4 h. ago Bennett scores Zimbabwe’s fastest Test century before England regain grip

Only Test, D2: England 565-6d; Zimbabwe 265 & 30-2Stokes shines as England toil before enforcing follow-onThere were a few sideways glances during the first day of Zimbabwe’s first Test match in England for 22 years, followed by calls for cricket’s longest format to adopt a two-division structure. After a flogging like the one their players had just suffered across three sessions, perhaps this was to be expected.But on day two, cheered on by some wonderful pockets of support, the tourists mustered a pushback. First came an improved showing with the ball, England losing three for 67 to declare on 565 for six, followed by something of a fairytale century from opener Brian Bennett. Though bowled out for 265, and closing on 30 for two following on, Zimbabwe had given their hosts a far stiffer outing. Continue reading...

Politics

8 h. ago Blood test developed that could speed up diagnosis of rare diseases in babies

Scientists say new approach means effects of many genetic mutations can be analysed at once and yield results in daysA new blood-based test that could help speed up diagnoses for children born with rare genetic disorders has been developed by researchers in an effort to provide answers – and treatments – sooner.Rare genetic disorders include a host of conditions, from cystic fibrosis to diseases relating to the mitochondria – the powerhouses of our cells. However, getting a diagnosis can be arduous. Continue reading...

Events

9 h. ago Best ergonomic office chairs 2025, tried and tested for working from home

Comfort is key when sitting for long periods of time, and these top-rated chairs offer the support you need

Society

25 h. ago Best pillows 2025, tried and tested for every type of sleeper

Whether firm or soft, cooling or super thick, the right pillows will help you sleep soundly

Politics

37 h. ago England v Zimbabwe: first men’s cricket Test, day one – live

Day one of the series at Trent Bridge, play from 11am BSTDunkley sparks new era for England | Sign up for the SpinAfter years of being ignored because England were also-rans being overshadowed by the World Test Championship, the rankings are back!This four-day Test is the first meeting between the sides since 2003, when England won both Tests by an innings. Interesting team they had, a mix of generations with a couple of bolters.Marcus TrescothickMichael VaughanMark ButcherNasser Hussain (c)Robert KeyAlec Stewart (wk)Anthony McGrath Ashley GilesMatthew Hoggard (Richard Johnson in second Test)Steve HarmisonJames Anderson Continue reading...

Politics

53 h. ago Ben Stokes targets No 1 spot in world Test rankings: ‘One more place to go’

Ashes rivals Australia sit above England in ICC tableZimbabwe Test is captain’s first action since DecemberEngland under Ben Stokes have never lacked ambition, but they go into a defining period of Test cricket with one in particular in mind: to become the first England side in 15 years to take top spot in the International Cricket Council’s rankings, officially the best in the world.“If we win what we’ve got coming up, the likelihood is that we will be at the top of that leaderboard,” Stokes said. “There’s no doubt in my mind we have the ability to be that team.” Continue reading...

Events

55 h. ago Bazball’s moment of truth arrives in year that will define era of McCullum and Stokes

One-off Zimbabwe Test at Trent Bridge the launchpad for a decisive summer for England and their abstemious captainSo where are we up to right now? Still Bazball 2.0? The start of Bazball 3.0? Given Ben Stokes has knocked the grog on the head this year, perhaps it should be Bazball 0.0% ABV.Although, jokes aside, that recent revelation on one of those man-chat podcasts said a fair bit about Stokes’s nature. Not only has he temporarily paused drinking during his recovery from hamstring surgery but, so taken by this, he has even bought shares in an alcohol-free spirits company. England’s Test captain is someone who, when he sets his mind on something, sees it through to the extreme. Even abstinence. Continue reading...

Politics

63 h. ago England vs Zimbabwe Test prediction: Expect Joe Root impact in Trent Bridge victory

Read the latest tips and betting odds ahead of England’s first Test against Zimbabwe this week

Politics

3 d. ago Best straighteners for curling your hair in 2025, tried and tested

Twofer tools to take your from straight to curly

Politics

3 d. ago 12 best foundations for mature skin 2025, tested by a beauty expert in her 60s

Inject some glow into your make-up routine, with these tried and tested formulas

Politics

3 d. ago Best cool bags and ice boxes 2025, tested on picnics, beach trips and hikes

Keep your food and drink colder for longer, with these tried and tested cool bags

Politics

3 d. ago 10 best purple shampoos 2025, tested on blonde hair for brass

Say goodbye to stubborn warm shades with one of these purple shampoos or toners to brighten blonde hair

Politics

4 d. ago Singer Dawn Richard tells court Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs hit Cassie Ventura on day six of trial

‘He would punch her, choke her, slap her,’ says Richard as second week of music mogul’s sex-trafficking trial resumesThe second week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s racketeering conspiracy and sex-trafficking trial began on Monday morning with the singer Dawn Richard returning to the witness stand.Combs, 55, is facing charges of sex-trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in September 2024 and has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Continue reading...

Events

4 d. ago Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs hit Cassie Ventura, singer Dawn Richard tells court on day six of trial

‘He would punch her, choke her, slap her,’ says Richard as second week of music mogul’s sex-trafficking trial resumesThe second week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s racketeering conspiracy and sex-trafficking trial began on Monday morning with the singer Dawn Richard returning to the witness stand.Combs, 55, is facing charges of sex-trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in September 2024 and has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Continue reading...

Events

4 d. ago Best mascara 2025, tested by a beauty expert for length, curl, volume and definition

Want lashes for days? The secret to a sky-high flutter is out

Politics

4 d. ago Singer Dawn Richard tells court she saw Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs be violent with Cassie Ventura

‘He would punch her, choke her, slap her,’ says Richard as second week of music mogul’s sex-trafficking trial resumesThe second week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s racketeering conspiracy and sex-trafficking trial began on Monday morning with the singer Dawn Richard returning to the witness stand.Combs, 55, is facing charges of sex-trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in September 2024 and has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women’s Aid. In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org. Continue reading...

Events

4 d. ago Singer Dawn Richard tells court Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs hit Cassie Ventura

‘He would punch her, choke her, slap her,’ says Richard as second week of music mogul’s sex-trafficking trial resumesThe second week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s racketeering conspiracy and sex-trafficking trial began on Monday morning with the singer Dawn Richard returning to the witness stand.Combs, 55, is facing charges of sex-trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in September 2024 and has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women’s Aid. In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org. Continue reading...

Events

4 d. ago Best Amazon home office deals to upgrade your workspace on a budget

Still working from the kitchen table? These Amazon bargains could transform your home office without breaking the bank.

Economics

4 d. ago Citizen testing reveals phosphate ‘crisis’ in English and Welsh rivers

Anglers say more than a third of freshwater sites breach phosphate levels for good ecological statusUK politics live – latest updatesCitizen testing of rivers in England and Wales by anglers reveals that more than a third of freshwater sites breach phosphate levels for good ecological status.Volunteers from angling groups are using the data to try to drive change in the way rivers are treated – but the task ahead is huge, according to the Angling Trust and Fish Legal. Continue reading...

Events

6 d. ago First week of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: huge media attention and disturbing details of alleged abuse

Journalists, fans of Combs, podcasters and others lined up to get into court, where Cassie testified about alleged rape The high-profile federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs began this week in New York, where the 55-year-old music mogul faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.Combs, who was arrested in September 2024, has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. Continue reading...

Events