Stumped

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

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 v

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 Em

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 Im

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)

Sri Lanka are celebrating after victory over India in the third One Day International by 110 runs to clinch the One Day series 2-0.It's the first time since 1997 that Sri Lanka have beaten India in a One Day series. Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell reflect on the series and discuss Gautam Gambhir's tenure as India's Head Coach beginning in defeat.The Hundred is ongoing in England with the business end of the tournament fast approaching. Australian cricketer Spencer Johnson who is part of the Oval Invincibles team, joins us on the programme. We also pay tribute to former England cricketer Graham Thorpe, who died aged 55 years old this week.Image: Sri Lanka's players pose with the series trophy after winning the third and final one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Sri Lanka and India at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on August 7, 2024. Spinner Dunith Wellalage took 5-27 as Sri Lanka clinched a first ODI series victory over India in 27 years with a 110-run

Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma debate who will be the next coach of the England white ball team after Matthew Mott stepped down following two years in charge.Plus we are joined by Columbo cricket journalist Estelle Vasudevan, who was in Dambulla when Sri Lanka women won their first ever Asia Cup title in front of their home fans. She tells us what the atmosphere was like and whether this could be the springboard for the women’s team ahead of the T20 World Cup.Can cricket help rehabilitate prisoners? We hear from the President of Mexico Cricket Ben Owen and Ana Cecilia Septien Godard who plays for the women’s national team. They tell us about their Cricket in Prisons programme. Image: The Sri Lanka team pose with the trophy for a group picture after the 2024 Women's T20 Asia Cup Final match between Sri Lanka and India at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on July 28, 2024 in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. (Credit: Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta hear from West Indies Chief Executive Johnny Grave. He tells Alison about co-hosting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and he responds to the ICC's announcement of a review into the delivery of the competition. He discusses investment into West Indies cricket and the reliance many cricketing nations have on hosting England, India and Australia. Plus he shares their hopes of pay parity for the women's teams by 2027 and reflects on the remarkable Test Match at the Gabba against Australia earlier in 2024. The ICC Annual Conference took place this week and we debate the expansion of the Women's T20 World Cup to sixteen teams in 2030.Plus, India men are about to embark on a new chapter as they face Sri Lanka with their new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Sunil Gupta tells us whether he is the right fit and whether there will be any friction between Gambhir and Virat Kohli.Photo: Shamar Joseph of the West Indies celebrates victory after taking the wicket of Josh Hazlewood of Austra

We hear from Venky Mysore who is the Managing Director of the Kolkata Knight Riders. He shares whether he would be interested in buying a stake in a Hundred team and whether players should be allowed to leave their franchise early.Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma celebrate the efforts member nations are making to grow Cricket in emerging nations....This year's ICC Development Award winners have been announced and the UAE were awarded ICC Associate Member Women's performance of the Year for their displays at the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Kuala Lumpa. We are joined by their captain Esha Oza who tells us what the award means to them.Plus we discuss England women's triumphs after winning all thirteen matches they have played at home during their international Summer. Photo: Kolkata Knight Riders' players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 26, 2024. (Credi

One of the greatest cricketers of all time, West Indies batter Brian Lara joins Stumped from Lord's to look back on his career; the highs and lows, plus the future of Test cricket and how the sport could evolve. Lara still holds world records for the highest individual score in both first-class cricket and Test cricket. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma also discuss with Lara who could be the next global cricket stars and the West Indies legend pays tribute to England’s record breaking pace bowler James Anderson, who will retire after his 188th Test of his career. Anderson was the last English bowler to get Lara out.Plus we also hear from the Chair of Cricket Australia, Mike Baird on the latest regarding a possible Afghanistan women’s team. Last week, members of the former Afghanistan women’s team called on the International Cricket Council to help them form a refugee team based in Australia. Over 20 members of the Afghan women's team are based in Australia after the national team was disbanded in

Nikesh Rughani, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell all reflect on a thrilling T20 World Cup final which saw India end their 11 year wait for a trophy after narrowly beating South Africa.The Oman captain Aqib Ilyas feared that he may have to give up cricket following a cancer diagnosis which required eighteen months away from the sport to recover. He returned to lead Oman at the T20 World Cup. He joins us on the programme.We also look ahead to the Test series between England and West Indies. James Anderson will call time on his international career after the first Test, which will be his 188th of his career.Photo: India's cricket team lift the ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy after beating South Africa in the final. (Credit: Getty Images)

South Africa have reached their first ever Men's World Cup final after beating Afghanistan in the ICC T20 World Cup. They have previously lost two T20 semi-finals, most recently in 2014 against India and lost five 50 Over World Cup semi-finals. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma debate if they can lift the trophy after going unbeaten so far in the competition. Plus they discuss Afghanistan reaching their first ever World Cup semi-final and their journey through the competition. Plus Jim Maxwell shares where it went wrong for Australia after their early exit at the World Cup and whether it was a good tournament for the West Indies who were knocked out in the Super 8s. They ask what is next for Sri Lanka after Head Coach Chris Silverwood resigned. We hear from Netherlands cricketer Sybrand Engelbrecht who has retired from the sport aged 35. Photo: Tabraiz Shamsi of South Africa celebrates alongside teammates during a DRS review to successfully dismiss Noor Ahmad of Afghanistan (not pictured) LBW duri