Stumped

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 pandemic and

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 Lee - E

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)