Stumped

This week Henry Moeran, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the toll being a fast bowler takes on the body.We hear from former South Africa quick, Vernon Philander. He fears Jofra Archer doesn’t have enough overs in his legs to play international test cricket yet. He also shares his thoughts on how India are managing Jasprit Bumrah's fitness after he was rested for the 2nd Test at Edgbaston.England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt tells Stumped her side’s problems with spin must be addressed as they build to this Autumn’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.And we look at why Pakistan’s men continue to struggle to find a permanent test Head Coach.

On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell & Charu Sharma, we hear from Indian Test Cricketer K S Bharat after India lose the opening Test of their five match series away in England.Bharat talks about what Shubman Gill is like as a captain, what it is like to keep wicket to Jasprit Bumrah and what changes India could make to their side going forward. The team also discus Australia’s tour of the West Indies, with both sides in transition they assess the changes they’re making.Plus, we reflect on the Test match retirement of Sri Lanka great Angelo Mathews.Photo: Joe Root and Jamie Smith of England celebrate after Smith hits the winning runs during day five of the first Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Headingley on June 24, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Credit: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell & Charu Sharma, we hear from South Africa great AB de Villiers about their World Test Championship triumph, what this means for Test cricket and India’s Virat Kohli retiring from the longest form of the game.Former England fast bowler Liam Plunkett chats about India's Test series in England, the third season of Major League Cricket and the legacy co-hosting the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup has had on cricket in America.And the team preview England and India playing for the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy.Photo: Temba Bavuma of South Africa celebrates on the team balcony with the ICC World Test Championship Mace alongside teammates following the side's victory on during Day Four of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 14, 2025 in London, England. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are at Lord's for the World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa. They are joined by Charu Sharma in India to delve into Test cricket's past, present and future. We hear about the history of the format, the challenges faced and what we can learn from its past with cricket journalist Tim Wigmore who has written a book called Test Cricket: A History. We assess where Test cricket is at now focusing on Australia and South Africa and hear from two legends who have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith speak to Alison Mitchell about if they believe Test cricket is in danger. Plus, the team debate what needs to be done to save Test cricket and how will it look in the future.Photo: A general view as members look on from the Pavilion during match play of the first South Africa innings on Day One of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia at L

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 recreatio

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: Sp

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 W

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 Me

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 b

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 Worldw

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 celeb

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