Stumped

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)

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)

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 make
Photo: 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)

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)

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)