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Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
On Summer Grandstand - the Voice of Summer Jim Maxwell joined Corbin Middlemas and Ben Cameron to preview the Ashes series.
As we gear up for the 2025-26 Ashes, legendary commentator Jim Maxwell is looking back at his favourite moments from this storied rivalry. In part five of this series, Jim and Corbin Middlemas look back to 2006 when Shane Warne bowled Australia to a series win in Adelaide.
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)
As we get ready for the 2025-26 instalment of the famous Ashes rivalry, legendary ABC commentator Jim Maxwell is looking back on his favourite Ashes moments from his time loving the game. In this episode, Jim and Corbin Middlemas reflect on a masterful innings from Ben Stokes in 2019 that secured England a famous victory at Headingley.
Until the Ashes starts, Summer Grandstand on ABC Sport will be running a segment called 2 for 22. Each weekend at 2:22, we'll catch up with our Ashes talent from the captain Jim Maxwell to all our experts and the BBC crew to relive classic moments and look ahead to what's coming. So set your watch for 2:22! Where our incredible ABC Sport cricket team will share their stories and stick their necks out with predictions for the summer ahead.Today's episode sees Brett Sprigg catching up with Jonathon "Aggers" Agnew.
With the 2025-26 Ashes on the horizon we are discussing legendary commentator Jim Maxwell's top six Ashes moments from his more than 50-year career. In episode three, he and Corbin Middlemas revel in Allan Border and Jeff Thompson's almost miracle at the MCG in 1982.
With the 2025-26 Ashes on the horizon we are discussing legendary commentator Jim Maxwell's top six Ashes moments from his more than 50-year career. In episode three, he and Corbin Middlemas revel in Allan Border and Jeff Thompson's almost miracle at the MCG in 1982.
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)
The countdown is on to the 2025-26 Ashes series, and we are asking legendary ABC commentator Jim Maxwell to count down his six favourite Ashes memories. Jim and fellow ABC commentator Corbin Middlemas look back at some of the moments that have defined this rivalry. Part two follows Jim to Lords in 1972 where he watched from the stands as Bob Massie put on a bowling clinic.
The countdown is on to the 2025-26 Ashes series, and we are asking legendary ABC commentator Jim Maxwell to count down his six favourite Ashes memories. Jim and fellow ABC commentator Corbin Middlemas look back at some of the moments that have defined this rivalry. Part two follows Jim to Lords in 1972 where he watched from the stands as Bob Massie put on a bowling clinic.
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)
The countdown is on to the 2025-26 Ashes series, and we are asking legendary ABC commentator Jim Maxwell to count down his six favourite Ashes memories. Jim and fellow ABC commentator Corbin Middlemas look back at some of the moments that have defined this rivalry. Part two follows Jim to Lords in 1972 where he watched from the stands as Bob Massie put on a bowling clinic.
Steven Finn, Jim Maxwell and Jack Leach join Mark Chapman to continue build-up to the Ashes series down under. How bad is Pat Cummins injury? Is Ollie Pope secure at three? Has Marnus Labuschagne played himself into the Australia side? Plus, why is it so hard to win down under and Alice Davidson-Richards on ICC Women's World Cup Semi-Finals.
Until the Ashes starts, Summer Grandstand on ABC Sport will be running a segment called 2 for 22. Each weekend at 2:22, we'll catch up with our Ashes talent from the captain Jim Maxwell to all our experts and the BBC crew to relive classic moments and look ahead to what's coming. So set your watch for 2:22! Where our incredible ABC Sport cricket team will share their stories and stick their necks out with predictions for the summer ahead.Today's episode sees Quentin Hull catching up with Jason GIllespie.
BONUS: What's your favourite Ashes moment? As part of the lead in for the 2025-26 series, legendary ABC commentator Jim Maxwell is breaking down his six favourite memories from a career spanning more than five decades. In this six part special, Jim and Corbin Middlemas pull apart the moments that have defined a famous rivalry. Part one is the saga that has framed the coming clash, the stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. Subscribe to the ABC Sport Newsletter
What's your favourite Ashes moment? As part of the lead in for the 2025-26 series, legendary ABC commentator Jim Maxwell is breaking down his six favourite memories from a career spanning more than five decades. In this six part special, Jim and Corbin Middlemas pull apart the moments that have defined a famous rivalry. Part one is the saga that has framed the coming clash, the stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023.
What's your favourite Ashes moment? As part of the lead in for the 2025-26 series, legendary ABC commentator Jim Maxwell is breaking down his six favourite memories from a career spanning more than five decades. In this six part special, Jim and Corbin Middlemas pull apart the moments that have defined a famous rivalry. Part one is the saga that has framed the coming clash, the stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023.
What's your favourite Ashes moment? As part of the lead in for the 2025-26 series, legendary ABC commentator Jim Maxwell is breaking down his six favourite memories from a career spanning more than five decades. In this six part special, Jim and Corbin Middlemas pull apart the moments that have defined a famous rivalry. Part one is the saga that has framed the coming clash, the stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023.
Until the Ashes starts, Summer Grandstand on ABC Sport will be running a segment called 2 for 22. Each weekend at 2:22, we'll catch up with our Ashes talent from the captain Jim Maxwell to all our experts and the BBC crew to relive classic moments and look ahead to what's coming. So set your watch for 2:22! Where our incredible ABC Sport cricket team will share their stories and stick their necks out with predictions for the summer ahead.Today's episode sees Quentin Hull catching up with Jason GIllespie.
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)
Until the Ashes starts, Summer Grandstand on ABC Sport will be running a segment called 2 for 22. Each weekend at 2:22, we'll catch up with our Ashes talent from the captain Jim Maxwell to all our experts and the BBC crew to relive classic moments and look ahead to what's coming. So set your watch for 2:22! Where our incredible ABC Sport cricket team will share their stories and stick their necks out with predictions for the summer ahead.Today's episode sees Zane Bojack catching up with Jim Maxwell.
Until the Ashes starts, Summer Grandstand on ABC Sport will be running a segment called 2 for 22. Each weekend at 2:22, we'll catch up with our Ashes talent from the captain Jim Maxwell to all our experts and the BBC crew to relive classic moments and look ahead to what's coming. So set your watch for 2:22! Where our incredible ABC Sport cricket team will share their stories and stick their necks out with predictions for the summer ahead.Today's episode sees Zane Bojack catching up with Darren Lehmann.
Could the iconic Boxing Day test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground be under threat? There's growing speculation the Australian cricket bosses will be looking to move the popular event to a new location in order to free up more room for Aussie players to participate in the Big Bash. Australian cricket commentator Jim Maxwell joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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, 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)
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)
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 2025 LONDON, 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)
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Steven Finn, Firdose Moonda and Jim Maxwell as South Africa stand just 69 runs short of their first ever major ICC global title. We hear from South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince, as well as Australian all rounder Beau Webster.
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Sir Alastair Cook, Firdose Moonda and Jim Maxwell after the second day of the World Test Championship Final at Lord's. 14 wickets fell for the second day in a row to leave the contest in the balance. We hear from Australia pace bowler Mitchell Starc as well as South African bowler Lungi Ngidi.
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Sir Alastair Cook, Firdose Moonda and Jim Maxwell after the first day of the World Test Championship Final at Lord's. 14 wickets fell on a dramatic day – we hear from Australia top scorer Beau Webster, as well as South African fast bowler Marco Jansen.
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)
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)
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)
***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)
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)