BBC’s Stumped asks whether England need an English Test coach

Stumped puts coaching nationality under the spotlight

The BBC World Service programme Stumped is asking whether the nationality of an international cricket coach matters, with New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming’s view that England should be led by an English coach at the centre of the discussion.

Fleming is due to take charge of his first Test series with England in South Africa in December, continuing the team’s tradition of appointing overseas coaches. Presenters Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether a home-grown appointment would be the right way forward.

A cricket ground planned for Spain

The episode also looks at the European Cricket League’s ambition to establish a permanent home in Spain. Dan Weston, the project’s founder, describes Campo Máximo as a purpose-built, futuristic and eco-friendly ground, and says he hopes it could one day host Indian Premier League matches.

Stories from women’s cricket around the world

Cricketer and former journalist Jenny Thompson joins the programme to discuss Her World Cricket Tour, her book documenting women who play the game in different parts of the world. Thompson says the inspiration for the journey began with the podcast.

The episode, listed as a 39-minute World Service programme dated 24 October 2026, brings together debate about England’s coaching future, the growth of cricket beyond established venues and efforts to tell more stories from women’s cricket.