Stumped

Epizódy

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  Is Smriti Mandhana the greatest women’s batter of all time? 10.09.2026 39min

  India’s Smriti Mandhana continues to rewrite the record books. She’s now the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket and holds the record for the most international centuries. Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Clint Wheeldon discuss whether the left-hander is the greatest women’s batter of all time?England have appointed Kevin Pietersen as a specialist mentor for their white-ball set-up. The former Ashes winner will begin his role with the upcoming T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka. Sunil and Clint believe he can help England challenge for the 2027 ICC World Cup.Plus, Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji joins Stumped to discuss their plans to host a T20 international against India. The historic fixture will be the first time Japan’s men have faced India and will also launch celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.Photo: Smriti Mandhana of India warms up prior to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Group A match between South Africa and India at Old Trafford Cricket Ground on June 21, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
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  Mushtaq Ahmed on Pakistan’s problems and history for Bangladesh 03.09.2026 43min

  Former Pakistan leg-spinner and current Bangladesh spin coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, tells Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta that he’d love to work with Pakistan again in the future and gives his thoughts on the current instability in the nation’s national team.He believes Pakistan should remain calm and not make any rash decisions after they sent home seven players including two coaches after the second Test defeat against England at Lord’s. He also says Bangladesh deserve the right to play more red ball cricket after their 1-1 draw in Australia.Marnus Labugchagne has been left out of the recent Australia's ODI squad to face Zimbabwe and South Africa. The trio discuss if this marks the beginning of the end of Labuschagne's international career? Plus, Cricket is played all around the world, from the gullies of Lahore, to the back yards of Australia and the Maidan’s of India. It's also played in many unusual places like in Solent, England, on the Bramble Bank that appears only once a year! Alison went to find out more.Photo: Ali Usman of Pakistan is bowled by Jofra Archer during the second day of the second Rothesay Test match between England and Pakistan at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 28, 2026 in London, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
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  Cricket's latest rivalry: Vicars v Imams 27.08.2026 36min

  Cricket isn't short of big rivalries. We can now add another one to the list - Vicars versus Imams! We hear from players from both teams about the mini series which has been going on for almost a decade in Lancashire, England.Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta also reflect on Australia's comfortable win over Bangladesh as the Test series ended in a 1-1 draw. For the third time in the last seven matches, a Test in Australia finished inside two days, is this becoming an issue for the sport?Plus, the team react to Joe Root's comments after yet another off the field incident involving an England player. Eight contracted players have been involved in or present for late-night incidents in the past year.Photo: Lancashire Vicars v Imams Credit: Clive Lawrence
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  Can Bangladesh do the unthinkable? 20.08.2026 39min

  Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets in the first Test at Darwin, a result few saw coming. Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether Bangladesh were simply too good, or Australia was below par. Jim, however, sees no reason to panic and believes the Aussies will bounce back in the second Test. Plus, former South African batter and Rotterdam Dockers co-owner Jonty Rhodes joins Stumped to discuss the new European T20 Premier League, which gets underway next week. Featuring six franchise-based city teams across the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland, Jonty says the new venture can play a major role in helping cricket grow across Europe. Photo: Mehidy Hasan Miraz of Bangladesh celebrates with team mates after dismissing Steve Smith of Australia during day three of the First Test Match in the series between Australia and Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
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  Should the ICC make the Cricket World Cup bigger? 13.08.2026 39min

  Scotland and Netherlands say the ICC’s plans to shrink the men’s 2027 Cricket World Cup to 12 teams will make it harder for associate nations to qualify. Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Brett Sprigg discuss the impact this will have on the sport. Three Test series get underway this week with Bangladesh in Australia, India travel to Sri Lanka and England host Pakistan. Brett says the Tigers deserve their chance to play against Australia and Charu believes spin will play a big role in the sub-continent if the monsoon rains stay away. Meanwhile, Alison can’t pick a clear favourite in the England v Pakistan series. And move over Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira and Portugal has a new sporting icon. We hear from Moises Henriques on why he swapped the Aussie gold and green for Portugal’s red and green as he hopes to get them qualified for the next T20 World Cup.Photo: BANGALORE, INDIA - NOVEMBER 12: Roelof van der Merwe of Netherlands reacts during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 between India and Netherlands at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Bangalore, India. (Photo by Matt Roberts-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)HOBART, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Matt Machan of Scotland looks dejected after being dismissed by Pat Cummins of Australia during the 2015 Cricket World Cup match between Australia and Scotland at Bellerive Oval on March 14, 2015 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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  Smriti Mandhana on India’s winning culture 06.08.2026 40min

  Smriti Mandhana joins Stumped to discuss India's strong dressing room culture and the supportive environment that has helped shape the team's success. The elegant left-hander also reflects on winning the 2025 Cricket World Cup and on playing in the historic Test match at Lord’s and in The Hundred. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma reflect on her remarkable impact and discuss what India must do to consistently challenge the world's best sides. The team also debates whether Joe Root is the right person to captain England after Ben Stokes revealed concerns about the toll the role could take on him, while insisting he wishes Root nothing but success. Plus, Charu has some advice for Babar Azam following Pakistan’s 1-1 series draw with West Indies. He wants the Pakistan skipper to relax and enjoy his leadership ahead of facing England later this month. Photo: Smriti Mandhana of Manchester Super Giants Women bats during The Hundred match between Manchester Super Giants Women and Welsh Fire Women at Emirates Old Trafford on August 05, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Joe Prior/Getty Images)
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  New era for England as Stephen Fleming appointed Test coach 30.07.2026 39min

  Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma react to the news that England have appointed Stephen Fleming as their new Test coach with Joe Root returning as skipper. Charu feels he could be a calming influence, while Jim believes it doesn’t matter that England have appointed another coach from overseas. It’s the first time Fleming has taken charge of a red ball team after having success in franchise cricket, winning IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings.England legend and World Cup winner, Heather Knight, tells Stumped about her new role with London Spirit and says she intends to continue playing franchise cricket.Plus, could we see cricket at the Commonwealth Games in 2030? It’s under consideration to be included and Jim and Charu have differing views on the impact it could makePhoto: Texas Super Kings Head Coach Stephen Fleming is seen prior to the Major League Cricket match between Texas Super Kings and Washington Freedom on Wednesday July 02, 2025 at Central Broward Regional Park, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Credit: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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  Sir Garfield Sobers stands alongside Pele, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods 23.07.2026 42min

  West Indies fast bowling legend Ian Bishop tells Stumped that Sir Garfield Sobers transcended the game and stands alongside sporting icons like Pele, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. Sir Gary died at the age of 89 and was regarded as one of the sport’s greatest ever players. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss his legacy and share their memories of meeting him.Plus - would you like to see a one-off Test match between England and Australia in India? Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg says the two oldest rivals in the sport could possibly play each other in the sub-continent. The Stumped team share their thoughts on the idea.Photo:Former West Indies cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers during net practice at Kensington Oval on January 19, 2019 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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  Christian Fuchs: From Premier League winner to hitting sixes 16.07.2026 42min

  Premier League winner Christian Fuchs tells Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma about his new love for cricket, hitting sixes into the river Derwent and sledging. The former Leicester City and Austria defender has signed up for his village team Grindleford CC in Derbyshire and is enjoying the switch to a new sport.Is the "Bazball" era coming to an end as Brendon McCullum is sacked as England men’s Test coach? He's apologised for results under his leadership but will remain in charge of the white ball sides till the end of next year's 50-over World Cup. The trio discuss the potential contenders to take over the role.And some good news for Afghanistan women's refugee cricketers who have had their funding extended by the ICC. It’s hoped the support will help the team towards development for ICC qualification events by 2030. Clare Connor, the Managing Director of England Women, tells Stumped what this means for the team.Photo:Christian Fuchs of Leicester City kisses the Premier League Trophy as players and staffs celebrate the season champions after the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on May 7, 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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  Vaibhav Sooryavanshi surpasses Sachin Tendulkar to make India history 09.07.2026 42min

  Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has set another record by becoming the youngest ever player to play for India. He was just 15 years and 99 days old when he took to the field in India's second T20 of their ongoing series against England, breaking the long held record of Sachin Tendulkar, who made his debut in a Test against Pakistan aged 16 years and 205 days in 1989. Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Brett Sprigg discuss whether he’s living up to the hype.Australia won their record extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup, beating England at Lord’s by 7 wickets. The tournament was the biggest to date with 12 teams competing. The trio reflect on the competition and ask what makes the Aussies so good?Plus, history is being made at Lord’s as it hosts its first every Women’s Test match between England and India. Fast bowler Lauren Filer tells us what the occasion means for the women’s game.Photo: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of India during the 2nd Vitality IT20 match between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford on July 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Credit: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
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  Ben Stokes retires: What next for England? 02.07.2026 42min

  Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss what’s next for England’s Test team following Ben Stokes shock retirement. Who will take the armband, how will Stokes international career be remembered and is it the end for ‘Bazball’?Making it as a professional in one sport is impressive enough but to do it in two is pretty special! That's exactly what 2019 World Cup winner Liam Plunkett has done after he made his pro debut in Baseball for the Oakland Ballers. Known for his fast bowling, Liam tells Stumped about his curve ball a strike out in his first game!Plus, we hear from former Ireland captain Alan Lewis about a historic weekend for Irish cricket as the men beat India 2-0 for the first time in a T20 series and the women, led by Alan’s daughter Gaby, registered their first ever Women’s T20 World Cup victory.Photo: Ben Stokes, captain of England, leaves the field at the tea interval, having announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the current Test Match during day four of the 3rd Rothesay Test Match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge on June 28, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
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  R Ashwin on life in Major League Cricket and India's teenage star Sooryavanshi 25.06.2026 42min

  India legend Ravichandran Ashwin tells Stumped about his life in the US playing franchise cricket for the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket. He discusses his coaching ambitions, whether the 50-over game has a future, and endorses the idea of cricket having a Champions League style tournament. He also says teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is “special” and believes he should enjoy his cricket.Nikesh Rughani, Charu Sharma and Brett Sprigg are also joined by Tooba Sarwari, from the Afghan Women’s refugee cricket team who are currently touring England. She tells us what it was like meeting King Charles, how playing cricket has saved her life and about her hopes for the future.Photo: India's Ravichandran Ashwin waves to the crowd during the first day of the first Test cricket match between India and Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 19, 2024. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
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  Bangladesh make history with first ever ODI series win against Australia 18.06.2026 38min

  Bangladesh created history by securing their first-ever ODI series victory over Australia, winning the recent three-match contest 2-1. The reigning world champions found themselves on the wrong side of the record books and have now lost four of their last five ODI series. Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta discuss if Australia can fix their problems ahead next year’s Cricket World Cup.The influence of the new ownership groups in the Hundred is already being felt, with team rebrands as the competition heads into its sixth season. We hear from MI London's’ Nathan Sowter, who has become a short-format specialist, about how the tournament is evolving and what fans can expect this year.Plus, It was a memorable weekend in the England’s Dorset League as former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara turned out for his local club and smashed a match winning 168 from just 117 balls. We speak to one of his teammates, who tells Stumped he was “coaching” the legendary left-hander through the innings.Photo: Bangladesh's players celebrate after the dismissal of Australia's Marnus Labuschagne during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Bangladesh and Australia at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
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  Will Ben Stokes captain England again after being replaced by Joe Root? 11.06.2026 36min

  Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss what’s next for Ben Stokes and England?Joe Root has replaced Ben Stokes as interim captain for the second Test against New Zealand after Stokes and Gus Atkinson were both dropped following an incident in a London nightclub. The team discuss if curfews work, the return of Root as captain and what the future could hold for Stokes?The biggest ever Women's T20 World Cup is here and we’re joined by Cricket broadcaster Annesha Ghosh to discuss if India could win the tournament for the first time?Plus, Dr Raf Nicholson joins us to discuss her new book, The Women in Whites, which takes a closer look at the origins of the women's game in England, from the 18th century through to the present day.Photo: Ben Stokes of England looks on after the First Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground (Credit: Philip Brown/Getty Images)
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  Are Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru building an IPL dynasty? 04.06.2026 39min

  Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are building an IPL dynasty after securing back-to-back titles. The president of France Cricket, Prebou Balane, joins us after 31 men and women connected with the development of the women’s game in France wrote an Open Letter calling for change.Plus, South Africa's Tazmin Brits reveals her Olympic dream ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup.Photo: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League (Credit: Reuters)
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  Afghanistan Women’s Refugee Team: What’s next? 28.05.2026 35min

  The Afghanistan Women’s Refugee team are heading to England for a development tour during the Women’s World Cup. The England and Wales cricket board Deputy CEO and Managing Director of England Women, Clare Connor, tells Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma how the tour came about and discusses future funding of the team.With the start of the T20 World Cup just days away, the team hear more about the preparation of the host country, England. Captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, who’s been recovering from a calf injury in the build-up to the tournament, joins the show.Plus, have Surrey County Cricket Club found the perfect way to banish those summer workday blues? With the club pondering whether The Oval was the "best home office in the country", the team discuss which cricket ground could be the best home office away from home.Photo: Afghanistan Women's XI players huddle before the cricket match between Afghanistan Women's XI and Cricket Without Borders XI at Junction Oval in Melbourne on January 30, 2025. Hundreds of women athletes fled Afghanistan as the Taliban took over in August 2021, escaping a hardline stance that essentially banned women's sport and education. Most of the national women's cricket side settled as refugees in Australia, where they reunited for the first time to play a charity match in Melbourne. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
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  Should India’s Virat Kohli have to prove his worth ahead of the World Cup? 21.05.2026 39min

  Has Virat Kohli earned the right to decide when he calls time on his international career? Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether the 37-year-old needs to prove his worth to India’s selectors ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Kohli recently suggested he may not play if he needs to prove himself.The Women’s T20 World Cup is just around the corner and will be bathed in orange, as the Netherlands make their tournament debut. Dutch captain Babette de Leede joins the show and explains how far the side have come since she made her international debut as a 14-year-old.Plus, we discuss the rise of the Tigers, as Bangladesh created history by sweeping Pakistan in consecutive Test series’.Photo: India's Virat Kohli reacts as he runs between the wickets during the third one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on January 18, 2026. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
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  Should the Big Bash League follow The Hundred and allow IPL investment? 14.05.2026 37min

  On Stumped this week with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma we discuss if IPL investment could be coming to the Big Bash League? It’s an issue that has divided cricket in Australia, but Charu feels Indian investors may not jump at the chance of buying a stake in a franchise.What’s the point of one-off Test matches? We debate the pros and cons of short series after former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews blasted the potential idea of one-off Tests in the next series of the World Test Championship.And we hear from Brazil pacer Laura Cardoso, who stunned the cricket world with record-breaking T20 international figures of 9 for 4, the best ever in the format. Remarkably, Cardoso says she had no idea she’d made history.Photo: The Scorchers celebrate with the trophy after victory in the Men's Big Bash League Final match between the Perth Scorchers and the Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium on February 04, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Credit: Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
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  Suzie Bates: The New Zealand great on her final T20 World Cup and retirement 07.05.2026 36min

  New Zealand’s Suzie Bates will retire from international cricket after this summer’s Women's T20 World Cup. It marks the end of an illustrious 20-year career and many records to be proud of. Suzie tells the podcast it was a difficult decision but feels it’s the right time and believes the future is bright for the White Ferns with the next generation of players. Plus, Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets to win the 2026 PSL final in Lahore. Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie starred with bat and ball to register the franchise’s second title in nine years. Cricket broadcaster Zainab Abbas joins Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma to reflect on the tournament in the impact of Babar Azam. Photo: Suzie Bates of New Zealand reacts after the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final 2024 match between South Africa and New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)
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  What impact could England teen Tilly Corteen-Coleman make at T20 World Cup? 30.04.2026 38min

  The Women’s T20 World Cup starts in June and England have included uncapped 18-year-old left arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman in their squad. The teenager impressed in the recent intra-squad matches in South Africa. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss her selection ahead of the tournament. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive Venky Mysore says the new Olympic stadium in LA has the potential to host IPL exhibition matches. The venue, in the southern Californian city of Pomona, will become the home of the new franchise Los Angeles Knight Riders and will also host Major League Cricket matches. And we hear from award winning photographer Gareth Copley- Jones about his new book ‘A Picture of England’ where he’s followed the England men’s cricket team through his lens. Photo: Tilly Corteen-Coleman of Surrey poses for a portrait during the Surrey CCC photocall at The Kia Oval on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Credit: Getty Images)