Category News

Teenage cricketer dies in training accident in Australia

By in News, World News

Published On 30 Oct 2025

In a suburban Melbourne training accident, a 17-year-old cricket player died.

Ben Austin was taken to a hospital in critical condition after being struck on the neck by a ball on Tuesday during practice at Ferntree Gully, according to local cricket officials on Thursday.

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When his injuries struck in front of his teammates, who typically are practice pitches enclosed by netting, in the nets.

Austin’s passing on Wednesday was confirmed by the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club.

The club stated in a statement that “we are completely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impact of his death will be felt by everyone in our cricket team.” Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s family, friends, and all those who knew him and the joy he brought.

Michael Finn, president of the Ringwood and District Cricket Association, claimed Austin was warming up in the nets at the time of the injury.

He claimed that “people were at the ground at the time until the paramedics arrived” and that “medical assistance was provided by people.”

Ben’s father, Jace Austin, issued a statement to Ben’s family, according to Cricket Australia.

Ben has been taken from us by this tragedy, but we can at least find some peace knowing that he has spent so many summers playing cricket on the sidelines with his friends. He declared, “One of the joys of his life was cricket.

We also want to support his teammate’s bowling in the nets because it has affected two young men, and his family and he are also in his thoughts.

According to Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins, who was quoted by The Australian Broadcasting Corp, Austin had been wearing a helmet and that “the ball hit him in the neck in a similar accident that Phil Hughes suffered ten years ago.”

Phillip Hughes, an international cricketer, passed away in a Sydney hospital two days after being struck near the ear by a ball in a first-class match against his former team, New South Wales. He was 25.

England fight back to beat Australia in opening Test

By in News, Sports News
SWPix

First Test of the Wheelchair Rugby League Ashes

Australia (12) 28

Goals: Schumacher 4; Anstey 2; Cannane

England (22) 56

In the final 23 minutes of England’s first Wheelchair Rugby League Ashes Test victory over Australia, Rob Hawkins scored a hat-trick.

Before their late rally, the world champions on Queensland’s Gold Coast had a 28-26 lead before Hawkins of the Halifax Panthers scored twice in the final three minutes.

The reigning world wheelchair champion finished with 20 points and four conversions in addition to his tries.

England had already a 16-0 lead within the first eight minutes, with Leeds Rhinos wing Nathan Collins scoring from close range before London Roosters’ Wheels of Steel winner Joe Coyd added the third.

However, Zac Schumacher responded for Australia, and Dan Anstey added a second for the hosts after Lewis King’s fine Collins pass restored England’s 16-point lead.

England increased their lead to 22-18 after Schumacher’s second try was scored just after half-time, and despite Collins’ subsequent evasion, they soon fell behind. Anstey’s second try was followed by a superb long-range try from Corey Cannane.

However, England responded with a fine pass from Collins, who drilled Mason Billington’s fourth conversion of the day to bring his total to 16 points.

After scoring a spectacular play from his Halifax Panthers team-mate Jack Brown, Finlay O’Neill made his Test debut with an England try.

Before Hawkins’ double pushed England past 50 points, Seb Bechara then soared clear down the right for the eighth try.

related subjects

  • Sport for people with disabilities
  • Rugby League

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    • two days ago
    Nathan Collins holds the ball
    • five days ago
    Rob Hawkins looks at the camera and celebrates
    • 22 October
    Jack Brown, wearing an England shirt, raises his right first and shouts towards the camera

Primark’s ‘comfy and stylish’ £18 black ankle boots rival £325 designer brand

By in Entertainment News, News

Shoppers who prefer the high-end boots can save on a similar look.

Primark is selling ‘stylish’ £18 boots that resemble a £325 alternative. The high-street fashion retailer is known for offering affordable clothing and footwear, and the store’s autumn range is now on the shelves. Among the styles, shoppers can find a pair of faux leather boots that resemble a high-end design.

Primark’s £18 Faux Leather Block Heel Ankle Boots look similar to Russell and Bromley’s £325 Infinity Block Heel Ankle Boot. While it should be noted that there are differences between the boots, Primark’s more affordable offering could impress fans of the high-end style who want a similar luxury look for a lower price.

An alternative to traditional black ankle boots is available. The block heel, square toe, and zip fastening are all common design features. The construction of the boots is similar, but the more expensive pair is made of black Nappa leather.

Primark describes its offering as ‘black faux leather ankle boots with low block heel and squared toe’. Available in-store and online, the boots range in size from UK 3 to UK 8, although some sizes are currently out of stock for click-and-collect customers.

The full product description reads: “Step out in style with these black PU block heel ankle boots. Made from smooth leather-look PU, they offer a sleek, polished finish and a modern squared toe.

The inner zip makes them simple to slip on and off, while the low block heel adds comfort for all-day wear. They add modern style and practical comfort to your shoe collection in a straightforward yet elegant way. “

The boots, which are made in Italy, have a leather lining, and a 6cm heel height, according to Russell and Bromley. The shoes are available in stores and online and come in sizes from UK 3 to UK 9.

This is Infinity, according to the full product description: “Streamlined and versatile. A comfortable block heel and impeccable craftsmanship elevate a classic design. “

While everyone has their own preferences and both styles are likely to become popular, Primark boot buyers can save over £300. Additionally, Primark has a line of ankle boots that will appeal to shoppers who prefer a different style.

Another option could be the £18 Block Heel Stretch Ankle Boots. Primark says: “These ankle boots come with a block heel, a stretch material around the ankle and a round toe.” There’s also the £20 Rita Ora Sock Chelsea Boots. Primark says: “Black Chelsea boots with sock-style knit ankle and chunky lug sole.”

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Last chance to vote for your BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year

By in News, Sports News

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Voting for your 2025 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year is now open.

Aitana Bonmati, Hannah Hampton, Mariona Caldentey, Alessia Russo, and Patri Guijarro are the only five players on the shortlist.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, November 25 via BBC World Service and the BBC Sport website and app at 9:00 GMT on Friday, October 31.

The award was presented for the 11th time in 2015, the first time ever.

A panel of experts, which included coaches, players, administrators, journalists, and other stakeholders, chose the five winners.

Aitana Bonmati

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27 years old Country: Spain

Aitana Bonmati has had a very productive year. She won three women’s Ballons d’Or titles, won a domestic treble, and advanced to the Euro 2025 final as the first woman to do so.

Her pedigree is obvious, as are her numerous awards won and awards won. She has won five Spanish Super Cups, three league titles, and three European crowns.

It was a remarkable campaign despite Barcelona’s Champions League defeat to Arsenal and her remarkable recovery from a bout of viral meningitis shortly before the start of the competition.

Spain made history by reaching the final for the first time after defeating Germany in the Euros semi-final through the creative playmaker.

She also received the title of Champions League player of the year from Uefa, contributing nine goals to their 4-1 semi-final victory over Chelsea.

Hannah Hampton

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Age 24 Country: England

After assisting England to win Euro 2025, Hannah Hampton was honored as the best female goalkeeper in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Chelsea won the title last year and finished the season with an outstanding unbeaten Women’s Super League record.

Hampton has taken up the position of Mary Earps’ number one in England. Before her international retirement, she frequently surpassed Earps and has demonstrated her worth to Sarina Wiegman’s side.

She saved two penalties in their quarter-final victory over Sweden and saved another two when Spain defeated Spain in the final.

Along with Phallon Tullis-Joyce from Manchester United, she also had the WSL golden glove with her 13 league victories for Chelsea.

She has already won two World Cup titles, two FA Cup titles, two League Cup titles, two European Championships, and reached a World Cup final at the age of 24.

Mariona Caldentey

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29 years old Country: Spain

Mariona Caldentey helped Arsenal win a second Champions League title with her arrival last summer.

She gave an already strong squad a creative we and cutting edge.

She was named the WSL’s player of the year after moving from Barcelona because of how impressive her performances were.

She also made history for her country when Spain defeated England in the Euro 2025 final, but she didn’t win the trophy because of it.

Caldentey was named in Uefa’s Champions League and the Professional Football Association’s teams of the year in addition to winning the Ballon d’Or.

Alessia Russo

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Age: 26 Country: England

Alessia Russo made history with Arsenal by guiding England to their European Championship crown while becoming the first British team to win the Women’s Champions League since 2008 under the leadership of the Gunners.

She scored in the Euro 2025 final and found her groove with her club, where she excelled all season long in front of goal and off the ball.

The forward won the Football Writers’ Association’s women’s football player of the year award last year.

She and Khadija Shaw shared the Golden Boot, both of whom were the women’s super league’s (WSL) top scorers.

Russo added two assists and 12 WSL goals for Arsenal.

She was also named in the Professional Footballers’ Association and the Uefa Champions League teams of the year and nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Patri Guijarro

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27 years old Country: Spain

It is obvious why Patri Guijarro’s descriptions frequently contain the phrase “unsung hero.”

The midfielder can occasionally fly under the radar because of his involvement with Barcelona’s star-studded sides and Spain.

However, her presence as the backbone for her teams makes up for what she lacks in the goals and assist statistics, which also allows the rest to shine.

She won a domestic treble with Barcelona despite losing this year’s Champions League final to her club and losing this year’s Euro 2025 final to her country.

The 27-year-old sets the pace by steadying her team from the midfield, reversing possession and making attacking moves.

Although her work may not always be the most glamorous, it is consistently tenacious, and a key component of her sides’ makeup.

She has won three Champions League titles, six league titles, six Copas de la Reina, and four Spanish Super Cups. Additionally, she won the tournament against Uefa’s Euro 2025 team.

Who were the previous winners?

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The Women’s Football Weekly podcast returns for another season featuring Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie. On the Women’s Football Weekly feed, you can find interviews and additional content from the Women’s Super League and beyond as well as new episodes that are available every Tuesday on BBC Sounds.

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  • Women’s Football

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Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Arrest Suspect In Taraba

By in News, Nigeria News

A kidnapping victim, Ali Adamu, was rescued on Wednesday by members of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Stroke in Taraba State’s Lau Local Government Area.

The troops deployed in Lau received a distress call reporting the kidnapping of Adamu while he was sleeping outside his compound, and the rescue operation followed.

The troops quickly mobilized and launched a fierce pursuit of the kidnappers as a result of the information. The criminals abandoned the victim and fled into nearby bushes after realizing that the soldiers were closing in.

The victim was later reunited with his family without any ransom, according to a statement from the 6 Brigade, Nigeria Army spokesman Lieutenant Umar Muhammad.

Under the name “Operation Lafiya Nakowa,” an ongoing operation across Taraba State aims to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements.

READ ALSO: Army Rejects Taraba Varsity Student’s “arrest”

In a related development, nearby vigilantes and hunters who were on foot in Maraban Kunini at the time of the arrest are said to have interrogated a suspected kidnapper named Lalau Adamu (30 years old) who is said to have been a part of the abduction.

When troops arrived at the scene, they learned that the suspect had suffered from mob wounds.

While further investigation is ongoing, he was immediately ejected under military protection to a medical facility for treatment.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commander of the 6 Brigade/Sec 3 OPWS, commended the swift action and effective coordination among the troops, vigilantes, and local hunters, which resulted in a successful rescue operation.

He urged people to continue providing security agencies with timely and reliable information to advance statewide efforts to maintain peace and security.