England include Bethell and Overton in first India Test squad

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England has named Jamie Overton in the squad in response to a lengthy pace-bowling injury list and recalled Jacob Bethell for their first Test match against India.

Due to commitments to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Indian Premier League, Bethell, 21, returns immediately after missing the victory over Zimbabwe. He also might not be able to play in the final XI.

With a hamstring injury sustained against Zimbabwe, fast bowler Gus Atkinson joins Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, and Olly Stone on the sidelines. He is likely to miss the first two Tests of the five-match series.

Surrey’s Overton is included in a Test squad for the first time since the 2022 tour of Pakistan, where Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse are returning.

Ben Stokes (captain), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir are England’s starting Test squad for their first match against India.
In 2022, Overton scored 97 against New Zealand, his only previous test appearance on the same field. The 31-year-old is currently recovering from a broken finger that was sustained during last week’s first one-day international against West Indies.

The most likely members of the Leeds XI will be Woakes, Carse, and Tongue. Even if all the seamers were fit, all three would still have legitimate claims to be in England’s first-choice team.

Josh Hull and Sonny Baker, both of whom have heel and ankle issues, have been injured, further reducing England’s fast-bowling reserves. Both players have withdrawn from England Lions’ second four-day encounter with India A, which is scheduled to begin on Friday.

While Archer’s long-awaited return to Test cricket was hampered by a thumb injury that prevented him from playing for the Lions, England were optimistic that Atkinson would be available for the opening match of the India series.

Before the end of this month, he wants to represent Sussex in the County Championship.

Bethell, a Warwickshire batsman, made half-centuries in each of the three Test matches before Christmas, batting at number three in each.

England were spared the option of including him in their team and reverted to their established top seven after he missed the Test against Zimbabwe. Ollie Pope, who occupies the top three spot in Bethell’s absence, turned in a sublime century.

Stokes later clarified that the left-hander would merely return to the squad after the initial suggestion that Bethell would play right back in the starting lineup for the India series before the Zimbabwe Test. Stokes added that his statements were “twisted to fit an agenda.”

Bethell has since made an impressive 82 in the first ODI against West Indies, which has increased her impact in England’s one-day squad.

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Coming out as gay Gaelic footballer ‘daunting

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Mark Shields of Armagh admits it was “daunting” but says it was important to tell his own story because he first openly discussed his sexuality.

At last weekend’s Gaelic Players Association annual Pride Brunch, Shields, an All-Ireland champion with the Orchard County in 2024, discussed coming out in the GAA world.

Shields is the first male inter-county player to speak out about being gay since Donal Og Cusack, and Kevin Penrose, a member of the Tyrone club Aghyaran, also spoke about his experience on The GAA Social earlier this year.

Shields says he hopes his tale will aid young Gaelic gamers who are finding it difficult to express sexuality.

In a video posted on the GPA’s Instagram account, Shields stated, “I feel it’s just important to tell my own story of 12 to 15 years playing inter-county, my experience of rising through the ranks, and my experience playing senior inter-county in the male GAA environment.”

“When it was, around 10 or 12 years ago, it was a challenging task to come out.” Within the Armagh community, both the culture and the society have changed. I think I have more room to express myself. The group is more tolerant.

“I hope sharing my story will benefit younger players,” I said.

Mark ShieldsImages courtesy of Getty

Whitecross clubman Shields claims some of the language in changing rooms was “hurtful” but that he now feels more supported by the GAA.

He said, “It’s been wonderful to have allyships and people supporting it on social media, in relation to GAA setups, and in relation to the GPA.”

I hope that younger players, whether male or female, who are not gendered in the GAA environment, can express themselves through speaking out and telling my story.

Shields continued that speaking with his sister prevented him from leaving.

He said, “I had to find someone I could trust, and that was my sister.”

I had a close relationship with my partner and my sister if we spoke frequently. Finding someone you trust and who you want to talk to has it.

When I was attempting to tell my story or come out, I found that to be very helpful. They were the ones who supported me wherever I was when I was feeling depressed or uneasy, in a dark place or in the dumps.

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Martin confirmed as new Rangers head coach

After signing a three-year contract with Rangers to become their new head coach and start a new era at Ibrox, Russell Martin insists he knows “what this club demands.”

The leading candidate in a hiring process that included former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard emerged as the former Southampton and Swansea City boss.

A US-based consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh, which includes the San Francisco 49ers’ investment arm, completed the club’s takeover last week.

And former Scotland defender Martin, 39, who previously played on loan at Ibrox as a player, is one of their first significant appointments.

I’m here to earn the respect of Rangers fans by working hard, upholding standards, and doing my best.

“Many things need to be done, but the end goal is unquestionable: win games, win awards, and give Rangers fans a team they can proud of,” he said.

We want to play with bravery, possession, aggressiveness, and standing up for what is right in front of you.

With former sporting director Kevin Thelwell taking over as head coach and former Everton colleague Dan Purdy as technical director, Martin’s role is as head coach rather than manager.

Assistant Matt Gill and Rhys Owen, both of whom will work with him at Rangers, will accompany him. The coaching staff has not yet been confirmed for any additional additions.

Have your opinion expressed

Will Martin lead the Rangers well?

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Martin confirmed as new Rangers head coach

After signing a three-year contract with Rangers to become their new head coach and start a new era at Ibrox, Russell Martin insists he knows “what this club demands.”

The leading candidate in a hiring process that included former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard emerged as the former Southampton and Swansea City boss.

A US-based consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh, which includes the San Francisco 49ers’ investment arm, completed the club’s takeover last week.

And former Scotland defender Martin, 39, who previously played on loan at Ibrox as a player, is one of their first significant appointments.

I’m here to earn the respect of Rangers fans by working hard, upholding standards, and doing my best.

“Many things need to be done, but the end goal is unquestionable: win games, win awards, and give Rangers fans a team they can proud of,” he said.

We want to play with bravery, possession, aggressiveness, and standing up for what is right in front of you.

With former sporting director Kevin Thelwell taking over as head coach and former Everton colleague Dan Purdy as technical director, Martin’s role is as head coach rather than manager.

Assistant Matt Gill and Rhys Owen, both of whom will work with him at Rangers, will accompany him. The coaching staff has not yet been confirmed for any additional additions.

Have your opinion expressed

Will Martin lead the Rangers well?

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  • Scottish Premiership
  • Rangers
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Wicked: For Good trailer drops and fans have the exact same reaction

The eagerly awaited trailer for the second film installment has finally been released, fans! Hold on, fans!

At the conclusion of the first film, which featured talented actress Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, performing a powerful rendition of Defying Gravity before Elphaba escapes the clutches of the Wizard of Oz and his co-conspirator, Madame Morrible, as she flies off into the sky on her broomstick after quickly discovering her true powers, movie fans were left in awe.

And just hours after its release, Wicked: For Good’s trailer, which was released overnight, had the same effect on many people. As Glynda, played by Ariana Grande, stops in her tracks and appears to be looking for something or someone, the epic trailer that was released online begins with a window cracking and the sound of a striking clock.

Elphaba’s return in Wicked: For Good will be seen.

As Glynda runs out onto a large, sprawling balcony, which bears the same appearance as the balcony where the duo left at the end of the first movie, Glynda says, “Elphaba Thropp, I know you’re out here.” She pleads, “Just come in before the monkeys spot you.”

Before Elphaba appears in the shadows, which causes Glynda to jump, she then turns and turns. The first film installment’s vintage Universal Pictures credits, which nod off to the 1939-released original The Wizard of Oz movie, were then used.

Then the camera turns to Elaphaba, who is seen chanting a spell while holding her broomstick as she slams down a poster with the word “Run” written underneath. Then, the camera travels to Munchkinland, where a poster admonstrates the wicked witch of the west, and she is seen hard at work in a forest.

Glynda the Good, who is seen posing in front of a mirror and adorning her head once more, is captured by the camera.

The flying monkeys, which appear to be Madame Morrible’s control, are then seen in another scene, where she is said to have said, “The Wicked Witch can’t elude us forever,” and are then spotted.

As Madame Morrible observes, “Not with Prince Fiyero and his squadron hot on her trial,” she then continues as an image of Fiyero, Elphaba’s love interest, who has since joined the army from his days at Shiz University.

As The Wizard of Oz is being seen, the camera suddenly abruptly cuts, and Glynda can be heard yelling, “No good deed goes unpunished, that’s my new creed.” As Elphaba is seen writing “Our Wizard Lies” in the sky, “No one believed in you more than I did,” the Elphaba can be heard saying.

Glynda is also in the dark about her beloved friend, who is currently facing conflict. Elphaba, they’re coming for you, she is reportedly saying. Elphaba recalls items from their time at Shiz, specifically a leaflet for Emerald City, which has now marked the day when both of their lives have changed after meeting The Wizard, while Glynda then sings the lyrics to For Good. Elphaba opens the leaflet, which contains a note from a dear friend. The message reads, “I hope you got what your heart desires, Glynda.”

The pair are then caught on camera sitting side by side as Glynda rests her head on Elphaba’s shoulder while Glynda sings, “I know I am who I am today because I knew you,” in the background.

Although the pair will initially appear to be on opposing sides in the film, it appears that there is hope for reconciliation. Glynda is seen saying to Elphaba, “Think of what we can do, together.

Before a message to Wicked fans appears on the screen, the trailer continues with more of what is to come, including what appears to be Glynda and Fiyero’s wedding. The phrase “Witness the epic conclusion” appears in the text.

The Wizard, Elphaba, and Glynda are also scheduled to reunite as they both appear to be dancing together, hinting at a resolution, before the movie’s “And be changed for good” comes to an end, prompting the Wizard to ominously demand, “Bring me the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West.”

The Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow appear in the trailer, where Dorothy can be spotted conversing with The Wizard while the trio is briefly seen speaking to each other.

Pilgrims gather in Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Every Muslim must perform rituals and acts of worship in order to fulfill the five Pillars of Islam’s sanctified observance, which includes all the financial and physical requirements.

According to a government spokesman on Wednesday, more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have flown to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj this year. Ghassan al-Nuwaimi, a spokesman for the Hajj Ministry, did not specify how many domestic pilgrims were taking part, but he did give an approximate number for foreigners at the pilgrimage this year. There were 1, 611, 310 pilgrims from abroad last year.

Worshippers poured into Arafat on Wednesday, some traveling by foot and carrying their belongings in temperatures ranging 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

The Day of Arafat, which God visits the faithful and pardons them for their sins, is considered to be the most holy day of the year, according to the prophet’s traditional sayings.

In Islam, Mount Arafat, a rocky hill southeast of Mecca, is of great significance. The Prophet Muhammad is said to have delivered his final sermon at Arafat, which is mentioned in the Quran.

Pilgrims pray and reflect in Arafat from midnight until sunset, during which time they stay.

They will travel to Muzdalifah, which is located halfway between Arafat and the sprawling tent city of Mina, where they will gather pebbles to perform the “stoning of the devil” in the symbolic ceremony.

Despite spending millions of dollars on crowd control and safety measures, the large number of participants continues to be challenging. High temperatures have been a major issue in recent years, which has been one of the biggest challenges.

Health Minister Fahad bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel stated earlier this week that “10, 000 trees have been planted to provide more shade, there is increased hospital bed capacity, and the number of paramedics has tripled.”