England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is open to leaving Somerset when his contract expires at the end of the season in order to play more county cricket.
The 21-year-old is first-choice spinner for Ben Stokes ‘ Test team but behind left-armer Jack Leach in the pecking order at Taunton.
Bashir had three County Championship matches on loan at Glamorgan earlier this season and one match for Worcestershire in 2024.
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Bashir is now free to speak to other counties as, from 1 June each year, players with expiring contracts are permitted to negotiate with other clubs.
Bashir signed a two-year deal with Somerset in 2023, and was then picked for England’s tour of India the following year after playing only six first-class matches.
Despite a modest domestic record – Bashir’s average in the County Championship is 84 – he has thrived for his country under Stokes ‘ leadership.
He was man of the match in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe last month with career-best match figures of 9-143, which also included Bashir becoming the youngest England man to reach 50 Test wickets.
While he has replaced Leach as England’s number one spinner, Somerset have kept faith with the 33-year-old as their first choice.
Successful businesswoman and author Maddy-Alexander Grout was reduced to tears as a schoolgirl struggling with dyslexia. Having put her shame behind her, Maddy now embraces her differences and is showing support for Jamie Oliver’s important new campaign
Maddy-Alexander Grout is standing behind Jamie Oliver’s new dyslexia campaign
Much like Jamie Oliver, Maddy-Alexander Grout does not look back on her schooldays with much affection.
Similarly to Jamie, Maddy had to navigate school life with dyslexia, which saw her unfairly labelled as “stupid” and “slow”. Now 41, successful businesswoman and author Maddy has painful memories of crying during spelling tests, and remembers how, even though the words were potentially spelt correctly, “the letters were around the wrong way”.
Initially, Maddy’s teacher believed her difficulties reading from the board were due to short-sightedness, and so she was given a pair of glasses she didn’t even need. Maddy, from Southampton, laughingly admitted: “I fudged the test because I wanted to wear them.”
At the age of six, Maddy was diagnosed with dyslexia, a widely misunderstood learning difference that affects a person’s reading, writing, and spelling abilities. As a creative child, Maddy loved drawing, painting and reading, and had a particular love of comics such as The Beano and The Dandy.
However, visual learner Maddy found she read in a “different way” from her peers, reading quickly but then having to go back and re-read certain parts. Reading aloud in front of the class was also a nightmare.
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Reading aloud in front of the class used to fill Maddy with ‘absolute dread’
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Maddy told the Mirror: “I used to get filled with absolute dread when the teacher at school used to make you stand up and read in front of the class. I’d always stumble over my words and repeat words or miss words out, and I used to get told off for it, and kind of ashamed.”
In his one-hour Channel 4 documentary, Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution, the TV chef opens up about the challenges he faced as a pupil with dyslexia, pushing for early screenings and better neurodiversity awareness.
Speaking with The Sunday Times, Jamie shared that making the doc had been the “most viscerally painful” thing he’s ever done, reflecting: “I’ve seen so many high-flying, talented, grown men cry about this — I’ve just done it to you — the concept of being worthless (when you’re) young is real. It’s really triggering.”
This is something Maddy can relate to all too well. She shared: “I wasn’t supported in the right way. I think with the right support, people who are divergent—and you know, that includes dyslexia—can really thrive. So what Jamie is doing to raise awareness is absolutely incredible. I can really relate to how he felt at school because there were times when I felt like that.”
Following her initial diagnosis, Maddy switched schools as she wasn’t getting the help she so desperately needed. She liked her next teacher, who helped her to “thrive”, but this was far from the end of her difficulties. In high school, Maddy received external support from an English coach, but didn’t receive any extra exam time or other means of assistance now available for pupils who are dyslexic.
Maddy recalled: “I remember this one English class being asked to read something from Romeo and Juliet, and I think I actually even got one of the main characters’ names wrong. I think I called him something else that was not even in the book, and it was just like, ‘Where did that come from? ‘
“But it was really hard, you know, imagine like standing up in front of 30 people, knowing that you’re gonna get it wrong, like that’s it, it’s scarring, and it does stay with you as a child.”
Outside of academics, socialising was also a struggle. As a youngster, Maddy suffered the cruelties of being picked on, and also struggled when it came to making friends, “smothering” those she did get close to.
At that time, Maddy hadn’t yet been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition which often coexists with dyslexia. This common link is something that Maddy, who now works as an ADHD money and business coach, is keen to draw attention to.
Looking back with a far better understanding of herself, Maddy now knows there was never anything wrong with her, aware that learning in a neurotypical setting was just a case of trying to “put a CD in a tape player”. Considering what she’d say to her younger self, Maddy said: “Believe in yourself, you’re not broken, you’re just different.”
The businesswoman is now mum to two children, both of whom also have dyslexia
Although Maddy is comfortable in her own skin now, it’s been a long journey to get there. From her early to late teens, Maddy felt “completely and utterly useless”. Her ADHD also affected the way Maddy dealt with money, landing her in £40,000 worth of debt. She was thankfully able to pay this hefty sum off, using self-taught “tips and tricks”, which she discusses in her ADHD-focused finance book, Mad About Money.
Indeed, as well as accepting her differences, Maddy has learned to embrace them and is eager to show that there are many benefits to having dyslexia and ADHD, which aren’t talked about enough. Highlighting how those with dyslexia can often be “really strategic thinkers” and excellent storytellers, Maddy remarked that “lots of dyslexic people go on to be really good entrepreneurs.”
Pointing at the prime example of Jamie, Maddy noted: “I mean, Jamie Oliver is an incredible entrepreneur. He’s not just a chef, he’s somebody who is actually going out there and telling his story and changing lives, and that’s what I wanted to do with my book.
“I think there is a common misconception that dyslexic people are not very clever when actually we are really clever, we just have different brains that process things in a different way.”
Jamie has spoken out about how entering the kitchen “saved” him, allowing him to carve a path for himself after feeling alienated by the traditional school system. For Maddy, this lifeline was public speaking, a talent which has allowed her to find her voice and speak up for others navigating similar journeys, through channels such as her Mad About Money podcast.
Nowadays, Maddy is happy to “show up imperfectly” and encourages others to learn more about their brains so that they can show up as the person they’re meant to be. She’s also cautioned against shame, urging others to see the strengths in their “different operating systems ” instead of flaws.
Maddy is now mum to Ben, 10, and Harriet, 6, both of whom have dyslexia. Although she’s seen improvements in how dyslexia is handled in modern schools, she believes there’s still some way to go. Expressing her wishes for the future, Maddy continued: “I want there to be more education for children. Not just education for children who are dyslexic, but I’d like to see education for all children in school about what dyslexia actually is, so that they don’t bully their friends, or they don’t have negative conversations or call people stupid.
“I want people to actually be talking about the positives about dyslexia as well because I think that’s something that’s not done enough. I think you need more people who have dyslexia who are successful at speaking in schools. I think that would be a really good thing to show people that you can achieve things and not to see yourself as negative.”
You can catch Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution on Channel 4 at 9 pm on June 9.
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Bill Gates, the president of the Gates Foundation, has stated that his main investment for $200 billion will be in Africa and that it will place a premium on working with governments that prioritize the well-being of their citizens.
Despite the current headwinds, Gates reaffirmed this in an address on Monday at Nelson Mandela Hall of the African Union, calling on African leaders to take advantage of the moment to advance health and development through innovation and partnership.
The Gates Foundation’s statement, which addressed more than 12, 000 government officials, diplomats, health workers, development partners, and youth leaders in person and online, underlined the crucial role that African leadership and ingenuity play in shaping the continent’s health and economic future.
Also read: Bill Gates Says AI Is Important for Health, Education, and Innovation.
“Over the next 20 years, I’ve recently made the commitment to give away my wealth.” The majority of that money will be used to assist you in overcoming challenges in Africa.
Every African nation should be on a path to prosperity, according to Gates, who said that by enabling human potential through education and health.
In a fireside conversation to discuss Africa’s development agenda and the investments and partnerships necessary to advance the country’s development, Gates and Dr. Paulin Basinga, the foundation’s director for Africa, joined him.
Calls for collaboration and shared responsibility were also made by prominent African leaders, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-general of the World Trade Organization, and Amina Mohammed, the deputy secretary-general of the UN.
According to the statement, Mrs. Graça Machel, a well-known advocate for women and children, described the current situation as “a moment of crisis” and stressed the value of lasting partnerships in Africa’s development journey.
A deep appreciation of African leadership, ideas, and innovation are reflected in Mr. Gates’ long-standing partnership with Africa. We rely on Mr. Gates’ unwavering commitment to continue walking this transformation path with us, she said.
Gates said, “With primary healthcare, what we’ve learned is that helping the mother be healthy and well-nourished before she gets pregnant, while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results.” It makes a big difference to ensure the child is fed well during their first four years.
In his speech, Gates emphasized how bold leadership can be used to unlock new opportunities in nations like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia.
Gates said, “I’ve always been inspired by the hard work of Africans even in places with very few resources,” referring to more than 20 years of engagement on the continent.
“The fieldwork has been incredible, even in the most rural areas,” says one researcher.
AI’s transformative potential
Gates also emphasized how significant artificial intelligence is for the continent’s future and spoke about its transformative potential.
He praised Africa’s young innovators, saying he was “seeing young people in Africa embracing this and considering how it applies to the problems they want to solve.”
He continued, “Africa largely skipped traditional banking and now you have a chance to think about how AI is incorporated into that as you build your next-generation healthcare systems,” drawing a parallel to the continent’s mobile banking revolution.
He cited Rwanda as an early sign of this promise, noting that Rwanda is “using AI to improve service delivery.” For instance, AI-enabled ultrasound helps women receive timely, potentially life-saving care by identifying high-risk pregnancies earlier.
Reality star Teodora Marcu was gunned down while carrying her toddler daughter in her arms in a horrific street attack
Horror final moments of TV star before she was gunned down while holding toddler(Image: Jam Press)
Reality star Teodora Marcu was on her way to buy ice cream when she was shot dead while holding her toddler daughter in her arms in a horrific street attack outside the Cosmopolis residential complex near the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on Saturday (31 May).
The pregnant star was allegedly fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend, who turned the gun on himself when cornered by police officers. The 23-year-old TV personality, known for her appearance in a Love Island-style programme called Insula Iubirii, was holding onto her daughter, three, when the suspected killer, Robert Lupu, 49, allegedly shot her at close range.
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Teodora Marcu was with her toddler daughter when she was fatally shot(Image: Jam Press)
It was reported that she left him when she found out he was lying about his marriage and he never accepted the relationship was over.
Earlier in the day, Teodora was at a children’s party with her cousin and the children, with the duo sharing posts from the party on their respective social media pages.
They left the party and went to buy ice cream when Teodora was allegedly shot four times in the chest and abdomen.
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She was allegedly shot four times in the chest and abdomen(Image: Jam Press)
It’s said her cousin helped her on the street and tried to console her young daughter. Meanwhile, the suspect calmly left the scene and was later tracked down by the cops. He allegedly shot himself when he was cornered, as reported by NeedToKnow.
The police said in a statement: “Two lethal firearms were found on the man, one of which he used to commit suicide.
“The two weapons were seized by specialists from the Weapons Service of the Ilfov County Police Inspectorate, and we are still trying to determine their origin.”
Teodora was 26 weeks pregnant with her second child with her partner Alexandru Marcu, a professional illusionist, at the time of her death.
Following her shock death, her fans took to her social media page to share their condolences, with one writing under her recent Instagram post: “It breaks my soul.. And I cry with the phone in my hand…”
“May God rest you, dear soul! although I have not followed you or followed your evolution from Love Island, I lay here the words that I want to say.
“I am sorry that you left us so early and I pray to God that you rest in peace wherever you are!” one fan said.
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Looking for the top collagen supplements? Our beauty and wellness editor really likes this one when it’s added to smoothies, claiming she can actually tell a difference.
We may link to affiliate links in this article, but we will make money off of any purchases we make. more information
Our beauty editor really rates this collagen powder(Image: Getty)
Collagen supplements are a hot topic in today’s beauty industry, and there are often opinions on them: some claim that there isn’t much reliable evidence to show a definite improvement in skin, hair, and nails, while others claim that. However, I’ve personally used collagen powders and capsules for years and have always enjoyed how well they work for me. This one is a new, enduring favorite.
Verve’s Naked Beauty Collagen works perfectly for this by adding powder to my morning smoothie, which is how I like to take collagen supplements. It’s made up of 13 other skin-boosting ingredients, including biotin, zinc, vitamin C, and probiotics, and is a super-blend made of 12 500 mg of marine collagen. It has been a big help to me as I get my day started for months.
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READ MORE: “My skin feels incredible thanks to this tinted moisturiser.
Verve Naked Beauty Collagen contains 12,500mg of marine collagen(Image: Verve)
First of all, while some customers have complained that mixing the drink with water doesn’t make it particularly flavorful, I find that whizzing it together with oat milk, frozen berries, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a few oats gives it a slight vanilla flavor and thickens it. I consume this until at least 1:00 p.m. when I wake up around 10 a.m.
I’ve seen results even though I only take half of the recommended dose, which is one scoop instead of two. This means that I can use one of these large pouches for two months rather than one, which costs about £1 per serving.
Laura adds a scoop to her morning smoothie(Image: Laura Mulley)
I frequently try new skincare, and my skin appears to have a mind of its own: sometimes I have no problems, but occasionally I get months of breakouts. Verve claims that customers can expect to see improvements like increased skin elasticity, a decrease in wrinkles, and extra hydration from taking this regularly and over time.
However, my nails have made a noticeable improvement. They used to be so weak and bendy, constantly splitting, but now they’re much stronger and never flake or split, which I attribute to using this beauty powder on a regular basis.
Although good collagen supplements aren’t inexpensive, as long as I can afford them, I’ll always take these because they fit easily into my routine and actually make a difference.
Continue reading the article.
Try Gold Collagen Pure, which costs £30 for 30 days (one of the cheapest of the various varieties the brand sells), if you don’t like smoothies and prefer a “one gulp and done” collagen supplement in place. Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen, available for £33.15 for 30 doses, is a popular choice among beauty editors because it actually tastes good when mixed with water.
As she considers making changes for her second game as head coach, Melissa Andreatta claims Scotland’s young teenagers showed “a real maturity” when they started playing as substitutes against Austria on Friday.
The Scots, who have already been relegated, will now face their final Nations League Group A1 game in the Netherlands with a victory at Hampden.
However, the former Australia assistant has urged her team to maintain their “faith” and that they are “very hungry and determined to put in their best performance for this match to close this campaign in a positive way.”
Andreatta responded, “I think what they showed was a real maturity and able to manage the moment, and they thrived.
We could see a change in the second half, and I think it was just because they had more faith in that and the ability to play and choose different situations.
“I think what we saw were players coming off the bench, both freshmen and experienced players,” said the coach. “I think that’s fantastic for the team and those individual players.”
As her side prepares for “a massive test” against a team ranked 10th in the world and looking to bounce back from their own 4-0 defeat in Germany, Andreatta is determined to see the positives of the defeat.
There will be times in the match when things don’t go right, but that’s where we’re at right now, she said. “We just need to keep going this way,” she said.
We drew many lessons from it, and what we now want to do is close this campaign and then anticipate a fresh beginning in our next camp afterward.
Scotland have lost all five of their matches so far in the Nations League top flight, but Lineth Beerensteyn and Chasity Grant scored the Dutch’s winning goal at Hampden in February despite Emma Lawton’s goal extending the lead.
After Pedro Martinez Losa was fired following her unsuccessful attempt to reach this summer’s Euro 2025 finals, Andreatta believes she has already seen areas where the squad could improve.
