Stumped

Usman Khawaja’s book has reopened old wounds as he claims the entire Australia team knew about the use of sandpaper to tamper with the ball in the final Test of their 2018 series in South Africa. The four Australia bowlers who played in that match, including current Test captain Pat Cummins, have consistently denied they had any prior knowledge of the plan. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss the latest twist to a scandal that rocked international cricket.
From record-breaking crowds at Lord's to an astonishing 471 million hours of television viewing worldwide, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup has been hailed as a landmark moment for the women's game. New research suggests the tournament generated more than US$90 million in economic impact in the UK, while becoming the most-watched Women's T20 World Cup in history. Tournament director Beth Barrett-Wild joins Stumped to discuss the success and what comes next for the women's game.
Plus, One of India's finest fast bowlers Mohammed Shami has retired from Test cricket. The 36-year-old thanked his fans and paid tribute to his coaches in a social media post and described his 13-year journey as full of ups and downs. Stumped asks if he’s one of the most underrated fast bowlers of his generation?
Photo: Usman Khawaja of Australia comes from the ground during day two of the First 2025/26 Ashes Series Test Match between Australia and England at Perth Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Rashid Khan is one of the biggest names in the sport and features in franchise leagues around the world, and now he’s entered the record books once again after becoming the first bowler to reach 200 wickets in T20 internationals. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma debate whether he’s the greatest T20 bowler of all time?
South Africa continue to prove they're worthy World Test Champions after beating Australia 2-1 in their recent three-match series. Proteas wicket-keeper batter Ryan Rickelton tells Stumped how it felt making a century alongside school friend Wiaan Mulder, reflects on being run out by Mulder and looks ahead to the England series.
Plus, we debate if Australia's men’s test team are in crisis after they lost the series in South Africa and the top spot in the World Test Championship rankings.
Photo: Afghanistan's Rashid Khan celebrates after taking the wicket of India's Abhishek Sharma during the second T20 international cricket match between India and Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP via Getty Images)

Is this the end of a glittering career? James Anderson was released by his County side Lancashire and expressed his sadness at the decision. In the same week, Anderson also bought a stake in the Italy T10 franchise side Napoli Knights. Alison Mitchell, Sunil Gupta and Jim Maxwell discuss if we’ll see the England legend bowl again.

One of the most decorated players in the women's game, Tammy Beaumont announced her retirement from international cricket earlier this year. Having made her debut in 2009, she has seen it all. From player of the tournament in the winning side of the 2017 World Cup, to setting the highest individual Test score of 208 in the Ashes. She chats to Stumped about life after international cricket and signing a two-year deal with The Blaze.

And One Day International cricket has been struggling to find its place between Test matches and T20's. But could more tri-series be the answer? The Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka tournament has delivered plenty of drama, with Sri Lanka chasing down a massive total of 430 and Pakistan producing a record 10th wicket partnership! Can tri-series save ODI cricket, or is a bigger shake-up needed?
Photo: James Anderson of Lancashire bowls during Day Three of the Rothesay County Championship match between Gloucestershire and Lancashire at College Ground on July 24, 2025 in Cheltenham, England. (Credit: Getty Images)

New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming has suggested England should be led by an English coach. He is due to take charge of his first Test series in South Africa in December, continuing the tradition of overseas coaches leading the England men’s team. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma examine if appointing a home-grown coach is the way forward?
From viral social media clips to some wonderfully chaotic moments on the field, the European Cricket League has caught the attention of fans around the world. Now, the competition has an even bigger ambition: creating a permanent home in Spain. Campo Máximo is being developed as a purpose-built, futuristic, eco-friendly cricket ground. Dan Weston, the man behind it, tells Stumped that he hopes it could one day host IPL matches.
Plus, women’s cricket is reaching new audiences around the world, but what’s happening beyond the big stadiums? Cricketer and former journalist Jenny Thompson went on a mission to travel the globe and capture women playing the game, and hear their stories, in a new book, “Her World Cricket Tour”. Jenny tells Stumped the inspiration for her adventure started with the podcast.
Photo: Stephen Fleming, England's Test Cricket coach pictured ahead of the 3rd Vitality IT20 match between England and Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford on September 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Credit: Getty Images)

The first Test between South Africa and Australia was overshadowed by bad light in Durban. Australia won by 214 runs, but the game lost more than 60 overs due to bad light. Should they have used the pink ball to get more play? Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta debate if using a pink ball is the best solution.
Cricketers are often seen as unbreakable, entertaining us week after week, competing at the highest level and chasing sporting victory. For many, it's a dream career, but for some that is far from reality. Gloucestershire seamer Craig Miles, has decided enough is enough and has retired from the sport at the age of 32, to protect his "mental well-being". He tells Stumped what led to his decision.
Plus, England's Ollie Pope has pulled out of the players draft for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League. Pope was among a number of English players, who entered the draft and have come under criticism, given the Taliban's oppression of women and girls. We examine the ethical questions surrounding involvement in the competition and ask where responsibility lies: with individual players, or with cricket's governing bodies?
Photo: Australia leave the field as play is stopped due to bad light during day 2 of the 1st Dafabet Test match between South Africa and Australia at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Durban, South Africa. (Credit: Gallo Images/Getty Images)