Stumped

Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss which Test side should be the most confident going into 2023 and who should be the most worried. South Africa sit second in the table with Sri Lanka third but have England left it too late to make it to the final? They sit in fifth. The team talk about England winning their first Test series in Pakistan since 2001, Australia beating the West Indies and the first day of the first Test Match between Bangladesh and India. After India women inflicted Australia's first defeat in 21 matches, we ask whether this could be a turning point for the side and debate whether it is healthy for the India Women's team to have no permanent head coach. Plus we hear the second part of our interview with West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul who tells us the difference between coaching men’s and women’s cricket and the egos involved. Photo: Marnus Labuschagne of Australia celebrates making his century during day one of the Second Test Match in the series between Aus

Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell are in Adelaide where Australia are taking on the West Indies in their second and final Test Match of the series. Tagenarine Chanderpaul made his Test debut for the West Indies last week scoring a maiden half century following in his father's footsteps. Sunil Gupta has spoken to his father, the legendary Shivnarine Chanderpaul on what it was like to witness this. They both share the same unique stance at the crease and Shivnarine tells us how that came about. Plus he also tells us about being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. On the eve of Australia’s Test Match against the West Indies, David Warner announced that he had withdrawn his application to have his lifetime captaincy ban removed. Jim Maxwell tells us his thoughts on the decision. The team also discuss England’s remarkable Test Match win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi and ask if England Captain Ben Stokes was brave or reckless with his declaration? Photo: Tagenarine Chanderpaul of the West Indies is presented his

The Men's Australian Summer has begun with a Test Match against the West Indies. Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell have watched the first two days including two double centuries from Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. Plus the tell us about the confident debut from Tagenarine Chanderpaul, the son of legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul. England have returned to Pakistan to play a Test Match series for the first time in 17 years, but after four centuries were scored on day one, we discuss whether it was brilliant batting or a poor pitch? And it was third time lucky for the Adelaide Strikers who have finally won their first Women's Big Bash championship and stunned the Sydney Sixers with a 10-run triumph in the final. We are joined by opening batter Katie Mack. Steve Smith of Australia celebrates scoring a double century during day two of the First Test match between Australia and the West Indies at Optus Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell, Geoff Lemon and Sunil Gupta are joined by England women’s captain Heather Knight to preview their tour to the Caribbean and discuss her comeback from injury. She tells us about meeting their new coach, Jon Lewis. The Hundred will return for its third season with the first women's player draft in a major UK sport. the team debate whether this is a step forward in the women’s game. And Suryakumar Yadav has been stealing the headlines after hitting 111 in just 51 balls against New Zealand. Sunil Gupta tells us more about this next Indian star. Photo: Heather Knight of England looks on during Day Four of the Kia Women's Test Match between England Women and Australia Women at The Cooper Associates County Ground on July 21, 2019 in Taunton, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell, Brett Sprigg and Charu Sharma reflect on England winning the Men’s T20 World Cup and speak to World Cup winner Tymal Mills. Plus we discuss Pakistan’s disappointment and ask where it has all gone wrong for India? And Alison Mitchell will be speaking to England 50 over World Cup winner Liam Plunkett about the launch of Major League Cricket in America as he signs up to play in the league which begins next year. Plus the team debate what is better, white ball or red ball only contracts. Photo: Ben Stokes of England celebrates victory following during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final match between Pakistan and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 13, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell reflect on Pakistan’s journey to the final of the Men’s T20 World Cup. We are joined by Netherlands coach Ryan Cook who tells us about their victory over South Africa. It was a win which had a huge impact on the tournament as a whole, and it also guaranteed the Dutch their place at the next T20 World Cup in 2024. Jim Maxwell also gives his thoughts on Australia's exit from the T20 World Cup. Image: Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam of Pakistan celebrate after winning by 10 wickets following the ICC Men's T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta are joined by one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time and former captain of Pakistan, Wasim Akram. He speaks to us about his autobiography discussing the highlights of his career, plus detailing his cocaine addiction and his time in rehab. Wasim also addressed allegations of match-fixing during his career again denying any involvement in corruption. In 2000, Pakistan players Saleem Malik and Ata-ur-Rehman were banned for match-fixing. A report into the scandal by Justice Malik Qayyum found Wasim not guilty of match-fixing but did recommend that he be fined and not allowed to captain Pakistan because he refused to cooperate and "cannot be said to be above suspicion". Plus the team debate why this Men's T20 World Cup is the most open competition we have seen for a while and who their stand out performers have been. Photo: Pakistan`s bowler Wasim Akram celebrates the runout of England batsman Graham Thorpe (not in picture) during the 3rd day of the 2nd test ma

Has there ever been a better T20 match than the one between India and Pakistan? Jim Maxwell reckons it was “the greatest sporting event ever staged on neutral territory”. We'll reflect on the T20 World Cup match that had it all, as India registered another win over their great rivals, thanks to Virat Kohli's brilliance. Alison Mitchell and Charu Sharma also discuss England's shock loss to Ireland, as well as Marcus Stoinis' match-winning knock for Australia. Plus we're joined by the first black cricketer to play for England, Roland Butcher, as we mark the UK's Black History Month. Image: India's Virat Kohli (L) celebrates their win during the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup 2022 cricket match between India and Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on October 23, 2022. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

On this week’s episode of Stumped, should cricket care where its funding comes from? The International Cricket Council have announced a partnership with a Saudi state-owned oil company, raising issues of both sustainability and an association with a country that has a poor human rights record. Alison Mitchell finds out more from the BBC’s Sports Editor, Dan Roan. Elsewhere, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the stand-off between India and Pakistan, which could see the latter boycott next year’s 50-over World Cup. Plus, we’ll pick out our best moments from the group stage of the men’s T20 World Cup, including shock wins for Namibia and Scotland, as well as a rare hat-trick. Image: The Saudi national flag flutters at the historical site of al-Tarif in Diriyah district, on the outskirts of Saudi capital Riyadh, on November 20, 2020. - Saudi Arabia hosts the G20 summit on November 21 in a first for an Arab nation, with the downsized virtual forum dominated by efforts to tackle a resurgent coronavirus pande

It’s been an incredible turnaround for Josh Hazlewood. Between March 2016 and September 2020, the fast bowler did not play in a T20 match for Australia. Now, ahead of the start of this year’s T20 World Cup, Hazlewood is ranked as the world’s best T20 bowler. He sits down with Alison Mitchell to discuss his rise to the top and the impact of the Indian Premier League on his career. We also preview the start of the tournament, which gets under way in Australia this weekend. Will the hosts retain their title? Could India win it for the first time in 15 years? Or will there be a surprise winner? Charu Sharma and Brett Sprigg share their thoughts and predictions. Image: Josh Hazlewood of Australia fields off his own bowling during game one of the One Day International Series between Australia and New Zealand at Cazaly's Stadium on September 06, 2022 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

On this week’s Stumped, Alison Mitchell speaks to England cricketer Jonny Bairstow about the highs and lows of 2022. The batter has been ruled out of this month’s T20 World Cup after breaking his leg in a golfing accident, but has just been awarded the Bob Willis Trophy, which is given to England’s best cricketer each year. Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta discuss another star who won't be at the World Cup, India’s Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowler will miss the tournament with a back injury, but is Ravindra Jadeja an even bigger loss to Rahul Dravid’s side? Plus, we speak to Ireland captain Laura Delany after her team qualified for next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Image: Jonathan Bairstow of England celebrates reaching his century with Joe Root during 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)

Which side are you on? In the eyes of many, it is seen as unsporting manner despite being perfectly within the laws of cricket, is a run out at the non striker end deemed acceptable? Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma all discuss the controversy surrounding England's third One Day International against India. After leading Australia to gold at this year's Commonwealth Games, Shelley Nitschke has been appointed Head Coach on a permanent basis. Shelley joins us on the programme to discuss a new era for the women's national team. We also pay tribute to arguably the best fast bowler women's cricket has seen, India’s Jhulan Goswami who was playing in her 204th and final one-day international. Picture Credit:- Charlie Dean of England shakes hands with Deepti Sharma of India and the India team after she was Run Out, Mankad, by Deepti Sharma of India during the 3rd Royal London ODI match between England and India at Lord's Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher L

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)