Stumped

On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, we speak to a journalist staying in England’s team hotel during their first tour of Pakistan for 17 years. Nick Hoult, the chief cricket correspondent for the Telegraph, shares his experience of watching England’s win in Karachi with security armed with sniper rifles surrounding the press box.We also discuss the inaugural auction for Cricket South Africa's SA20 league and ask whether the inexperienced Tristan Stubbs is worthy of being the most expensive player in the competition.Plus, we hear about what cricket's like in the small European country of Montenegro. The national side even boast a former English Premier League footballer amongst its ranks!Photo: Moeen Ali of England and Babar Azam of Pakistan are seen at the toss ahead of the 1st IT20 match between Pakistan and England at Karachi National Stadium on September 20, 2022 in Karachi, Pakistan. (Credit: Getty Images)

On this week’s episode of Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, we remember Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, who died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. We hear from the former England captain Charlotte Edwards, who shares her memories of meeting Her Majesty the Queen and how she taught the Queen all about the decision review system. Former Indian wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer also tells us his unique experience of when the Queen revealed his wife had given birth to a baby daughter.We also discuss Sri Lanka's surprise Asia Cup win following their victory over Pakistan in the final.Photo: South Africa huddle during Day Four of the Third LV= Insurance Test Match between England and South Africa at The Kia Oval on September 11, 2022 in London, England. (Credit: Getty Images for Surrey CCC)

On this week’s episode of Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, we react to Zimbabwe’s shock win over Australia. It’s the first time that they have beaten Australia on their own soil. We speak to Zimbabwe’s man of the match Ryan Burl, who took five wickets for just ten runs.We’re also joined by England bowler Mark Wood ahead of the release of his self-help book, The Wood Life! The team get a few life lessons from the man who England’s Test captain Ben Stokes describes as a “32-year-old going on 16”.Plus, after the second season of The Hundred came to an end, we assess the success of the competition.Zimbabwe's Ryan Burl acknowledges the crowd after taking five wickets during the third one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Australia and Zimbabwe at the Riverway Stadium in Townsville on September 3, 2022. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) /

On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, we speak to the former South Africa captain and commissioner of the new SA20 league, Graeme Smith.Smith says he hopes that the league will become the second best league in the world behind the Indian Premier League, and says that despite all six of the teams being owned by IPL franchise owners, the league is open for Pakistani cricketers to participate in.Plus, our very own Charu Sharma sends us a message from his trip to cover cricket in Kenya.Image: LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Television presenter and ICC commentator Graeme Smith before the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between England and South Africa at The Oval on May 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo Visionhaus/Getty Images)

On this week’s Stumped with Eleanor Oldroyd, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, we speak to Pakistan’s white-ball vice-captain Shadab Khan ahead of the Asia Cup. The 23-year-old says the tournament is ideal preparation for the T20 World Cup in October and claims that his team-mate and captain Babar Azam has now overtaken India legend Virat Kohli as the world’s best batsman across all formats of the game. Plus the chief executive of Cricket Namibia, Johan Muller tells us about cricket’s development and popularity in Namibia during what has been described as a “golden era” for the country.

On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, we speak to the self-proclaimed Universe Boss…Chris Gayle! The West Indies legend is the ambassador for a quirky new tournament called The 6ixty, which takes place in the Caribbean next week.We find out why we should be excited about a competition with some very peculiar new rules, including a mid-game fan vote on a free hit. We also get the 42-year-old's views on the future of cricket, plus we'll find out how long he wants to continue playing for.IMAGE: Chris Gayle of West Indies looks on ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Sheikh Zayed stadium on November 04, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Gareth Copley-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Australia’s domination of the women’s game continues! Aside from winning both the T20 and ODI formats of the World Cup, as well as being the holders of the Ashes, they are now Commonwealth Games gold medallists! We find out what makes them so successful from bowler Megan Schutt.We discuss Trent Boult's decision to opt out of his international contract with New Zealand in order to spend more time with his family and play in domestic leagues around the world.Plus, we reflect on the life and legacy of legendary South African umpire Rudi Koertzen, following his death at the age of 73.IMAGE: Megan Schutt and Meg Lanning of Team Australia celebrate after winning the gold medal following the Cricket T20 - Gold Medal match between Team Australia and Team India on day ten of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Edgbaston on August 07, 2022 on the Birmingham, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

On this week’s Stumped with Isabelle Westbury, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, how did Pakistan's women go from having never played an international match to the Commonwealth Games in the space of 25 years? We’ll find out the answer from journalist and author, Aayush Puthran, who has written a book on the subject.We'll also discuss whether the world's best cricketers could soon be contracted all year round by Indian Premier League franchises and what the impact of that would be on the international game. Plus we reflect on the career of West Indies star Deandra Dottin after she announced her international retirement.Image: Pakistan pose for a team photo during the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Hagley Oval on March 26, 2022 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta are joined by the reigning One-Day international cricketer of the year, Lizelle Lee who explains why she chose to retire from international cricket in the middle of South Africa’s tour of England. The 30 year old reveals failing a weight test was a significant factor in her decision and says Cricket South Africa threatened to deny her an NOC to participate in the T20 leagues around the world. Lee, who’s shock decision means she misses out on the Commonwealth Games, also discusses whether cricketers need to look a certain way and if we should change the way we view fitness in cricket. (You will also hear Cricket South Africa's right of reply, in response to Lizelle Lee's interview)Lizelle Lee of the Stars prepares to bat during the Women's Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Thunder at Horwall Oval on December 16, 2017 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

On this week's Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma we look ahead to the Commonwealth Games with New Zealand star Suzie Bates. 14 years after representing her country in basketball at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008, she says helping the White Ferns to medal in Birmingham would be a career highlight. Plus, after England's Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from one-day internationals, we debate whether players are being asked to play too much cricket.Image: Suzie Bates of New Zealand reacts to a boundary during the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between New Zealand and England at Eden Park on March 20, 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, we discuss Sri Lanka's heroic win over Australia to draw the Warne-Muralitharan trophy, amid a political and economic crisis within the country. Is the honeymoon period over for Australia captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald after they suffered their first Test defeat in their new roles?We speak to the newly appointed president of FICA, former Australia captain Lisa Sthalekar, on what it means to be the first woman in the position and her goals while in the role. Plus, how do you hit a six in indoor cricket? With the Indoor World Cup coming up in October, we learn all about the rules of the sport with Australia's Clive Rose.IMAGE: Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya celebrates after taking six wickets during the fourth day of the second cricket Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on July 11, 2022. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA / AFP) (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Gett

On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta, are England the most feared side in Test cricket? After earning their fourth consecutive victory in the rearranged Test with India, the sky looks to be the limit for Brendon McCullum's side.We hear from former South African spinner Robin Peterson after Stuart Broad broke his record for the most runs conceded in one over in Test history. The England bowler conceded 35 runs with India captain Jasprit Bumrah at the crease. Plus the chief executive of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, Heath Mills tells us more about the landmark equal pay deal for the country's male and female professional cricketers.Image: India Captain Jasprit Bumrah gestures ahead of day five of Fifth LV= Insurance Test Match between England and India at Edgbaston on July 05, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma, we’re joined by Australian international Lauren Cheatle as she eyes a return to cricket. After two surgeries to remove early-stage skin cancer and a fourth shoulder reconstruction, the 23-year-old is aiming to return for the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League in October.We reflect on Eoin Morgan’s international retirement, his legacy as a World Cup-winning skipper and ask whether Jos Buttler is the right man to replace him as England’s white-ball captain. Plus we discuss India’s re-arranged Test with England, ten months on from its original date.Photo: Lauren Cheatle of the Sixers celebrates dismissing Grace Harris of the Heat during the Women's Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and the Sydney Sixers. (Credit: Getty Images)

On this week’s Stumped with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta we ask whether you would rather miss the birth of your first child or have the chance to play in a World Cup? For Australian international Dan Christian that was a dilemma he had to consider. He joins us to discuss his book ‘The All-Rounder’, in which he documents a chaotic year of dodging Covid-19 and travelling the world playing cricket.Plus we’ll catch up with the chief executive of the Ukraine Cricket Federation, Kobus Olivier. Kobus spoke to Stumped in February on the day Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. He has since fled his home in Kyiv and started a new life teaching refugees how to play cricket in Croatia. We’ll also look ahead to South Africa women’s first Test match in over seven years.Image: Dan Christian of the Sixers celebrates the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat at Metricon Stadium, on January 10, 2021, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

On this week's Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma look back at England’s dramatic final day victory over New Zealand in the second Test at Trent Bridge. We discuss Jonny Bairstow’s history-making second innings knock as he hit the second-fastest century by an England batter in Test cricket, making 136 from 92 balls.And we hear from Netherlands head coach Ryan Campbell, who in April was placed in an induced coma for seven days after suffering an unexplained cardiac arrest. The Australian won’t be in charge of his side when they face England’s ODI side in a three-match series, but the team find out about his recovery and when he aims to be back in charge of his team.Photo: England batsman Jonny Bairstow celebrates his century during day five of the Second Test Match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge. (Credit: Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma discuss the future of Test cricket following comments made by the ICC chairman, Greg Barclay who’s questioned the direction of the longest format of the game, particularly in women’s cricket.The team celebrate Joe Root’s milestone moment during the first Test with New Zealand at Lord’s, becoming the 14th player to reach 10,000 Test runs and ask if the former England captain could surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s run record.We wave goodbye to another Indian legend, as Mithali Raj announces her retirement from international cricket. Plus we speak to the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation after they received a global award from the ICC for their efforts to use cricket as a tool for good.Photo: Joe Root of England is applauded all the way back into the pavilion after steering England to victory during Day 4 of the First Test match between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground. (Credit: Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma are joined by South Africa’s David Miller, days after he helped Gujarat Titans win the Indian Premier League in their first ever season. He tells us about the change in mentality which helped him to top the batting charts, the influence of his captain Hardik Pandya, and his hopes of winning the T20 World Cup later this year.We cross to Sri Lanka as Australia prepare to touch down for an all-format series in the midst of a political and economic crisis in the country, and the team also discuss why England couldn’t sell out Lord’s for the first Test match of the Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum era.IMAGE: David Miller of South Africa looks on ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup match between England and SA at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

On this week’s BBC Stumped with Charu Sharma, Alex Hartley and Jim Maxwell, we discuss the Indian Premier League as the competition reaches its climax. Who has caught their eye? Which franchises have failed to reach the heights expected of them? Has the introduction of two new franchises been a success?The team discuss the state of the women’s game. Is it the last year of the Women’s T20 Challenge before a possible long-awaited Women’s IPL is launched next year?Award-winning journalist Tim Wigmore joins the team to discuss the release of his new book Crickonomics: The Anatomy of Modern Cricket finding new angles to the sport through statistics. (Photo: Chennai Super Kings players celebrate with the trophy after the IPL Twenty20 cricket final match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Credit:AFP/Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma are joined by New Zealand legend Ross Taylor following his retirement from international cricket. We discuss Ross’ journey through the sport, his departure from the New Zealand captaincy, the high of winning the World Test Championship and the low of the 2019 World Cup final defeat. Plus we get his thoughts on the new England men’s Test coach – his former team-mate – Brendon McCullum.The team also discuss England’s new white-ball coach Matthew Mott as well as reflecting on the death of former Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds.IMAGE: Ross Taylor of New Zealand celebrates his century during game two of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Hagley Oval. (Credit: Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma react to Brendon McCullum's appointment as England's new Test cricket coach. The former New Zealand captain has signed a four-year deal to succeed Chris Silverwood, who left his position in February.The team speak to two-time World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole and find out whether the former England bowler is happy with her decision to retire from international cricket.Plus we meet Luke Georgeson, the all-rounder who switched his allegiance from New Zealand to Ireland before having a change of heart and switching back just two weeks later.IMAGE: New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum rings the 5-minute bell before the start of play on day three of the 3rd Investec Test match between England and Sri Lanka at Lord's Cricket Ground. (Credit: Getty Images)