Stumped

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.orgThe 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 between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad at MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 26, 2024 in Chennai, India. (Photo by 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)