13 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

16 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

20 h. ago Gail’s to open 40 new stores across England amid huge sales boom

The upmarket bakery chain is targeting locations outside London

Politics

24 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

39 h. ago Joe Root and Travis Head disagree on unpopular Ashes decision after England preparation slammed

England and Australia will do battle in the second Ashes Test match later on this week with the Aussies 1-0 up heading to the Gabba, which is usually a happy hunting ground for them.

Politics

67 h. ago Israel has ‘de facto state policy’ of organised torture, says UN report

Committee highlights allegations including dog attacks and sexual violence, raising concern about impunity for war crimesIsrael has “a de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture”, according to a new UN report covering the past two years, which also raised concerns about the impunity of Israeli security forces for war crimes.The UN committee on torture expressed “deep concern over allegations of repeated severe beatings, dog attacks, electrocution, waterboarding, use of prolonged stress positions [and] sexual violence”. Continue reading...

Politics

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

68 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

68 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 Ashes latest: England dealt huge Mark Wood injury blow ahead of second Test

Pace-bowler set to miss the Gabba Test

Economics

2 d. 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

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 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

3 d. ago After a teddy bear talked about kink, AI watchdogs are warning parents against smart toys

Advocates are fighting against the $16.7bn global smart-toy market, decrying surveillance and a lack of regulationAs the holiday season looms into view with Black Friday, one category on people’s gift lists is causing increasing concern: products with artificial intelligence.The development has raised new concerns about the dangers smart toys could pose to children, as consumer advocacy groups say AI could harm kids’ safety and development. The trend has prompted calls for increased testing of such products and governmental oversight. Continue reading...

Events

6 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