12 h. ago Everything said in Ben Stokes' Ashes fallout with former stars as England icon has final say

England captain Ben Stokes has faced heavy criticism after comments made ahead of the Ashes, which the all-rounder has since apologised for.

Politics

14 h. ago Ben Stokes 'should ask for Freddie Flintoff's help' ahead of second Ashes Test

Ben Stokes' former England teammate Steve Harmison reckons Freddie Flintoff's experience as captain could help turn our fortunes round in the Ashes and understands the pressure

Events

14 h. ago England to face huge Ashes disadvantage Ben Stokes knew all about as Joe Root concern raised

England will take on Australia at The Gabba in the Second Ashes Test which will be a day-night game in Brisbane

Politics

15 h. ago Ben Stokes branded 'disrespectful' by Sir Geoffrey Boycott after 'half apology'

Sir Geoffrey Boycott has responded to comments made by captain Ben Stokes before - and during - the ongoing Ashes series between Australia and England.

Politics

23 h. ago Brydon Carse confident England can recapture hostility in second Ashes Test

The tourists were condemned to a two-day loss in Perth but it was not one-way traffic.

Politics

61 h. ago White House launches website to excoriate media for ‘biased’ stories

Trump administration lists reporting it objects to in latest escalation of attacks on US journalismThe White House rolled out a new section of its official website on Friday that publicly criticizes and catalogs media organizations and journalists it claims have distorted coverage.At the top of the page, the text reads: “Misleading. Biased. Exposed.” The feature names the Boston Globe, CBS News and the Independent as “media offenders of the week”, accusing them of inaccurately portraying Trump’s remarks about six Democratic lawmakers who released of video encouraging military members to not follow illegal orders. Continue reading...

Events

67 h. ago ‘I could have been a better captain’: Stokes admits errors as England seek Ashes reset

Contrite leader owns up to mistakes in Perth but hopes to address shortcomings against Australia in the day-nighter The sheer number of Australian voices triumphantly telling England to show some humility this past week has been slightly ironic. The first Test finished as an eight-wicket thumping, done inside 48 hours and worthy of criticism, but it was not without a genuine wobble from the hosts en route.Either way, Ben Stokes looked to do so when his players resumed training at Allan Border Field on Saturday morning before next week’s day-night second Test at the Gabba. Gone was the “shell-shocked” captain seen during the immediate aftermath of going 1-0 down and in his place, having reflected during the past few days, a far more conciliatory figure. Continue reading...

Politics

67 h. ago Ben Stokes hits back at 'arrogant' accusation and defends England preparations for Ashes series

Ben Stokes spoke to the media ahead of England's second Ashes Test against Australia at the Gabba next week

Events

67 h. ago What England's Ashes flops are doing ahead of crucial second Test in Brisbane

The England cricket team's preparations are under the spotlight after Ben Stokes's side capitulated to a two-day defeat in the first Test in Perth

Politics

69 h. ago Ben Stokes responds to Mitchell Johnson’s ‘arrogant’ barb at England before second Ashes Test

England’s preparation has been scrutinised after a humbling defeat in the first Test

Politics

2 d. ago Man Utd star who 'liked' social media post ridiculing Ruben Amorim faces ban

One Manchester United defender recently reacted to a social media post criticising Ruben Amorim

Politics

3 d. ago If we are witnessing the death spiral of the cult of Bazball, let’s savour what it created | Barney Ronay

There have been many good points – challenging orthodoxies and Ben Stokes talking openly about male emotions – and even when it was bad, it was unignorableThe Life Cycle of a Cult1. The Big Idea. A charismatic leader or leaders propose a new and transcendent idea that promises a panacea for alienated and vulnerable people.So here we are then. They’re getting ready to storm the compound down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. A lone figure, naked, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT smeared across his chest in chicken blood, has come staggering through the lines and is being led away under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago Ben Stokes says England are desperate to avenge ‘rubbish’ first Test performance

Stokes insists the players feel the same pain as the travelling fans after a two-day defeat in Perth.

Politics

3 d. ago England desperate to avenge ‘rubbish’ first Test performance, says Ben Stokes

Stokes insists the players feel the same pain as England’s fans after a two-day defeat in Perth.

Politics

3 d. ago Man City icon Sergio Aguero drops verdict on Florian Wirtz amid Liverpool disaster

Florian Wirtz has struggled to make an impact at Liverpool since his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, but Sergio Aguero believes he will "settle" and become "vital" for the Reds.

Events

3 d. ago Are England actually honest with themselves? If they are, they’ll know they have to change | Mark Ramprakash

Ben Stokes’s batters must realise the aggressive option doesn’t always mean attacking Australia’s bowlers, and if they don’t, it could be all over in BrisbaneIt’s not over yet. There is still hope. Before the Ashes started I had plenty of it, because of England’s fantastic array of fast bowlers and because I felt they had improved on their crash‑bang‑wallop, one-size‑fits‑all approach to batting. Then the series got under way, and while the bowlers did their bit, the batters failed badly. After the two-day humiliation in Perth they are inevitably under the microscope – but while everyone is questioning England’s approach, how much are they challenging themselves?I based my optimism on some of what I had seen over the summer. In the first innings against India at Lord’s Joe Root and Ollie Pope put on 109 runs at almost exactly three an over, staying calm and building a foundation that eventually won their side the match. I watched that and admired the way they had refined their attit...

Politics

4 d. ago Madueke brushes off Arsenal fan criticism of his signing and gears up for Chelsea return

Forward boosted by backing from supporters at gamesMadueke not worried if reception at Chelsea is hostileNoni Madueke has said he ignored criticism on social media over his move to Arsenal and gained confidence from the reception he has received from the supporters.The England forward scored his first Arsenal goal in Wednesday’s impressive 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League in his second appearance since returning from a knee injury sustained in September. Madueke said that the injury was “horrible timing” given his good start after joining from Chelsea for £48.5m plus up to £3.5m in bonuses. Continue reading...

Sport

5 d. ago Tyson Fury promoter drops verdict on Anthony Joshua’s Jake Paul decision

Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, will fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in December

Politics

5 d. ago Ian Botham warns Ben Stokes and Joe Root they must win Ashes in Australia to cement their legacies

Joe Root and Ben Stokes have not won a Test in Australia, and Ian Botham has claimed this will affect their legacies

Events

6 d. ago Lord Ian Botham – Legacy on the line for Ben Stokes and Joe Root in Australia

Neither has tasted victory Down Under, with Root winless in 15 matches and his skipper having nothing to show from 10 attempts.

Politics