Stumped
The weekly cricket show from BBC Sport, produced in association with ABC and Akashvani. It covers international cricket news, match analysis, and interviews with players and experts.
Episodes
Does the nationality of an international cricket coach matter?
New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming has suggested England should be led by an English coach. He is due to take charge of his first Test series in South Africa in December, continuing the tradition of overseas coaches leading the England men’s team. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma examine if appointing a home-grown coach is the way forward?From viral social media clips to some wonderfully c
How do you solve Test cricket’s bad light problem?
The first Test between South Africa and Australia was overshadowed by bad light in Durban. Australia won by 214 runs, but the game lost more than 60 overs due to bad light. Should they have used the pink ball to get more play? Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta debate if using a pink ball is the best solution.Cricketers are often seen as unbreakable, entertaining us week after week, comp
Harmanpreet Kaur: What legacy does India's trailblazing captain leave?
It's a new era for India with Smriti Mandhana replacing Harmanpreet Kaur as captain. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss Harmanpreet’s legacy and if Smriti is the right person for the role? New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson joins the programme as he relaunches a fast bowling challenge that discovered his skills 18 years ago. He hopes the competition can unearth new talent for
What's next for West Indies cricket?
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta discuss what the future could hold for West Indies cricket after the board announced a series of cost-cutting measures. International players face a 25% cut in retainer fees, and the men’s Super50 and women's T20 Blaze competitions have been suspended. Journalist and commentator Fazeer Mohammed explains the problems have been years in the making.The tea
World Cup and Ashes winner Mark Wood retires from England duty
Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma look back at Mark Wood’s England career and discuss the toll fast bowling can take on the body. The World Cup and Ashes winner has retired from international cricket, saying “the England dream has slowly been ground out of me over the last year”.IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings have appointed former Indian bowler Zaheer Khan as their head coach on a
Steve Smith: What does the Australian's international cricket future hold?
Will Steve Smith feature in the 2027 Ashes? The Aussie legend has hinted that he might not play in the next Ashes series because he’s "in kind of a series-by-series proposition". Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma examine the impact this could have on the Aussie batting line up and whether he’s considered as one of the of the greats of the game, despite not winning the urn away from hom
Is Smriti Mandhana the greatest women’s batter of all time?
India’s Smriti Mandhana continues to rewrite the record books. She’s now the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket and holds the record for the most international centuries. Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Clint Wheeldon discuss whether the left-hander is the greatest women’s batter of all time?England have appointed Kevin Pietersen as a specialist mentor for their white-ba
Mushtaq Ahmed on Pakistan’s problems and history for Bangladesh
Former Pakistan leg-spinner and current Bangladesh spin coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, tells Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta that he’d love to work with Pakistan again in the future and gives his thoughts on the current instability in the nation’s national team.He believes Pakistan should remain calm and not make any rash decisions after they sent home seven players including two coaches after
Cricket's latest rivalry: Vicars v Imams
Cricket isn't short of big rivalries. We can now add another one to the list - Vicars versus Imams! We hear from players from both teams about the mini series which has been going on for almost a decade in Lancashire, England.Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta also reflect on Australia's comfortable win over Bangladesh as the Test series ended in a 1-1 draw. For the third time in the las
Can Bangladesh do the unthinkable?
Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets in the first Test at Darwin, a result few saw coming. Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether Bangladesh were simply too good, or Australia was below par. Jim, however, sees no reason to panic and believes the Aussies will bounce back in the second Test.
Plus, former South African batter and Rotterdam Dockers co-owner Jonty Rhodes
Should the ICC make the Cricket World Cup bigger?
Scotland and Netherlands say the ICC’s plans to shrink the men’s 2027 Cricket World Cup to 12 teams will make it harder for associate nations to qualify. Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Brett Sprigg discuss the impact this will have on the sport.
Three Test series get underway this week with Bangladesh in Australia, India travel to Sri Lanka and England host Pakistan. Brett says the Tigers des
Smriti Mandhana on India’s winning culture
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
New era for England as Stephen Fleming appointed Test coach
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 fra
Sir Garfield Sobers stands alongside Pele, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods
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 lik
Christian Fuchs: From Premier League winner to hitting sixes
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 Eng
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi surpasses Sachin Tendulkar to make India history
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 an
Ben Stokes retires: What next for England?
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
R Ashwin on life in Major League Cricket and India's teenage star Sooryavanshi
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 enjo
Bangladesh make history with first ever ODI series win against Australia
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
Will Ben Stokes captain England again after being replaced by Joe Root?
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
Are Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru building an IPL dynasty?
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 Oly
Afghanistan Women’s Refugee Team: What’s next?
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 mor
Should India’s Virat Kohli have to prove his worth ahead of the World Cup?
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 t
Should the Big Bash League follow The Hundred and allow IPL investment?
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 capt
Suzie Bates: The New Zealand great on her final T20 World Cup and retirement
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 Hyderaba
What impact could England teen Tilly Corteen-Coleman make at T20 World Cup?
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
Could Test cricket become a squad game?
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 refle
Praful Hinge: Has the IPL discovered a new star?
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 Lawre
South Africa's Wiaan Mulder on life at Essex, Lara's record and the impact player rule
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 th
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The teen sensation hitting the IPL for six
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. Aust
IPL 2026: Can Virat Kohli lead RCB to back-to-back titles?
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 Koh
Gary Kirsten on India, Pakistan and his hopes for Sri Lanka
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 b
Men’s T20 World Cup Final: India demolish New Zealand to retain title
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 v
Haris Rauf leads Pakistan players on final Hundred auction list
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 th
Georgia Voll on Healy, Australia v India rivalry & coffee
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 t
T20 World Cup: When giants collide and associates make history
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 bigg
Countdown to India v Pakistan
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 Ahmedaba
Pakistan to play at T20 World Cup - but refuse to face India
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 India
Men's T20 World Cup: Bangladesh replaced by Scotland
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 credib
Steve Waugh on investing in a new European T20 Premier League
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 large
Alyssa Healy to retire: Elyse Villani on her Australia teammates legacy
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 a
The Ashes: Matthew Hayden on what's next for England and Australia?
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 Ja
The Ashes: The epic 125-day journey from England to Australia
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 s
The Best of Stumped in 2025
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
IPL auction, WBBL review and Ashes controversy
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
Ashes 2025: Matt Prior on Wood, wicketkeeping and winning down under
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
Ashes 2025: What makes the pink ball special?
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 s
Ashes 2025: Gillespie on Bazball, bowling and Brisbane
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 Australi
South Africa win first Test in India for 15 years
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 signif
England Ashes winner Steven Finn on the secret to winning the urn in Australia
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 an
India win their first Women's Cricket World Cup
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
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine on incredible ODI career
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 Pre
Climate change: Is cricket facing its ‘ultimate test’?
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
Harmanpreet Kaur: How was India's captain discovered?
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, mo
How did Sachin Tendulkar's intervention help India captain Harmanpreet Kaur?
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 H
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and the Women’s World Cup
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, Pre
Ashes fever builds as Asia Cup tensions bubble over
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 afte
India v Pakistan: The row rumbles on
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 Ind
India and Pakistan prepare for Asia Cup clash
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 com
From farm to fours: Meet South Africa's rising star Annerie Dercksen
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
'Watch us Smile' Can New Zealand women win another World Cup?
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
The T20 franchise race behind the IPL
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 franc
Charlotte Edwards: England head coach on World Cup hopes
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 Invinc
Alana King: The queen of spin on the Hundred and World Cup
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 t
Is India's head coach Gautam Gambhir feeling the pressure?
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' should
Should the World Test Championship finals always be held in England?
***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 aw
How does West Indies cricket recover from Test humiliation?
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.P
India's women make T20 history in England
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 cr
Vernon Philander on Bumrah, Archer and the life of a fast bowler
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.Engla
England vs India: Where does the India Test team go from here?
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 Australi
De Villiers: South Africa's WTC victory 'stirred the emotions'
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 t
Test cricket: Past, present and future
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 Hist
IPL 2025: Has Virat Kohli completed cricket?
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 b
Shubman Gill's India
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
England's 2025: A defining year for Bazball?
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
What is Virat Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket?
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
Who should replace Rohit Sharma as India Men's Test Captain?
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 Fina
Cameron Bancroft open to Australia return
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 ou
Wisden's top five and what next for West Indies women?
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.orgThe Women’s World Cup qualifiers have reached their conclusion with Pakistan and Bangladesh making it through to the
'Best possible news' for Afghanistan women and Tanzania make history
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
