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Steve Smith’s second chance after Cummins Covid chaos
Stumped
Dec 16, 2021

Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta discuss the chaotic start to the second men's Ashes test including Australia's captain Pat Cummins being forced to miss the match due to being deemed a close contact of a Covid-19 case. We reflect on the warm welcome Steve Smith received as he stepped up again to lead Australia, and if it was the right decision by England not to select Mark Wood or a spinner.

Plus we're joined by the captain of Team USA, Monank Patel ahead of their historic upcoming series against Ireland who will become the first full member nation to tour the US. Patel discusses what impact being chosen to co-host the men's T20 World Cup in 2024 will have on the growth of the game in the United States.

Photo: England's Jos Buttler during the first day of the second test match at the Adelaide Oval. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

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There’s also talk around Cameron Green and whether being the most expensive overseas player in IPL history will add extra pressure on the Australian? Plus, what to expect from teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi and has Ben Duckett made the right decision to focus on England over the IPL?

The Stumped team also reflect on the news England coach Brendon McCullum, Test captain Ben Stokes and director of cricket Rob Key are all remaining in their posts, despite the 4-1 Ashes series defeat. Is it the right decision and how can England “evolve”?

Image: Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifts the IPL trophy following the trophy presentation in the 2025 IPL Final match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium on June 03, 2025, in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)


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Steve Smith’s second chance after Cummins Covid chaos

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