Conor McMenamin says his top priority will be to make up for his absence from the Northern Ireland squad for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy in March.
After suffering a serious knee injury and an Achilles problem, the 30-year-old has been missing from NI manager Michael O’Neill’s international plans for the past year.
McMenamin is now returning to match fitness every week, playing a significant role in his team’s 3-1 Scottish League Cup victory over Celtic and getting regular game time for the Buddies.
The former Cliftonville and Glentoran international has nine international caps to date, including his only goal in a 3-0 Euro qualifier win over San Marino in October 2023 when he made his debut against Cyprus in a Nations League game in 2022.
The pinnacle of any player’s career is playing for their country, McMenamin said. “I’ve had a lot of injuries in the last couple of years.
“To try to secure a seat on that plane for Italy, that would be my main goals going forward.”
It’s going to be a really difficult match, but I believe we can win it, of course. That would be a big goal since we have a strong squad there and I enjoy playing for Northern Ireland.
A truly tight-knit unit, in my opinion.
After St. Mirren outsmarted Celtic in the Hampden Park final, McMenamin said his NI team-mates were in contact with him.
As soon as the final whistle went last week, all of Northern Ireland’s staff greeted me and the team on the phone.
When we travel with Northern Ireland, the players stay in touch even when we are not together, which is a very close group.
With the outcomes we’ve had, and Michael O’Neill’s accomplishments over the past few years demonstrate that. We’re a really tight knit group, and we’ll be ready to leave in March.
McMenamin has recently been playing for his club in an unheard left wing-back position despite playing typically in a forward role.
Everyone involved with the club has had a good time over the past few weeks, and when the cup final comes to an end, you forget about the injuries and the work you’ve done to get back together, he continued.
It’s good for me personally to return to the game and play regularly for the team.
“Stephen Robinson, the gaffer, and the boys have been playing well,” Stephen Robinson said, “is obviously like the shape.” We as players have a role in shaping up to fit that mold, and we discussed how my performances in that role helped me build trust.
It’s all about risk, they say. If you’re not succeeding, someone will be there to take your place. We have a great squad. Everyone is kept on their toes, thanks.
Holly Ramsay, Gordon Ramsay’s daughter, and the swimmer’s mother are prohibited from attending Holly Ramsay’s wedding.
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Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty are scheduled to marry today at Bath’s Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Paul. After Adam declared he was “the luckiest man on earth,” the couple took a luxurious trip to Lapland in the days leading up to the wedding and were eager to have Holly as his wife.
However, Adam’s family feud has been the focus of recent media attention because his mother Caroline, along with some other family members, were not invited to attend his special day. According to reports, Adam’s sister, Bethany, from his side of the family, will be the one who will now attend his wedding.
Caroline’s son and future daughter-in-law, who got engaged in September 2024, informed her that things had turned awry when she purchased her frock. However, they were later informed that they didn’t like it. However, it was later claimed that the mother and son’s engagement party started the conflict.
The main reason is thought to be that Caroline wasn’t impressed and some of Adam’s family members weren’t present at the opening celebration. As Gordon Ramsay’s engagement party was captured on camera during the production, viewers might be able to see this play play play.
The Netflix series will see the iconic chef juggling opening five new restaurants in London as well as his personal life. The Sunreported that a source said: “Adam’s family were at the engagement party, when relations were much better.
From there, things started to go downhill. His mother confronted Gordon at the event because some members of the family weren’t present. As the party was being filmed, guests were required to sign non-disclosure agreements and hand in phones.
Adam broke his silence to address the conflict. He said, “Those who know me personally, you know that I work so hard to improve myself as a person who wants to make the world a better place.
Even in these trying times, I am continuing to learn about myself and how to become the man I want to be: a respectable partner, father, businessman, friend, and athlete. We don’t ask for sympathy; instead, Bethany, Holly, and I will get through this. Simply put, we need people to realize that every story has a different storyline. Thank you to those of you who have shown kindness and understanding. It is greatly appreciated. His wife-to-be Holly also shared the post with her 400, 000 followers on her social media as a show of solidarity.
In November, Louise Williams, Holly’s aunt, criticized Holly for not inviting Adam’s mother to her hen do. Caroline eventually came out and stated that she had been struggling, but that she would never forgive her son.
She stated in a direct message to Adam, “I know it’s the end.” However, I ask that regardless of what happens in the future, Adam know that I love you, that your father loves you, and that we can talk to each other whenever we want to.
Nothing you did will not forgive me for. I’m so in love with you. I sincerely hope your marriage turns out well, and I sincerely hope that Holly and you have a successful union. I want everything to end, so I’m speaking out.
Caroline also stated in the interview that she thought the Ramsays were very “insular.” He’s in Gordon’s clutches, she had said. They seem to be attempting to pull him away from me, I can’t help but feel. Their culture is very closed off.
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Adam, 30, described his character flaws and how they affect his loved ones in his autobiography, The Gladiator Mindset, from his 2021 autobiography. He cited his “super focused” attitude toward his swimming career as saying, “Some of the closest people to me take it personally and, despite my assurances that I really do care, they believe I’ve changed because of success, and as a result, I am ashamed of them and should spend more time with them.”
He also admitted that sometimes it can seem as though he lacks empathy and that he has also labeled himself a “selfish athlete.”
Stuart Douglas, a presenter of Channel 4 TV and real estate expert, has revealed his most recent interactive initiative and offers his best tips for moving up the property ladder in 2026.
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Stuart Douglas is sharing his latest initiative(Image: Mark Bourdillon Love Productions)
Stuart Douglas is ready to make someone’s dream come true with a history-making launch. The Channel 4 property expert, who is often seen alongside sister Scarlette Douglas, is launching a first-of-its-kind Keys or Coffee interactive property prize draw – but also has some advice for those on the lookout for a property.
Stuart acknowledged that it’s challenging to climb the property ladder these days and wants to give someone the chance to purchase a home for the price of a cup of coffee. He also gave a top tip for those looking to purchase a home in 2026, saying, “It’s not simple. If I’m being honest, the budget probably made it more difficult.
The current state of the housing market is “not the best that it has ever been,” but that doesn’t mean there is a buyer’s market. Right now, the market is a buyer’s market. Without a doubt, there is no seller’s market here. Therefore, better deals will be made and you’ll undoubtedly be able to bargain for more money if you’re buying because the current property market is a little shaky.
“Have patience. Save money. Just keep trying to save as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. I’m hoping that 2026, will be a better year.”
He has now acknowledged that his goal with his new idea is to “make homeownership accessible, meaningful, and exciting.” He claimed, “I’ve spent years assisting people in turning homes into TV homes.” I get to do something a little different with Keys or Coffee now. We are giving people more power. A real home will be determined by your votes, choices, and ideas.
In terms of the concept, Stuart revealed that he has hired friends to work on the interactive side, including Stevo the Madman, Adebayo Akinfenwa, Adebayo Akinfenwa, Adebayo Akinfenwa, and Jeff Brazier. Additionally, they intend to offer the chance to the public to build their ideal home before it is entered in a prize drawing.
He acknowledges that doing this should “appear to the majority” The public will have three options, according to Stuart, and they will be able to cast a ballot in each. The end home’s most popular design is transformed into a reality at the end of the vote.
And he acknowledges the importance of doing it. He told us, “I think it’s really important that you embrace that change.” Additionally, property shows have always performed exceptionally well on television because we as a country adore everything related to interior design and property. Both of us hunger and desire it.
However, I believe it’s really important to embrace the change and declare, “Okay, I love doing property because the landscape in television is changing.” Property shows are what I do. There is no reason why I can’t combine property with the public’s involvement for something that is completely new, completely innovative, and it’s really our USP.
“Listen, property prize draws are not new, but what we’re trying to do is entice the audience,” he said. They are no longer a part of our society’s spectacle. They should get involved in what we’re doing, too. And to really capture the imagination, to do that. You actually have a chance to win that three-pound home once the design is complete.
If people see the renovation, they’ll likely be educated along the way. However, because this is the first time I’ll actually get to know what the public wants and what their design preferences are, I’m also learning in this.
Stuart acknowledges that the idea of sharing his sister’s life with the camera is a step backward from what he loves but never intended to. He claimed, “I had no desire to be a television presenter, if I’m brutally honest.” I once played football professionally for Luton Town.
When my legs started to hurt and I was unable to play as well as usual, I made the decision to move on and work as a physiotherapist. My sister Scarlett has been a television host for the past eight, nine years, and they were looking into getting her to do a TV show with George Clarke. Then, they noticed me and our property website as they were looking up my sister. We once jointly handled property.
I’ve never had the chance to collaborate with my sister. So I thought, Oh, this might be a good time to take a chance. The show was a hit and I gained a lot from George and my sister.
We received a hit television program, which we later developed, and the rest has just “snowballed.” Therefore, I’m not able to deny that it was my dream. It wasn’t, either. More specifically, it was because I had the chance to work with my sister. I said yes, but I didn’t regret it because I said yes, and I haven’t regretted doing it ever since. So I’ve gone where I’m now, exactly.
On December 27th, the first Keys or Coffee prize draw will be held, and social media will host weekly interactive design polls. The Pink Ribbon Foundation, ACLT, Furnishing Futures, and Mary’s Meals are among the partners who donate money to partner causes with every entry.
Georgia Harrison, a reality TV star turned campaigner for women’s rights, speaks exclusively with her partner Jack Stacey about their 2026 plans for their child.
After the most “Christmassy Christmas” as a new mum, Georgia Harrison says she’s striding confidently into 2026, feeling like a totally different woman.
The reality star, who welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Sahara Jean, with her partner Jack Stacey in October, sees herself entering a new chapter, telling OK during an exclusive shoot that motherhood has changed her “in every way possible”.
“I have the capacity to feel more love, I have more of a purpose and I have more empathy for others”, she says. “I see people as a child, not just as people,” he said.
READ MORE: This Morning’s Dr Zoe wows viewers in ‘beautiful’ red cord suit from the high street
Following a hectic festive period, Georgia and Jack are now planning a cosy New Year ’s Eve dinner at a local Italian restaurant, before heading to Dubai for a much-needed holiday.
There will be plenty of babysitters on hand, jokes Georgia, because my dad, stepmum, and sister are also coming. The cutest thing you’ve ever seen is Sahara’s swimwear, which we can’t wait to buy.
Looking radiant — and not the faintest bit sleep-deprived – the former Love Island star, 30, says she was instantly smitten when their bundle of joy arrived on 30 October. “I fell in love with Sahara straight away,” she tells us. “I was so obsessed with her, and Jack was too.”
Weighing 6lb 7oz, Sahara was born a week early at Whipps Cross Hospital in East London. “It all went really well — hats off to the NHS, because they were brilliant,” Georgia recalls.
Although Jack, 33, kept her hand throughout, he is modest about his input. “I obviously did what I could, but it was all Georgia”, he says. She was amazing, and I had a much greater sense of fear. I couldn’t believe she even took a nap before giving birth.
Unsurprisingly, Sahara made her grand entrance, and the newlyweds were overcome with emotion. According to Jack, a property worker, “I was crying my eyes out.”
“We both cried”, jumps in ex-TOWIE star Georgia. Because many people don’t have an immediate bond, we had to say to each other, “Look, it’s OK if you don’t love the baby right away,” but it wasn’t at all for us.
Georgia claims Sahara is her baby’s dream child while chatting while giving her a bottle of wine. It’s been easier than I thought it would be”.
Despite this, it’s becoming difficult to get some shuteye. Georgia admits, “She slept through the night, but now she wakes every two hours.” “Everyone says this is the thick of it, and you’ve just got to power through. Thankfully, I drop off again as soon as she goes down, even though I’m tempted to sleep on the ground in the rain.
There is only so much Jack can do, Georgia says, “Unless he grows a pair of boobs,” because he is breastfeeding!
He’s enjoying his share of nappy changes though. He claims that it’s his favorite activity because he believes he is making a contribution. “I don’t even mind the awful nappies,” she said. The bigger, the better. I’m incredibly excited”!
The pair — who met on a dating app and only went public with their romance in January — chose not to discover Sahara’s sex before she was born. “It was a complete surprise,” Jack says. “I called it right on the day, though.”
Georgia was less sure, saying, “Loads of people told me they’d dreamt I was having a boy, and my Reiki woman said it was a boy, so I started mentally preparing myself for that”.
Georgia describes how they came up with the name “we wanted her to have a really different name, and it seemed perfect.” She can mean free spirit and her origins are Arabic, which is where she is very much. I liked the sound of ‘ Sahara Stacey ‘ as well”.
Incredibly, Sahara arrived just days after Georgia received her MBE from Prince William for services to tackling online privacy and cybercrime awareness.
She giggles, “I was just trying not to give birth at Windsor Castle.” “Although part of me sort of wanted to, just for the drama of it — and maybe the Insta content”!
Georgia received her award after reneging on her right to anonymity in a case involving the sharing of her secret sex tape online.
She’s now seen as a driving force behind moves to make revenge porn a criminal offence — and becoming a mother to Sahara has made her even more determined to use her voice. “It definitely makes me more passionate to think the work I do is helping make the world a safer place for her,” she says.
Meeting the future king didn’t quite go to plan, however. She reveals that she was thrilled when she learned that William had awarded her the MBE because she was a fan.
“But I almost hit the deck with my over-the-top theatrical curtsy.” I was this huge pregnant person in heels, arms spread-eagled and trying not to topple over. My family was shocked to learn that William had broken up.
She claims it was an honor to discuss her work with the prince. “I was shocked because he’d followed a lot of my experiences and said how brave I was”, she says. I’ll never forget the opportunity to speak with one of the world’s most significant people about the world’s transformation.
There has been a lot of change at her and Jack’s Essex home. “The nursery is the most amazing room now. Georgia chuckles, “We really went for it.” “I wanted to be prepared, so I had a rocking chair for nighttime feedings, and we had so many contraptions.”
They didn’t hold back for Sahara’s first Christmas, either. “We went all out, there are no two ways about it,” says Jack. “She’s not going to remember a thing, but it was the most Christmassy Christmas of all time.” Hilariously, one of Sahara’s stand-out presents was “a little Santa that farts out bubbles”.
Revealing that Jack cooked for 10 on the big day, Georgia says, “I was like, ‘I’ve done the heavy lifting for nine months. I’ll be doing nothing!’ Jack’s family came from the Isle of Wight, and mine were there too. It was so sweet, as everyone basically wanted to be with Sahara.”
They’re now planning to take Sahara on her first holiday to Dubai — assisted by their loved ones. Georgia grins as the grandparents accompany us so we can have some fun and head down to the pool bar.
They also enjoy a lot of encouragement, which is more local. “Georgia’s mum Nicola, who lives locally, is probably going to be like the third parent”, says Jack.
And lots of showbiz mates have rallied round the new parents too — including best pal Olivia Attwood, who starred in the 2017 series of Love Island with Georgia. “She sent us some Baby Dior outfits, which were the only thing that fit initially because Sahara was so small,” says Georgia.
“Loads of my reality friends have reached out too — Diags [James Bennewith], Arg [ James Argent ], and Sam Faiers, who sent a nice message saying how magical it’s going to be. Gemma Collins too — Sahara had a shoutout from The GC before she was even a month old.”
No stranger to online criticism, Georgia was recently targeted for using so-called “puppy pads” to lie Sahara on. She won’t let the kickback upset her, despite the claims that they may contain potentially harmful chemicals.
“Oh my God, the mum-shaming is intense. I haven’t posted much without getting things wrong, but honestly, I’d rather know about it,” she says. “Getting negative feedback can be tough, but as a first-time mum I’m still learning and if I’m doing something wrong I’ll change it. Nobody’s perfect.”
Though she and Jack hope to have more children one day, it won’t be for a while. The actress says, “We definitely want Sahara to have at least one sibling, but I also want to avoid being pregnant for a year.”
Georgia is now looking forward to getting back into the gym, when she can find the time. “I’m just relaxing at the moment, but in a few weeks I’ll get fit again. Not due to pressure from others, but because I’ve always been active. My pregnancy was the first time I’ve not gone to the gym five times a week, and I miss exercise so much. I can’t wait to get back into a fit and healthy lifestyle.”
Looking back on their whirlwind few weeks, Georgia believes she and Jack have grown closer. “You really do look at your partner in a completely different way once they’ve been by your side during childbirth,” she says. “It unlocks a new part of your relationship. At the start of this year, we were on a three-week trip across Colombia, now we’re obsessed with dirty nappies.
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” It’s all been so quick, but we both know we’re the one for each other. We’ve been having the best time of our lives because, in my opinion, we’re soul mates.
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Stephan Shemilt
Melbourne Cricket Ground’s Chief Cricket Reporter
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England defeated the hosts by four wickets in a remarkable two-day Test at the MCG to win the first test match there for the first time in almost 15 years.
England
After a difficult break, Ben Duckett (6), Surely would have been relieved to be back on the field. In the first innings, another over-the-top dismissal helped England advance.
Another under-pressure England opener, Zak Crawley, 6 , who did well to start the second inning. Still requires a score in Sydney’s more traditional conditions.
Jacob Bethell, 6, justified his selection with a 40-run lead over Ollie Pope’s doubtful second-innings chances. Will be interesting to watch him score on a flat pitch.
Joe Root had a duck in the opening two innings but struggled for 15 in the second to prevent Australia from starting a roll. since that incredible hundred in Brisbane, there hasn’t been any rhythm.
The most crucial knock of the match was Harry Brook’s 7-7 swashbuckling 41 in the opening innings. has a little genius, but can be irksome.
When Gus Atkinson got hurt, Ben Stokes scored seven important runs in the opening innings and stepped up with the ball. For everything he has given England, deserves this.
Jamie Smith (4-4) improved his glovehands game, which could have been even better if he had not been so deep. Has the backroom in England made a comment about it?
Will Jacks, 2, was a part of a rare England victory in Australia despite not having bowled, only batting once, and dropping a catch.
His best performance of the series, which may now be cruelly ended by a hamstring issue, is Gus Atkinson, 6. Much better on day one when the ball and crucial runs arrive late.
Brydon Carse, 7, started the series slowly with the ball before improving to put on his best performance the following morning. gets an extra point for going at number three without being audacious.
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Australia
Jake Weatherald, 2, has not appeared to be of any test quality since scoring his first half-century in Brisbane. Should have been a weakness that England should have exploited while the series was still in existence.
Travis Head, 6, appeared in front of a Christmas tree and appeared in the Herald Sun this week. despite having a bad MCG record, achieved the match’s highest score.
Marnus Labuschagne, 2, struggled in the circumstances. Another Australian batter is fighting to justify his recall.
Steve Smith, a 5 hitter, continued to play the role of Josh Tongue’s bunny in the first inning after running out of partners in the second. gets a point for correctly predicting how challenging batting would be in this game.
Usman Khawaja (4-1) Batted for a while in the first innings without scoring quickly, before falling for a duck in the third. Will Sydney mark his final competitive test appearance?
Alex Carey leads the series opener against one of Australia’s players. Still excellent when wearing gloves.
Cameron Green – 4 – Twice got starts and twice managed to escape, starting with a bad shot and finishing second. slipping in a sluggish downward trend. could soon reach the top 12.
Michael Neser, 7, was Australia’s best bat and ball player in the opening innings, but he could be vulnerable if Sydney is flat.
Mitchell Starc, 4, would have anticipated a game in such favorable circumstances, but it was a strangely quiet game. Ben Duckett’s death proved crucial.
Jhye Richardson, 3, occasionally used on his return to the test series after four years of waiting for two days of play.
Australia leads series 3-1, England wins by 4 wickets.
In a shocking and absurd two-day Test in Melbourne, England ended an 18-game winless streak in Australia.
England won the fourth Test on the second evening of one of its most bizarre matches, leaving the series 3-1 before the Sydney finale.
England’s batsmen lurched through the chaos as they finally found an Australian match for their freewheeling method in devilishly challenging batting conditions.
England’s four-wicket victory gave them a chance to hit their target in 33 overs, giving the thousands of fans on the road who had previously had to give something to celebrate.
When England defeated the home team for 132 in their second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the chance of winning the first Test there since 2011 was created.
Gus Atkinson, who is doubtful for the fifth Test due to a hamstring injury, was replaced by Brydon Carse 4-34 and captain Ben Stokes 3-24 to make up for his loss.
After Crawley and Ben Duckett struck 51 in 6 overs, England’s best series opening partnership, Carse then took over as a pinch-hitter in addition to the absurdity.
Duckett 34, Crawley 37, and Jacob Bethell’s elegant 40 served as justification for his recall.
41 seconds ago
Melbourne is eerie, frantic, and memorable.
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Where can I begin figuring out this frantic, chaotic, and unforgettable Boxing Day game? The 27th Test to conclude in just two days was the 2,615th of the previous record.
There hadn’t been two-dayers in Ashes cricket since 1921 up until this series started in Perth in November. The first series between any two two-day Test teams since 1896 has now been two in five weeks.
Was the 10-millimeter-long pitch suitable for Test cricket? Ball over bat had a benefit that was almost unfair, it was undoubtedly given. Still, that doesn’t diminish the bowling’s quality or makes up for some of the batting, with Australia being particularly criticized.
No other sport has such a wide range of conditions that have an impact on the outcome, making test cricket a rich tapestry. The conditions on this occasion may have produced dubious cricket, but the theater was unquestionably compelling.
The nearly 200, 000 people who attended the two days of action cannot claim they were not royally entertained despite the disappointment of missing a third-day sellout at the colossal MCG.
In the end, England record their first Test victory in almost 15 years against Australia. Following reports of excessive drinking while on vacation in Noosa, the tourists surrendered the series after three Tests.
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Bazball’s day in the sun
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Attack seemed like the best line of defense for an England team that “runs towards the danger.” This was the ideal setting for some Bazballing, which was rightly criticized for failing to adapt to the circumstances earlier in the series.
Duckett has endured a challenging tour with the bat, which was only made worse by a video of the opener’s apparent intoxication at Noosa. As he beat England to a rapid start, even swooning over Michael Neser for six, the traveling fans chanted his name here.
Importantly, in his follow-up, Duckett was dropped by diving Mitchell Starc on eight, which was 13-0 at the time. Before being drawn out by Starc, Duckett gave England momentum.
Carse’s transition from the top 10 to the top three was remarkable for England as they sought more motivation from a pinch-hitter. Crawley had already taken his first steps, planting Neser for the final six.
Before Bethell’s arrival, which Carse had already snuck in six, officially began orthodox Test cricket. The third-wicket pair astutely took the singles allowed by a deep-set Australian field, adding 47 to his partnership with Crawley.
When England still needed 63, Crawley crossed Scott Boland for the win. Before slapping Boland, Bethell added another significant 25 with Root, who remained unflappable on his Ashes debut.
Both Root and Stokes would have been appropriate when the victory was over, even though both were dismissed when victory was close to being over.
Jamie Smith faced his first ball with 10 needed to win, but his clip off Starc for three gave off a little tension.
England bowlers gave up a victory push
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England needed to keep playing fast-forward cricket on a 20-wicket first day to maintain its Test status, which came in 46 runs behind.
Their bowlers made use of the favorable conditions once more, surviving to save Atkinson, who was taken off after Nightwatchman Boland was pushed back.
Only when Travis Head posted the match’s highest individual score of 46, did Australia appear to have a chance of winning. In a low-scoring game, will Jacks’ drop at the point when Head was on 26 have been costly.
For his best game of the series, Carse bowled Head with a beauty to find a full length. Josh Tongue took seven wickets in the final over, and Stokes bowled within himself before finding the ideal pitch-to-field rhythm.
England was well caught, despite Smith and the slippers being frequently too deep. Australia lost three wickets for six runs, three for two, and three wickets for two before losing the series to Steve Smith for 24 runs not out.
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