and Pakistan and discuss the remarkable comeback from England. Plus Jos Buttler said he ‘owed his team some runs’ following his wicket-keeping mistakes, so the team look at how wicket-keeping has evolved over the years.
The Women’s ODI World Cup has been postponed until 2022, so former England captain Charlotte Edwards joins us to speak about women’s cricket and the lack of it to be exact - there has been no international women’s cricket played since March..
Plus, a report has been published saying 34% of players in a host of T20 domestic leagues have experienced either late, or non-payment, problems. We speak to the head of the global players’ union.
Photo: Former England captain Charlotte Edwards during day two of the Kia Women's Test of the Women's Ashes Series between England and Australia Women in 2015 (Credit: Getty Images).
On Stumped this week, Alison Mitchell is back in the Old Trafford bio-bubble, as England - fresh from beating the West Indies - take on Pakistan in another three-Test series. Alison, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma will be speaking to the PCB's Chief Executive Officer Wasim Khan. And they'll be joined by Ireland's High Performance Director Richard Holdsworth after his side recorded their highest successful run chase in One Day Internationals against world champions England.
Image: Harry Tector of Ireland celebrates victory watched on by Saqib Mahmood of England during the Third One Day International between England and Ireland (Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Alister Nicholson and Charu Sharma reflect on the first bio-secure Test series between England and the West Indies, and pay homage to Stuart Broad after he takes his 500th Test wicket. And as one bio-bubble in Manchester finishes, another starts in Southampton ahead of the launch of the inaugural 50-over Super League. We're joined by stand-in England head coach Paul Collingwood as his World Champions take on Ireland in a three-match ODI series.
Image: England's Stuart Broad celebrates taking the wicket of West Indies' Kraigg Brathwaite, his 500th Test wicket, on the final day of the third Test cricket match (Credit: Photo by MARTIN RICKETT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma chat to England opener Dom Sibley fresh from his maiden home Test century during England's victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Old Trafford, and pay homage to "Mr Incredible" Ben Stokes after he starred with the bat, ball, and in the field. We also reflect on the postponement of the 2020 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia and discuss the likely knock-on effect it’ll have on this year’s Indian Premier League. Plus we look at the return of cricket fans in grounds in England this weekend.
Image: England's Ben Stokes (L) and England's Dom Sibley return after lunch on the second day of the second Test cricket match between England and the West Indies at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England on July 17, 2020 (Photo by MICHAEL STEELE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell is at Old Trafford in another bio-secure bubble as England's men look to bounce back from last week's defeat to the West Indies. Windies star batsman Jermaine Blackwood joins us to reflect on his match-winning innings, as we discuss whether they can become the best Test team on the planet. We also reflect on England’s decision to drop Jofra Archer after he broke bio-secure protocols. And we look at the return of recreational cricket in England and ask how the club game is coping amid lockdowns around the world.
Image: West Indies captain Jason Holder celebrates with John Campbell after winning the first Test match against England in Southampton. (Getty Images)
After a 117-day absence, live international cricket is back. Ali is in Southampton as England take on the West Indies behind closed doors. She gives us a behind-the-scenes tour of the media bio-bubble and speaks to England bowler Mark Wood. And with a decision on the Men’s T20 World Cup expected next week, Ali, Jim and Charu discuss whether the IPL should be allowed to take its place in the schedule.
Image: England cricketers wearing face masks at the Ageas Bowl. (Getty Images)
Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley on how the organisation can bounce back from the financial turmoil and job cuts caused by Covid-19.
Plus, can the West Indies keep up their impressive run against England when their Test series begins in Southampton next week?
We're joined by their one-day and Twenty20 star Carlos Brathwaite, who also talks about his memories of West Indies icon Sir Everton Weekes, who has died at the age of 95.
Photo: Carlos Brathwaite (Getty Images)
As 10 Pakistan players test positive for Covid-19, can their tour of England really go ahead?
Plus, the damaging effects of the coronavirus shutdown on recreational cricket in England.
And an interview with England head coach Lisa Keightley as she plots their defence of the Women's World Cup in New Zealand next year.
Photo: A cricket fan in Karachi (Getty Images)
As chief executive Kevin Roberts loses his job as CEO of Cricket Australia, we'll ask why the Covid-19 crisis has been so badly mishandled in one of the strongholds of the sport.
Plus, Pakistan fast bowling great Waqar Younis looks ahead to their tour of England.
And 'The Unforgiven' - a new book on the black West Indian cricketers branded traitors for taking money to play in apartheid South Africa.
Photo: Waqar Younis (Getty Images)
As the Black Lives Matter movement sweeps across the world, we throw the spotlight on racial inequality in cricket.
We hear from the first black woman to play for England, Ebony Rainford-Brent, on her experiences of racism growing up in the sport and how she's trying to make a difference with young cricketers at Surrey.
We also hear from former West Indies captain Darren Sammy, who claims he was given a racially offensive nickname, and Aboriginal Australian John McGuire who says his path to the top of the game was blocked because of the colour of his skin.
Picture: Ebony Rainford-Brent and Darren Sammy (Getty Images)
We discuss the latest cricket news including the West Indies scheduled tour of England. Plus cricket is finally back! Eight weeks after the season should have begun, an exhibition match was played in Guernsey. We hear from some of the people involved and speak to Guernsey Cricket Board CEO, Mark Latter. And we find out how the England women’s cricket team is helping the German women’s team to make the game more competitive.
Photo: The first cricket match back in the British Isles after Coronavirus (Credit: Hayden Atkin/BBC Guernsey)
We speak to a psychologist who explains to us why he have habits, if we can make new ones and break old ones and how difficult it will be for people to change theirs. This comes after Australia paceman Mitchell Starc said the ICC's temporary saliva ban could risk 'boring' cricket.
Plus, we hear from ICC Women's Cricket Manager and former England player Holly Colvin on their 100% cricket campaign and how the women's game can grow globally.
Credit: Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc looks at the ball as he reaches his bowling mark on the third day's play of the second Test between Australia and South Africa (Photo: AFP)
The latest on cricket's return to the field of play. As the game introduces unprecedented measures to ensure the safety of players, will India agree to tour Sri Lanka - and will the West Indies deem it safe enough to travel to England in July?
Plus, how a cricket tour of Britain in 1911 pointed the way towards an independent India.
And table cricket on Table Mountain.
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England World Cup winner Jofra Archer talks about bowling with a tennis ball in his garage, playing behind closed doors and reveals the surprise name of the toughest opponent he's ever faced.
We'll take you to India to find out how the nation is coping without its number one obsession - cricket.
And Zimbabwe batsman Brendan Taylor on how Covid-19 has stalled the cricketing revival in his country.
Photo: Jofra Archer (Getty Images)
Could women's cricket be the hardest hit by the Covid-19 shutdown? We hear from Middlesex captain Naomi Dattani, whose hopes of a breakthrough year have been shattered.
Plus, we'll take you to the only cricketing nation in the world where the game is still being played. It's business as usual in the virus-free tropical island of Saint Helena.
And how should Darren Lehmann's tenure as Australia coach be remembered?
Photo: St Helena (Getty Images)
As Sana Mir retires, we'll analyse her inspirational role for female cricketers in Pakistan with the coach who helped her become the number one bowler in the world.
Plus, should The Hundred seek Indian investment following its postponement until 2021?
And, how Twenty20 went from a hit and giggle to the face of modern cricket.
Photo: Sana Mir (Getty Images)
He was the uncompromising captain of South Africa for more than a decade. Now, as director of cricket, he's tasked with navigating a path through a crisis both on and off the field.
Graeme Smith is our special guest this week.
Plus, England visually-impaired captain Ed Hossell discusses the obstacles to the game in England.
And will shining a cricket ball with saliva be considered bad taste after coronavirus?
Photo: Graeme Smith (Getty Images)
We're joined by the man at the middle of one of the biggest scandals in cricket history. Umpire Ian Gould tells us about the “heart-stopping moment” when Australia’s plot to tamper with the ball was uncovered in Cape Town in 2018 – and the infamous scenes that followed. Plus, a special report from a camp in Beirut where cricket is providing a source of joy to Syrian refugees.
Photo: Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft with umpires in Cape Town (Getty Images)
Australia's Pat Cummins, the top-ranked Test bowler in the world, talks to Stumped after being named one of Wisden's five cricketers of the year.
He talks about doubts over the Indian Premier League during coronavirus, life in lockdown and his reflections on the 2019 Ashes.
Plus, sports psychologist Steve Sylvester on how players can cope mentally with the cricketing standstill.
(Photo: Pat Cummins. Credit: Getty Images)
As the Indian Premier League looks set to be cancelled or postponed, we speak to the chief executive of the Delhi Capitals Dhiraj Malhotra.
Plus should international cricketers take pay cuts to help out with the financial impact of coronavirus on the game?
And England women's star Tammy Beaumont on volunteering for the National Health Service and keeping fit in lockdown.
Photo: Virat Kohli and Joe Root (Getty Images)
On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell we discuss how the world is coping with the coronavirus pandemic.
We hear from cricketer Iain O'Brien who is frantically trying to get from New Zealand back to England to be reunited with his family.
We also look at the Hundred and how domestic cricket in England will have to adapt.
Plus we take a look at the new TV series taking us behind the scenes of one of cricket’s most famous tales of redemption. We are joined by Andre Mauger who directed 'The Test'.
Photo: Iain O'Brien of the Blackcaps walks back after an unsuccessful appeal against Sachin Tendulkar of India during the second one day international match between the New Zealand Black Caps and India at Westpac Stadium on March 6, 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images)
This week we discuss how coronavirus is affecting cricket domestically, globally and financially. Doctor Daniel Plumley is a sports finance expert and gives us the latest.
We speak to bowler Tymal Mills on what it was like to play in Pakistan before the League was cancelled and what the feeling is among his fellow teammates. He also tells us what it was like to have cricket back in Pakistan.
Plus we hear stories of cricketing kindness from across the world where players and communities are coming together.
Photo: Credit: A health official wearing a facemask amid concerns of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus checks the body temperature of a cricket fan ahead of a Pakistan Super League fixture (Photo: AFP)
Australia lit up the MCG in front of a record crowd to seal a fifth Twenty20World Cup title in style - Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss how they can build on this success.
In contrast, we figure out why India's cricketers failed to deliver on the big stage and how long before we see the first women's Indian Premier League.
Picture (Credit - Getty Images)
Can the hosts and defending champions Australia make it 5 World Cup wins when they face India on home soil in Sunday's final of the women's Twenty20 World Cup final at the MCG? It's the biggest tournament in the women's game to date - we'll preview the showdown.
Picture (Credit - AFP).
It's been billed as the biggest women's Twenty20 World Cup to date - we've already seen quite a few surprises with Pakistan beating former champions West Indies and South Africa beating England in dramatic fashion - we speak to South Africa spinner Sune Luus about whether they can actually pull off one of the greatest shocks to go on and win the tournament for the first time.
Plus South African cricketer and Hampshire fast bowler Kyle Abbott tells us how Brexit affects his Kolpak contract.
Picture - Sune Luus (Credit - Getty Images)
New Zealand's leading Test run scorer Ross Taylor will become the first player to reach 100 international appearances in all three formats of the game as the Blackcaps begin their Test series against India.
Taylor will also be the fourth New Zealander to reach the landmark in Test cricket. He tells Stumped he never expected to reach this iconic landmark in the game.
We'll also speak to England fast bowler Katherine Brunt with the Women's T20 World Cup underway this week. Brunt hopes England can repeat their heroics of 2009 when they won the tournament and she believes it will be difficult for the hosts, four-time champions Australia, to continue their dominance in the competition.
Photo: Ross Taylor celebrates a Test century (Getty Images)
Pakistan's 16 year old teenage sensation Naseem Shah took a historic hat-trick during the first Test against Bangladesh - we go back to the start of his journey and speak to a coach who spotted his talent.
We'll also reflect on Bangladesh causing an upset by beating India in the final to win their maiden under 19 World Cup title.
Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma present this week's programme.
Picture - Naseem Shah delivers the ball during the third day of the first cricket Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh (Photo: AFP)
He led India to their first World Cup triumph in 1983 but what does Kapil Dev make of the current team and their captain Virat Kholi. Find out from the man himself.
The story of that iconic world cup victory is being made into a film… it will be released in April.
And how Rising Australian star Anika Learoyd is reconnecting with her indigenous roots by playing cricket.
Picture - Kapil Dev (Credit - Getty Images)
David Gower on England's series victory in South Africa, and whether more needs to be done to share the wealth in Test cricket.
Plus, the Australian teenager being tipped for the very top - Annabel Sutherland tells us about her surprise call-up for the T20 World Cup.
And there's more Super Over heartbreak for New Zealand, this time at the hands of India.
Photo: Annabel Sutherland (Getty Images)
As Ollie Pope becomes England's youngest Test centurion for 14 years, we ask his mentor Alec Stewart when he first realised he had a special talent on his hands.
Plus, cricket puts down roots in Japan. Coach Chris Thurgate's two sons are playing for the country in the Under-19s World Cup.
And what does Jim Maxwell make of Lord's relaxing its famous dress code for The Hundred.
Photo: Ollie Pope (Getty Images)
With only three spinners in the top 20 of the world Test bowling rankings, we'll discuss why slow bowlers are struggling to make an impact in the company of former India spinner Maninder Singh.
Plus - a groundbreaking move from Cricket Brazil. Find out why the South American champions are investing heavily in the women's game but not the men's.
Photo: Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan (Getty Images)
Shane Warne auctions his Baggy Green cap and Tim Paine visits firefighters as Australian cricket comes together to support the bush fire rescue appeal.
As he prepares to lead Nigeria in their first ever global tournament, the country's under-19 captain Sylvester Okpe tells us how he stumbled upon the sport in a country addicted to football.
And a debate on ICC proposals for four-day Test cricket.
Photo: Ben Stokes (Getty Images)
As the Bushfires continue to devastate lives and towns throughout South Australia, we look at the impact and health implications it has on cricketers during the third Test between Australia and New Zealand which is being played in Sydney.
Plus, is technology benefiting or spoiling the game? We speak to the DRS founder Ian Taylor after the Aussie captain Tim Paine publically questioned the method. Join Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma.
Picture - Liam Hatcher of the NSW Blues stands in the outfield amid the smoke haze from bushfires during a Sheffield Shield cricket match at the SCG. (Credit: Reuters)
Join Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma as they look back on a rollercoaster of a year of cricket in 2019.
They will be with Curtly Ambrose on the dancefloor, who can forget Ben Stokes lighting up the World Cup and we hear how Jemma Barsby copes with playing elite cricket whilst dealing with multiple sclerosis.
Photo: Eoin Morgan of England with Trophy during ICC Cricket World Cup Final between England and New Zealand on July 14, 2019
We throw the spotlight on the crisis in South African cricket.
With the governing body and players' union at loggerheads - and so much talent and money deserting the sport - can the country remain a cricketing force?
The appointment of former captain Graeme Smith as acting director of cricket has brought some stability - but the state of the sport in one of its proudest playing nations remains very fragile indeed.
Plus, the 12-ball trial to earn yourself a life-changing contract in the Indian Premier League.
And a new award in Australia to honour the country's indigenous trailblazers from the 1800s.
Photo: Graeme Smith (Getty Images)
A special report from the stands of the Rawalpindi stadium as the Pakistani public get to see their Test heroes on home soil for the first time in a decade.
Plus, the pink ball lands in Perth as Australia take on New Zealand.
And, as the UK elects a new government, why do politicians turn to cricketing metaphors to get their message across?
Photo: Mohammad Abbas celebrates taking the wicket of Dinesh Chandimal. (Getty images)
Australia's Marnus Labuschagne was a concussion substitute for Steve Smith at Lord's in August - now he's leading from the front with back to back Test hundreds.
Plus, why do so many right-handed cricketers choose to bat left-handed? We speak to an expert on human movement who says a reversed stance could mean higher scores for batsmen at every level.
Photo: Marnus Labuschagne (Getty Images)
Is it time for Joe Root to give up the England captaincy in a bid to regain his batting form?
We'll reflect on a heavy defeat for England in New Zealand - and comfortable wins for Australia and India.
Plus, the remarkable story of Shafali Verma - the record-breaking Indian schoolgirl who's breaking the records of her hero Sachin Tendulkar.
And the Ashes urn goes on tour.
Photo: Joe Root (Getty Images)
Reflections on the opening exchanges in the Test series in Australia and New Zealand.
The Pakistan cricket chief Wasim Khan tells Alison Mitchell how he convinced Sri Lanka to return for a Test series, 10 years after the deadly attack on their team bus.
And the Romanian cricketer who became an internet sensation through his unorthodox bowling and love for the game.
Photo: Pavel Florin among Australia fans at Lord's
Two record-breaking feats in India - and the return of Test cricket to Pakistan.
Meet Jemma Barsby, a Women's Big Bash winner who plays elite cricket while coping with the effects of multiple sclerosis.
And a report from the emerging cricket nation of Nepal, where an MCC tour is helping grow the sport at grassroots level.
Photo: Deepak Chahar (Getty Images)
West Indies great Sir Viv Richards gives his views on the battle between Test cricket and Twenty20 - and reveals the best three bowlers he ever faced.
How the Delhi smog is affecting cricket.
And, we'll take you to the tropical island in the South Atlantic where cricket has been played for more than 200 years.
Photo: Sir Viv Richards (Getty Images)
As protests break out in Bangladesh following Shakib Al Hasan's corruption ban, we'll ask whether the game should have any sympathy for the star all-rounder who failed to report illegal approaches from a bookmaker.
It's party time in Papua New Guinea and Namibia as both teams reach the men's Twenty20 World Cup for the first time.
And meet the Pakistani women's star breaking new ground in Australia.
Photo: Shakib Al Hasan (Getty Images)
British sporting history was made this week with the first ever draft held for the new 100 ball competition which will take place next year in the UK. Alison Mitchell, Geoff Lemon and Charu Sharma discuss whether this format will be a success. Will it live up to the hype?
And we hear from former Sri Lanka international Kumar Sangakkara on his new role as the president of the Marylebone Cricket Club.
Picture - The Hundred Draft (Credit - Getty Images)
Can Singapore continue their amazing rise by reaching the finals of the men's Twenty20 World Cup?
Plus new regulations forcing Irish cricketers to decide between club and country.
And why an Australian all-rounder only has himself to blame for the freak injury that's ruled him out of the start of their Test summer.
Photo: West Indies celebrate World T20 in 2014 (Getty Images)
England's new head coach Chris Silverwood tells us his plan for winning back the Ashes in Australia - and how a black belt in karate has helped him develop the skills to succeed in international cricket.
Plus, rugby league's "Woman of Steel" Courtney Hill on why the new riches flooding into women's cricket might tempt her back to the sport she quit last year.
Photo: Chris Silverwood (Getty Images)
After more record-breaking feats from Australia's women's team, we'll ask whether their domination is damaging the credibility of the women's game.
Plus, Afghanistan's new head coach Lance Klusener tells us what attracted him to one of the toughest jobs in cricket - and explains why his former team-mate Gary Kirsten is the right man to lead England.
Photo: Alyssa Healy (Getty Images)
Meet Saqib Mahmood, the exciting young fast bowler England have picked to meet fire with fire in the next Ashes series.
Plus, as confusion reigns in the Indian batting order - are teams overthinking their Twenty20 tactics?
And the 43-year-old all-rounder whose recent heroics with bat and bowl have earned him a 23rd year on the English county circuit.
Photo: Saqib Mahmood (Getty Images)
Reflections on a blockbuster summer of cricket in which England won the World Cup and Australia retained the Ashes.
Should Steve Smith return to the Australia captaincy next year? Can England's next coach plug the holes in their batting order?
As Cricket Australia's chief executive reveals plans for more lucrative matches with India, where would that leave the sport's poorer nations?
Plus, an insider's guide to the workings of Spidercam.
Photo: Steve Smith and Ben Stokes
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta discuss Australia retaining the Ashes, Afghanistan's historic test match win over Bangladesh and the latest on the future of MS Dhoni.
The team also hear from Australia bowling coach Troy Cooley on his side's blistering pace attack which has been so effective throughout the series.
Photo: Australia celebrate retaining the Ashes at Old Trafford (Image: Getty Images)
On this week’s episode, Alison Mitchell is joined by Sunil Gupta and Jim Maxwell to look at how the Ashes series is panning out.
As Steve Smith resumes his domination of the Ashes series, we’ll ask an England fast bowler if he can spot a single weakness in Australia’s batting superstar.
Plus, record-breakers of a different kind. The English village team that braved scorching heat and monsoon-like rain to play non-stop cricket for seven days!
Photo: Australia batsman Steve Smith celebrates after reaching his double century as Joe Root applauds during day two of the 4th Ashes Test. (Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss arguably one of the greatest days in Test match history.
We hear from England bowler Chris Woakes who tells us what it was like in the dressing room when Ben Stokes hit the winning runs and their celebratory trip to Mcdonalds afterwards.
Former England Captain David Gower compares the emotion of watching the match as a commentator to when he played in a similar Test Match in 1981 at Headingley.
Finally we look at where it went wrong for Australia and what we can expect for the rest of the Ashes series going forward.
Photo:Ben Stokes celebrates hitting the winning runs to win the 3rd Specsavers Ashes Test match. (Getty Images)
With Australia’s leading batsman Steve Smith missing the third Ashes Test because of a concussion we look at what can be done to make the sport safer and ask what cricket can learn from rugby union with the help of Dr Barry O’Driscoll, former medical adviser to the International Rugby Board.
Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are at Headingley where Jofra Archer starred on the opening day with the ball in hand. Charu Sharma reacts to Ravi Shastri keeping his position as India head coach and Ravi Shastri’s omission from India’s team for the first Test against West Indies.
Photo: Jofra Archer celebrating his six wicket haul on day one (Getty Images)
How will England fare in the second Ashes Test and could the ECB follow Cricket Australia's new policies for Transgender inclusion?
Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are at at Lords, and Sunil Gupta joins in the conversation from Delhi to discuss the main talking points from the second Ashes Test as England look to fight back and level the series.
What can cricket in England learn from Cricket Australia's new policies for Transgender inclusion, and could the ECB follow suit?
After South Africa’s second highest run scorer Hashim Amla announced his retirement from international cricket we reflect on his 15-year Proteas career with the help of Ashwell Prince, Vernon Philander and his potential successor, Zubayr Hamza.
Plus we discuss the inclusion of a Women’s T20 competition in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Chris Gayle’s decision to reverse his retirement.
Photo: Lyon celebrating his wicket against England (AFP)
After a damaging defeat at Edgbaston, can England bounce back at Lord's or will Australia take another giant stride towards retaining the Ashes?
Plus, imagine reaching the highest level of cricket, only to be told your bowling action breaks the laws of the game. A former international cricketer who was called for throwing tells us about the stigma he carried for the rest of his career.
Photo: England captain Joe Root gives team talk (Getty Images)
As former Australia captain Steve Smith returns from his ball-tampering ban with an emotional century on the first day of the Ashes, we’ll look back on one of the great Test innings of all time with his former team-mate Mitchell Johnson.
Plus, the world Test championship – a shot in the arm for Test cricket or an unnecessary fiddle that will have little effect?
Photo: Steve Smith celebrates his century against England (Getty Images)
We turn the clock back 25 years to remember Brian Lara's incredible impact on English county cricket.
Reaction to England's humiliation by Ireland at Lord's just 10 days after their World Cup triumph.
Plus, life at the edge: a new film exposes the mental strains of cricket at the highest level.
Photo: Brian Lara in 1994 (Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma reflect on an incredible World Cup final and former England captain Alec Stewart talks about the work ahead in order to create a legacy for generations to come.
Plus, we meet the one-woman database who took it on herself to keep a comprehensive record of the women's game around the world.
Photo: Schoolchildren touch the Cricket World Cup trophy at The Oval (Getty Images)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Bryan Waddle preview England v New Zealand in the World Cup final at Lord's as India and Australia bow out in the semi-finals.
England are into the semi-finals of the men's Cricket World Cup after resounding wins over India and New Zealand. We analyse how Eoin Morgan's team went from the brink of elimination to the threshold of glory. Plus as Australia strike first in the women's Ashes, a former great from each team picks out the players who will shape the latest edition of one of the game's biggest rivalries.
Photo: Eoin Morgan and Mark Wood (Getty Images)
Curtly Ambrose and Ebony Rainford-Brent join Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell at a cricket club in Manchester to discuss the World Cup with a live audience.
Is England's World Cup blip temporary or terminal, can Australia can land a sixth crown, or is fate guiding Pakistan towards a repeat of their triumph in 1992?
Photo: Sir Curtly Ambrose at South-West Manchester Cricket Club (BBC)
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are all together at Trent Bridge to discuss the Cricket World Cup so far.
How will India cope without Shikhar Dhawan, are New Zealand the dark horses for the competition and how is cricket making a difference in Afghanistan?
We hear from David Warner, Mitchell Santner and fans who have attended some of the matches in the tournament.
Picture: Kane Williamson celebrating after hitting a six against New Zealand (Getty Images)
Can a rare match between archrivals India and Pakistan breathe life into a rain-soaked World Cup?
We're joined by Yuvraj Singh as the India World Cup winner, who overcame cancer, retires from the international game.
And the curious case of the bails that lost their Zing.
Photo: India and Pakistan fans (Getty Images)
From the shadows of London’s famous Oval cricket ground, the Stumped team look ahead to the biggest match of the men’s Cricket World Cup so far.
Australia face India, two teams with seven World Cup titles between them.
We reflect on a dismal start to the tournament by South Africa and ask former Proteas batsman Ashwell Prince why the team always seems to fluff their lines on cricket’s biggest stage.
Photo: Virat Kohli celebrates Aaron Finch wicket (Getty Images)
After all the hype and build up, the cricket extravaganza is finally underway - the hosts England are strongly tipped to win the World Cup, Alison Mitchell, Geoff Lemon and Charu Sharma all reflect on their opening victory against South Africa in a game which saw Ben Stokes hit 89 with the bat and make a wonder catch.
We'll also discuss Australia's chances of retaining the title and find out what Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara thinks of his former side as they begin their campaign against New Zealand.
Picture - Ben Stokes (Credit - Getty Images)
Stumped presenters Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell count down their ten greatest ever matches from the Cricket World Cup.
We hear some of the key moments and speak to the players who were involved in those stand out games.
Photo: The ten captains from all of the teams involved in the 2019 Cricket World Cup (Getty Images)
We preview the 2019 men's Cricket World Cup as the 10 top one-day teams in the world compete to lift the trophy at Lord's on 14 July.
We speak to former England director of cricket Andrew Strauss and Afghanistan fast bowler Hamid Hassan.
Plus, find out which match finished Number 1 in our shortlist of the greatest world cup matches in history.
Photo:England's Eoin Morgan, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood (Press Association)
Reaction to Mumbai Indians' fourth Indian Premier League title in seven years.
Plus, Damien Fleming relives the final over of Australia's extraordinary semi-final tie with South Africa in the 1999 World Cup.
And former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu on the threats that led him to flee his homeland.
Photo: South Africa's Lance Klusener (Getty Images)
Our Cricket World Cup countdown continues with the day Irish eyes were smiling. We'll hear from Kevin O'Brien, whose record-breaking century shocked England in 2011.
Plus, a World Cup final of a different kind at Lord's. We'll hear how street children from around the world sent out a powerful message of hope through the game of cricket.
Photo: Kevin O'Brien (Getty Images)
Does cricket have a problem with recreational drugs? We ask whether the extra money in the game is leading players astray.
Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup hero Hashan Tillakaratne remembers the amazing victory over Australia that rocked cricket's established order.
And how the sport is providing an escape to those New York immigrants who feel isolated in Donald Trump's America.
Photo: Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup final (Getty Images)
How India's incredible victory over the mighty West Indies in the 1983 World Cup final ignited a nation's love affair with the game.
Plus, is it a risky PR stunt or a worthy campaign? We speak to the organisers of a controversial mixed-gender match which is setting out to transform perceptions of the women's game in India.
Photo: Veda Krishnamurthy, Harmanpreet Kaur, Mithali Raj and Virat Kohli (Credit: RCBTweets)
Could England's decision to fast-track Barbados-born bowler Jofra Archer into their World Cup plans hamper their bid to win the tournament for the first time?
Plus, memories of the 2011 World Cup final in Mumbai when India beat Sri Lanka in style to deliver the ultimate prize to their cricket-mad fans.
Photo: Jofra Archer (Getty Images)
We revisit Kapil Dev's extraordinary 175 for India at the 1983 World Cup through the eyes of the man with the best seat in the house - Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Dave Houghton.
Plus the student from South Australia who says his new fitness test can halt the injury epidemic among fast bowlers.
Photo: Kapil Dev at Tunbridge Wells (Getty Images)
We look back at Australia's one-run victory over India in 1987 that provided a catalyst for their era of supremacy.
And as another top South African turns his back on the national team, we'll look at what can be done to stop the talent drain from one of cricket's leading countries.
Photo: Dean Jones and Allan Border (Getty Images)
To mankad or not to mankad?
Why a controversial mode of dismissal named after an Indian player from the 1940s has rocked the cricket world this week.
In our World Cup countdown, we'll recall how Pakistan stunned England to win the tournament in 1992.
And the Aussie-born German international who wants to make cricket Europe's biggest summer team sport.
We're starting our countdown to the men's Cricket World Cup. We'll hear from Grant Elliott, who takes us into his mind in the moments before he hit the six that took New Zealand into their first ever final. We'll also look ahead to the start of the Indian Premier League - and visit a project in India that's sending players to the Street Child World Cup.
Photo: Grant Elliott (Getty Images)
After beating India 3-2, are Australia peaking in time for the men's World Cup?
It's a big week for Irish cricket with their first overseas Test match and the launch of a new European Twenty20 league.
And meet the fireman from Western Australia whose new invention promises to revolutionise backyard cricket.
Former West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose on his unlikely reinvention as a ballroom dancer in Australian TV show Dancing with the Stars.
Plus, we meet the man at the centre of cricket's fight against corruption.
Alex Marshall, head of the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit, speaks to us from Sri Lanka, one of several cricket-playing countries where match-fixing is not a criminal offence.
(Photo: Siobhan Power and Curtly Ambrose Credit: Network 10)
The incredible rebirth of Sri Lankan cricket.
Embarrassed by England and thrashed in Australia, how did Sri Lanka become the first Asian team to win a Test series in South Africa? Former all-rounder Russel Arnold has his say.
Plus what's happened to the England women's team? World champions in 2017 - and yet struggling to qualify automatically for the defence of their crown in 2021.
Photo: Oshada Fernando (Getty Images)
With fewer than 100 days to go until the Cricket World Cup, we'll hear from the great West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, who lifted the inaugural trophy in 1975. He is unhappy that the tournament has not developed into a truly global event.
Plus, former England captain Nasser Hussain tells us why he thinks the hosts and favourites can finally win the World Cup at the 12th time of asking.
(Photo: Joe Root in Barbados. Credit: Getty Images)
This week, West Indies bowler Shannon Gabriel was banned for four ODIs after comments made to Joe Root. The panel discuss the incident which overshadowed England's victory in St Lucia.
From Aussie Rules football to international cricket - hear from Australian rising star Jhye Richardson.
And there are ten overseas star players that play in both the Women's Big Bash League and the Kia Super League. Even though Rachel Priest plays cricket all over the world, she doesn't represent her nation anymore. She joins us on the programme to explain why.
Picture - Shannon Gabriel and Joe Root (Credit - Getty Images)
West Indies are back - but for how long? Does the trouncing of England truly herald a second coming for the former giants of the game?
Plus former Australia opener Chris Rogers weighs up the strengths and weaknesses of England and Australia six months before the Ashes.
And the great Antarctic cricket bat mystery.
Photo: John Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite celebrate (Getty Images)
As Australia host Sri Lanka in Canberra, we ask why it's taken so long for the capital city of a cricket-mad nation to stage a Test match.
Plus David Capel recalls England's landmark victory over the West Indies in Jamaica in 1990.
And the All Blacks take on the Black Caps in New Zealand.
Photo: England celebrate in Jamaica (Getty Images)
English cricketer Billy Cookson on the car crash in Australia that almost cost him his life and his long journey to recovery in a hospital thousands of miles from home.
Plus, news and views from the Gabba in Brisbane where a new-look Australia are taking on Sri Lanka.
And as Joe Root leads England in the West Indies, his predecessor Alastair Cook speaks about his development as a Test captain.
Photo: Car (Victoria Police) and Billy Cookson (Alison Mitchell)
South Africa's AB de Villiers explains why he thinks playing in Pakistan is worth the risk - and leaves the door slightly ajar for a World Cup return.
Plus, three former Pakistan captains give their views on the team's recent slump.
And has India's MS Dhoni saved his World Cup place?
Photo: AB de Villiers (Getty Images)
As India complete the first ever Test series victory in Australia, Alison Mitchell speaks to former India batsman Aakash Chopra and Jim Maxwell runs the rule over the new faces in Australia's squad to play Sri Lanka.
Plus West Indies interim coach Richard Pybus speaks to Stumped reporter Sam Sheringham about the size of his task as the Windies prepare to host England.
Photo: Virat Kohli (Getty Images)
Ailson Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are at the Sydney Cricket Ground as India take on Australia in the final Test.
We speak to a relieved Dale Steyn after the South Africa fast bowler ended his three-and-a-half year wait to become his country's record Test wicket-taker.
And we'll be joined by Smriti Mandhana, the Indian batting star and recently crowned women's cricketer of the year.
Photo: Chesteshwar Pujara (Getty Images)
Cricket's newest Test nations face an exciting 2019 after their historic debuts.
We'll tell the stories behind Ireland and Afghanistan's journeys to Test cricket.
Plus former Ireland international Niall O'Brien and Afghan journalist Emal Pasarly on the next steps in cricket for their respective countries.
Picture: Afsar Zazai (AFP) & Kevin O'Brien (Getty Images)
As Australia level the series with India in Perth, former Australia batsman Ed Cowan analyses the spat between captains Tim Paine and Virat Kohli.
Plus Dwayne Bravo on the West Indies' love affair with Twenty20 cricket.
Picture: Virat Kohli and Tim Paine (Getty Images)
One Test down, and it is advantage India Down Under. In a thrilling final day in Adelaide, India claimed victory - their first on Australian soil since 2008.
The Stumped team analyse the action and savour what looks to be a Test series for the ages. Can India go on to do something special? Or will Australia stamp out their ball-tampering demons in their first home Test since the scandal in March?
We hear from Australian greats Allan Border and Mitchell Johnson, along with Indian batter Aakash Chopra.
(Photo: Virat Kohli celebrates victory. Credit: Getty Images)
This week’s episode comes from Adelaide as Australia take on India in their first home Test since their ball-tampering scandal in South Africa earlier this year. Alison Mitchell is joined by Harsha Bhogle and Jim Maxwell in the Adelaide Oval commentary box as they reflect on the action so far.
Australia women's captain Meg Lanning reflects on their dominant victory over England in the World Twenty20 final.
Plus, as cricket makes a bid for inclusion in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, South Africa's Paul Adams remembers his team's gold medal in the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Photo: South Africa celebrate 1998 Commonwealth Games gold medal (Getty)
Reaction to the opening exchanges between Australia and India as the Aussies name their squad for the first two Tests.
Are safety concerns and lack of opportunities in schools limiting the take-up of cricket among girls in India?
Plus, we meet 30-year-old New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel, who inspired his team to one of the closest victories in Test history.
Photo: Ajaz Patel (Getty Images)
Australia have their fourth World Twenty20 title in sight - we hear from Ellyse Perry on how the women's team have bypassed the fiasco involving the scathing cultural review on Cricket Australia.
This week, Australia fast bowler John Hastings retired because of a bleeding lung condition and we hear from England spinner Jack Leach on coping with Crohn's disease.
Picture - Ellyse Perry (Getty Images)
It's being called a global epidemic. More allegations of match-fixing at the highest level of cricket.
But why aren't the players implicated by Al Jazeera being named, and what more can be done to cut the link between the fixers and the players?
Plus - as one great bowler prepares to call time on his career, another announces himself on the game's biggest stage.
In an in-depth interview first broadcast in 2018, Australian legend Shane Warne looks back at his cricketing career, from taking 708 wickets in 145 Tests for Australia to bowling the most famous delivery of all time: the Ball of the Century.
Image: Shane Warne (Credit: BBC)
Australia look to repair relationships and build bridges from the cheating scandal that rocked the sport - we discuss Australia's new look squad as they face Pakistan in a two Test series in the UAE.
We also look ahead to the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League with rising star, Nepal's international Sandeep Lamichhane and we speak to Chris Carter who has decided to give up a career in cricket to become a pilot.
Picture - Tim Paine (Credit - Getty Images)
Charu Sharma, Alister Nicholson and Natalie Germanos ask whether Moeen Ali "Osama" revelation changes the way cricketers behave out in the field?
Xhosa-speaking South Africans have been playing cricket for more than 160 years. But only now can they do so in their mother tongue.
And we find out how a new cricket initiative is aiming to increase female participation from the South Asian community.
(Photo - Moeen Ali. Credit - Getty Images)
After being cleared of affray outside a Bristol nightclub, should England cricketer Ben Stokes play in the third Test against India which starts on Saturday?
The England and Wales Cricket Board will now decide whether they will punish Stokes further - and if so, what would be the appropriate sanction?
We also ask, what more can be done to attract black cricketers to play the sport?
And would Alison Mitchell be tempted to feature in a dancing contest in India?
Picture - Ben Stokes (Credit - Getty Images)
In 1877, England played their first ever Test match - 141 years on - they have become the first nation to reach 1000 matches in the longest format of the game - we reflect on England's Test history with cricket journalist Simon Wilde who has written a book called England: The Biography, the story of English Cricket 1877-2018.
Plus find out how Imran Khan went from a cricketing icon to potentially becoming Pakistan's prime minister.
Picture - Joe Root and Virat Kohli (Credit - Getty Images)
England broke their own world record for the highest one-day international total, making 481 runs off 50 overs against Australia at Trent Bridge.
In professional cricket, only Surrey have got closer to 500, when they scored 496 at the Oval and only New Zealand Women's team have scored more in an ODI, when they hit Ireland for 490 earlier this month.
We ask, which team will reach the 500 mark first?
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Cricket South Africa, Thabang Moroe, believes that the country's women and men cricketers should be treated equally, and therefore, must be paid the same. But not everyone agrees.
In an article, former South Africa Test batsman Boeta Dippenaar said men are rightly paid more - comments which have drawn a backlash from several of the county's leading female players. Dippenaar joined us on the show to explain why he feels it is unrealistic to expect female and male cricketers to be paid the same.
And we hear from Afghanistan's teenage sensation Rashid Khan following his country's Test debut in India.
Picture - Alex Hales (Credit - Getty Images)
It's a nation that has been torn apart by decades of war but after a long long wait, finally Afghanistan are playing their first ever Test match against India - Our reporter Sam Sheringham is in India to find out about Afghanistan's remarkable journey.
The Afghan Cricket chairman Atif Mashal has been telling us what it means to be part of cricket's most exclusive club.
Bangladesh's women's team pulled off a dramatic three-wicket victory in the final against six-time champions India to clinch their maiden Asia Cup. Bangladesh's middle order batsman Nigar Sultana joined us on the show - she top scored with 27 in the final and she told Alison, Clint and Sunil what the title means to her and how she is hoping this will now raise the profile of women's cricket in Bangladesh.
And with Australia arriving in England with a new captain, a new coach and a new-look side, it's the first time they are playing international cricket since the infamous ball-tampering tour of South Africa. Alison, Clint and Sunil discuss whether Australia kept their promise of banter not sledging and a respect for the game and the opposition.
One-hundred and fifty years ago, 13 Aboriginals became the first Australia team to tour overseas when they travelled to England. Author Greg de Moore tells the remarkable story of how the Aboriginal team was created - which he believes is the most important part of Australian cricket's history.
To mark the anniversary, the best Aboriginal players from Australia are back in England this summer, to trace the steps of those pioneers in 1868. Hannah Darlington is one of them and she joins us at The Oval to discuss how indigenous cricket is developing Down Under.
And ahead of their tour of South Africa, we hear from England bowler Katherine Brunt - who believes the number of county teams needs to be reduced if the women's game is to progress. Brunt also talks about her long-term struggle with a back injury.
(Photo: An Aboriginal team from Western Australia, 1879. Credit: Getty Images)
Pakistan out-fought, out-skilled and outplayed England in the first Test at Lords to silence their critics - we ask how has Mickey Arthur transformed a team usually mocked for their fielding to showing England how to win in English conditions. We hear from legendary pace bowler Waqar Younis.
In contrast, where is it going wrong for England? Former England batsman James Taylor speaks to Alison Mitchell about how can Trevor Bayliss and Joe Root turn their form around having gone eight Tests without a win. Taylor's career was cut short by a heart condition and this week, has released a new book 'Cut Short'. He explains to Alison Mitchell how he felt let down by the ECB and The Players Association by the lack of care following his ordeal which left him fighting for his life.
And we sent Rahul Tandon to the Home of Cricket where the world's biggest cricket stars came together in a special one off T20 charity match to raise funds for the five cricket grounds in the Caribbean that were damaged by the Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September last year. Carlos Brathwaite skippered West Indies which included Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and veteran batsman Marlon Samuels. They were up against a World XI which included Pakistan's Shahid Afridi and Afghanistan legspinner Rashid Khan.
Picture - Mickey Arthur (Credit - Getty Images)
Vikram Solanki became the only full-time non-white coach across the domestic league in England after becoming assistant head coach of Surrey County Cricket Club - we speak to Roland Butcher, the first black player to represent England, on the lack of ethnic minority coaches in county cricket.
Two weeks ago, not many of you would have heard of 26-year-old wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen - but he is now been in the headlines following a remarkable performance with the bat to give South Africa a much needed victory in the fourth One Day International against India in Johannesburg. India eventually won their first bilateral series in South Africa with victory in the fifth ODI. Klaasen was called into the Proteas squad for his debut after Quinton de Kock injured his finger in the second ODI and Heinrick told Alison the last couple of weeks have been a complete dream.
Also on this week's programme, we pay tribute to the former New Zealand Test captain Bevan Congdon who died, one day short of his 80th birthday, after a long illness.
Congdon led New Zealand to their first win over Australia in Christchurch in 1974. The former Black Caps batsman John Parker played 22 Tests alongside Congdon including that historic win over the Aussies. He told Alison his memories of what it was like to share the same dressing room as Congdon.
(Photo: Roland Butcher. Credit - Getty Images)
How Sachin Tendulkar's son is starting his quest to follow in the footsteps of his celebrated father.
Meet the Australian sportswoman who's equally handy with a tennis racquet as she is a cricket bat.
And India's blind cricket team are the best in the world - but why aren't they funded by the national board?
(Photo: Arjun Tendulkar. Credit: ABC)
As The Oval hosts its 100th Test, former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm looks back on his incredible nine-wicket burst at the ground in 1994, and sets the record straight on some of the myths surrounding his remarkable career.
Tammy Beaumont, voted the best player of the Women's World Cup, on the impact of the tournament around the world.
Photo; Devon Malcolm (Getty Images)
Who will triumph in the Women’s World Cup final – England or India?
England’s Anya Shrubsole, star of their semi-final win over South Africa, looks ahead to the showpiece.
Rahul Tandon reports from Kolkata on the rise of the women’s game in India.
And Holly Colvin, head of Women's Cricket at the ICC, looks at the global impact of the tournament.
India's Women's World Cup star Smriti Mandhana talks to Alison Mitchell about her upbringing in India, where she was never coached but copied her brother's batting technique.
John Buchanan reflects on the bitter pay dispute threatening to derail Australian cricket.
And meet Ian Holland, the reality TV cricketer.
Photo: Smriti Mandhana (Getty Images)
The fallout from Australia's series loss in India, as India captain Virat Kohli says the Aussies will never be his friends.
The charity sending cricket kit to Afghan refugees in Germany.
And England captain Joe Root on South Africa and the Ashes.
Photo: Virat Kohli (Getty Images)
The fallout from Australia's series loss in India, as India captain Virat Kohli says the Aussies will never be his friends.
The charity sending cricket kit to Afghan refugees in Germany.
And England captain Joe Root on South Africa and the Ashes.
(Photo: Credit:
The fallout from a fiery Test match in Bangalore as Virat Kohli accuses Steve Smith of bending the rules. Dawid Malan talks about bringing joy to Pakistani people by playing the Super League final in Lahore. And England captain Heather Knight on a game-changing year for women's cricket.
(Photo: Steve Smith and Virat Kohli. Credit:Getty Images)
As Alastair Cook steps down as England captain, all eyes are on his successor-in-waiting Joe Root. We speak to Root’s England teammate and former housemate Gary Ballance about his credentials for the job.
We report from Cape Town on the launch of a new global Twenty20 League aimed at stopping the exodus of South African players to lucrative contracts abroad.
Fast bowler Kyle Abbott, who quit international cricket to join Hampshire, puts his side of the story.
Photo: Joe Root (Getty Images)
As Australia batsman David Warner achieves one of cricket's rarest feats with 100 runs in the first session of a Test match, we'll ask why it remains such a novelty in an age of big bats, flat pitches and Twenty20 run fests.
Meet the Melbourne comedian who is turning the world's best female cricketers into karaoke stars.
And the South African schoolgirl who scored 160 runs, while her team-mates made none.
Photo: David Warner (Credit: Getty Images)
Stumped highlights, from Chris Gayle to spot-fixing, via a blind cricket commentator from Zimbabwe.
Photo: Chris Gayle (Getty Images)
Stumped presenters Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma go head to head in a festive cricket quiz, hosted by Kevin Howells.
Photo: Shane Warne (Getty Images)
Hear a radical new theory about how a 50-year-old rule change may have caused more bowler injuries.
Virat Kohli's lifelong coach on his father-son relationship with India's captain.
And the Netherlands set their sights on the big time.
Photo: Mitchell Starc (Getty Images).