Category News

India beat Australia by 48 runs for 2-1 lead in T20 series

By in News, World News

India’s spinners led the way with the ball as the visitors took a 2-1 lead in their Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket series against Australia with a 48-run demolition of the home side on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat on Thursday, India reached 167-8 thanks to a well-made 46 from Shubman Gill and useful contributions from Abhishek Sharma (28) and Shivam Dube (22).

The world champions’ spin bowlers then took centre stage, bundling Australia out for 119, with off-spinner Washington Sundar taking 3-3 in just eight balls to finish off the match.

“I thought 167 was par on that wicket,” Australian captain Mitchell Marsh said.

“But batting was pretty hard – we had a few partnerships, but we just couldn’t get the big one that would give us momentum going into the back end of the innings.”

India would have gone into the innings break hoping for a bigger score than 167, but the total proved too much for the Australians, who started brightly but fell away alarmingly after reaching 67-1 in the ninth over.

The visitors will now head to Brisbane on Sunday, hoping to clinch the five-match series after the opening game in Canberra was washed out.

“I think the bowlers did really well,” India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav said.

“There was a little bit of dew, but they adapted really quickly.

“I think the combination [of our bowlers] suits us really well and bowling a side out is what we want from them,” he said.

India had looked like reaching an imposing score when openers Abhishek and Gill took on the Australian attack in the early overs.

The pair put on 56 off just 6.4 overs with little trouble before Abhishek, who had smashed a huge six off leg-spinner Adam Zampa two balls earlier, tried a second time only to be caught by Tim David on the long-on boundary.

Dube joined Gill and continued to score freely against Zampa, but he found the pace bowling harder to handle and was bowled by Nathan Ellis to leave India 88-2.

Ellis claimed his second when he bowled Gill, with India 121-3.

Any chance of a really big score disappeared four runs later when Yadav was caught on the boundary for 20, and the rest of the batting fell away.

Australian openers Marsh (30) and Matthew Short (25) made a bright start, but Indian bowlers kept chipping away, snaring wickets at key moments to take control.

Burgess to play first England game in 10 years

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images
Emma Smith

BBC Sport journalistat Robin Park, Wigan
  • 219 Comments

Joe Burgess will make his first international appearance for a decade after being named in the 19-man England squad for the final Ashes Test against Australia.

The 31-year-old Hull KR winger made the last of his three England appearances during the 2015 series against New Zealand.

Head coach Shaun Wane confirmed he will play against the Kangaroos at AMT Headingley in Leeds on Saturday.

Burgess’ return caps a remarkable 2025 season, in which he was a key part of Hull KR’s treble-winning campaign.

“It’s a credit to him, he has a new lease of life at Hull KR,” Wane said of a player he previously coached at Wigan Warriors. “I am so happy to be able to give him a start. That means something to me.”

Asked if he thought he would ever return to international rugby, Burgess said: “Yeah, if I knuckled down – I did it once, could do it again. Once you get to 31, you wonder if it is too late. But I knew I had potential to play again. That has always been the end goal.

“This has been the best year of my life, my first time winning Challenge Cup and Super League. Then being recalled back to England squad, it is an unbelievable year I still have not fully processed.”

England, who have lost the first two games in the three-match series, are without wing Dom Young, who has suffered a broken foot.

The Australia team, meanwhile, features only one change to the starting line-up, with captain Isaah Yeo returning to the XIII after missing the second Test having failed a head injury assessment.

It means Australia revert to the side picked for the first Test at Wembley, with Yeo going to loose forward, Patrick Carrigan switching back to the front row, and Lindsay Collins dropping to the bench.

    • 17 hours ago

    • 1 day ago

England squad: AJ Brimson, Joe Burgess, Daryl Clark, Herbie Farnworth, Tom Johnstone, Mikey Lewis, Harry Newman, Mikolaj Oledzi, George Williams (capt), Harry Smith, Mike McMeeken, Jez Litten, Matty Lees, Kai Pearce-Paul, Kallum Watkins, Morgan Knowles, Owen Trout, Alex Walmsley, Morgan Smithies.

Australia XIII: Reece Walsh, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster, Nathan Cleary, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Angus Crichton, Hudson Young, Isaah Yeo (captain).

Interchanges: Tom Dearden, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Keaon Koloamatangi.

    • 25 October

    • 5 days ago

Wane responds to Burgess social media controversy

Wane responded on Thursday to criticism Burgess has faced over historical social media activity.

In 2024, the winger reposted a comment on X by the far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

Hull KR spoke to Burgess regarding his activity on social media at the time.

On Burgess, Wane said: “I like him – he is a personality and we need more of them, we are just guiding him in a certain way.

“I don’t think we should shackle him. I like him showing him personality. He is a good guy and meant no malice.”

Newman called up, Welsby left out again

Also returning to the England team is Harry Newman, who is in line for his first appearance of the series at the ground where he plays for Leeds Rhinos – which is sold out for the final Test.

Newman replaces Jake Wardle, while there is no spot for Jack Welsby, who was dropped following the first Test at Wembley.

It indicates Wane may shuffle his XIII and move Herbie Farnworth to his preferred left-centre position.

John Bateman also misses out with the ankle injury sustained in the build-up to the second Test at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Newman’s Rhinos team-mate Kallum Watkins is included again after earning his 30th England cap last Saturday.

Rugby League Ashes

25 October, 1 November, 8 November

Watch on iPlayer
Listen: Rugby League Top 10 podcast

Related topics

  • Rugby League

Burgess to play first England game in 10 years

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images
Emma Smith

BBC Sport journalistat Robin Park, Wigan
  • 219 Comments

Joe Burgess will make his first international appearance for a decade after being named in the 19-man England squad for the final Ashes Test against Australia.

The 31-year-old Hull KR winger made the last of his three England appearances during the 2015 series against New Zealand.

Head coach Shaun Wane confirmed he will play against the Kangaroos at AMT Headingley in Leeds on Saturday.

Burgess’ return caps a remarkable 2025 season, in which he was a key part of Hull KR’s treble-winning campaign.

“It’s a credit to him, he has a new lease of life at Hull KR,” Wane said of a player he previously coached at Wigan Warriors. “I am so happy to be able to give him a start. That means something to me.”

Asked if he thought he would ever return to international rugby, Burgess said: “Yeah, if I knuckled down – I did it once, could do it again. Once you get to 31, you wonder if it is too late. But I knew I had potential to play again. That has always been the end goal.

“This has been the best year of my life, my first time winning Challenge Cup and Super League. Then being recalled back to England squad, it is an unbelievable year I still have not fully processed.”

England, who have lost the first two games in the three-match series, are without wing Dom Young, who has suffered a broken foot.

The Australia team, meanwhile, features only one change to the starting line-up, with captain Isaah Yeo returning to the XIII after missing the second Test having failed a head injury assessment.

It means Australia revert to the side picked for the first Test at Wembley, with Yeo going to loose forward, Patrick Carrigan switching back to the front row, and Lindsay Collins dropping to the bench.

    • 17 hours ago

    • 1 day ago

England squad: AJ Brimson, Joe Burgess, Daryl Clark, Herbie Farnworth, Tom Johnstone, Mikey Lewis, Harry Newman, Mikolaj Oledzi, George Williams (capt), Harry Smith, Mike McMeeken, Jez Litten, Matty Lees, Kai Pearce-Paul, Kallum Watkins, Morgan Knowles, Owen Trout, Alex Walmsley, Morgan Smithies.

Australia XIII: Reece Walsh, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster, Nathan Cleary, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Angus Crichton, Hudson Young, Isaah Yeo (captain).

Interchanges: Tom Dearden, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Keaon Koloamatangi.

    • 25 October

    • 5 days ago

Wane responds to Burgess social media controversy

Wane responded on Thursday to criticism Burgess has faced over historical social media activity.

In 2024, the winger reposted a comment on X by the far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

Hull KR spoke to Burgess regarding his activity on social media at the time.

On Burgess, Wane said: “I like him – he is a personality and we need more of them, we are just guiding him in a certain way.

“I don’t think we should shackle him. I like him showing him personality. He is a good guy and meant no malice.”

Newman called up, Welsby left out again

Also returning to the England team is Harry Newman, who is in line for his first appearance of the series at the ground where he plays for Leeds Rhinos – which is sold out for the final Test.

Newman replaces Jake Wardle, while there is no spot for Jack Welsby, who was dropped following the first Test at Wembley.

It indicates Wane may shuffle his XIII and move Herbie Farnworth to his preferred left-centre position.

John Bateman also misses out with the ankle injury sustained in the build-up to the second Test at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Newman’s Rhinos team-mate Kallum Watkins is included again after earning his 30th England cap last Saturday.

Rugby League Ashes

25 October, 1 November, 8 November

Watch on iPlayer
Listen: Rugby League Top 10 podcast

Related topics

  • Rugby League

Cameroon’s Biya, world’s oldest ruler at 92, sworn in for eighth term

By in News, World News

Cameroon’s longtime leader, Paul Biya, has been sworn in for a new seven-year term following his victory in last month’s presidential election, which his opposition rival has described as “a constitutional coup”.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, the world’s oldest president promised to stay faithful to the confidence of the Cameroonian people and pledged to work for a “united, stable and prosperous” country.

Recommended Stories

list of 3 itemsend of list

There were deadly protests in several parts of Cameroon days after the October 19 vote, followed by a three-day lockdown this week after former minister and key contender Issa Tchiroma claimed victory and alleged vote tampering.

The government has confirmed that at least five people were killed during the protests, although the opposition and civil society groups claim the figures are much higher.

The incumbent, Africa’s second-longest serving leader, took the oath of office during a session of Parliament in what residents describe as the heavily militarised and partially deserted capital, Yaounde.

Priscilla Ayimboh, a 40-year-old seamstress in Yaounde, does not see a new term for Biya as likely to change anything.

“I’m tired of Biya’s rule and I no longer care whatever he does. It’s a pity. I wonder what will become of Cameroon in the next seven years: there are no roads, water, and jobs,” she said.

Munjah Vitalis Fagha, a senior politics lecturer at Cameroon’s University of Buea, told The Associated Press news agency that Biya’s inauguration was “taking place in a tense yet controlled political atmosphere, marked by deep divisions between the ruling elite and a growingly disillusioned populace”.

Fagha added: “The ceremony occurs amid calls for political renewal, ongoing security challenges in the Anglophone regions, and widespread concerns over governance and succession.”

President Paul Biya’s campaign posters are visible in Anglophone [File: Beng Emmanuel Kum/Al Jazeera]

Cameroon’s top court on October 27 declared Biya the winner of the election, with 53.66 percent of the vote, ahead of his ally-turned-challenger, Tchiroma, who secured 35.19 percent.

Tchiroma insists Biya was awarded a “fraudulent” victory in the election.

“The will of the Cameroonian people was trampled that day, our sovereignty stolen in broad daylight,” Tchiroma wrote on Wednesday night. “This is not democracy, it is electoral theft, a constitutional coup as blatant as it is shameful.”

Biya came to power in 1982 following the resignation of Cameroon’s first president and has ruled since, following a 2008 constitutional amendment that abolished term limits. His health has been a topic of speculation as he spends most of his time in Europe, leaving governance to key party officials and family members.

He has led Cameroon longer than most of its citizens have been alive – more than 70 percent of the country’s almost 30 million population is below the age of 35. If he serves his entire term, Biya will leave office nearly 100 years old.

Djokovic To Face Alcaraz In ATP Finals Groups

By in News, sport-news

Novak Djokovic will take on Carlos Alcaraz in the group stage of the upcoming ATP Finals while Jannik Sinner could face a derby with Lorenzo Musetti during his title defence at the season-ending tournament.

Tennis icon Djokovic, a seven-time Finals champion, was confirmed on Monday as being among the eight contenders in Turin and has been drawn in the Jimmy Connors Group alongside top seed Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur.

The winner of a record 24 Grand Slams, 38-year-old Djokovic is currently hunting his second title of the year in Athens, where he beat Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets in the second round on Tuesday.

World number five Djokovic has made the semi-finals at all four Slams this season and in May he became the third player in the Open era to lift his 100th ATP title by winning in Geneva.

Alcaraz is bidding to win the Finals for the first time after another bumper year for the Spaniard which has included triumphs at the US Open and Roland Garros, the latter coming after an epic final victory against his arch-rival Sinner.

Sinner swept to the Finals title unbeaten last year and the world number one is aiming to retain his crown in front of his home fans in Turin after winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon and three other titles this season.

The 24-year-old could face Musetti in the Bjorn Borg Group although Sinner’s compatriot needs to win the current tournament in Athens if he is to snatch the eighth and final slot from Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton will be Sinner’s other opponents in the group stage, which kicks off on Sunday.

The top two players in each four-man group will qualify for the semi-finals.

ATP Finals group stage draw:

Jimmy Connors Group: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur

In Sudan, war is being waged on women and children

By in News, World News

Imagine walking for days and nights to escape gunfire. You carry your child in your arms, guiding them through the darkness to avoid drone attacks. You have no food, no water, and nowhere safe to go.

This is the reality for families in Darfur and across Sudan, where civilians are being trapped, targeted, and terrorised as the country’s brutal war enters its third year. In el-Fasher and other parts of Darfur, entire communities have been besieged. Those who try to flee are attacked; those who remain face starvation, violence, and disease.

Behind these headlines are women and children who are suffering the most. Sexual violence is being used systematically to punish, to terrorise, and to destroy. Women and girls are abducted, forced to work for armed groups during the day, and then assaulted at night, often in front of others. Many survivors are children themselves. Some of the girls who have become pregnant through rape are so young and malnourished that they are unable to feed their babies.

Perpetrators no longer attempt to hide their crimes. Violence has become so widespread that recording or documenting cases can cost you your life. In Tawila, North Darfur, only one clinic run by Doctors Without Borders can provide care for rape survivors.

Boys are also being drawn into the conflict. Over the past 10 days, three trucks filled with children were reported heading towards Nyala, while in South Darfur, children are being armed and sent to fight. Families are disappearing without a trace.

Aid workers are also targeted. They are being kidnapped for ransom, assaulted, sometimes killed, and targeted because armed groups believe humanitarian organisations can pay. Many of those delivering aid are Sudanese women who risk their lives every day to bring food, water, and protection services to others.

Violence has also taken on an ethnic dimension. One displaced person told us, “I cannot go back, they will know by my skin colour which tribe I am from, and they will kill me.”

Sudan is now the world’s largest displacement crisis and one of its most severe humanitarian emergencies. More than 30 million people need urgent assistance. Fifteen million have been forced from their homes. Hunger and cholera are spreading fast. Clinics have been destroyed, schools are closed, and 13 million children are out of school, their education and futures slipping away.

Yet even amid this devastation, Sudanese women’s organisations are leading the response. They are running safe spaces, supporting survivors of violence, and keeping children learning where they can. They know their communities and continue their work despite constant danger. Their courage deserves not only recognition but also support.

The humanitarian response, however, remains catastrophically underfunded. Only about a quarter of what is needed has been received. Without immediate resources, millions will be left without food, medical care, or shelter as famine looms. Funding protection and psychosocial support for women and children is not optional. It is life-saving.

And this is not only a crisis of violence but also a crisis of indifference. Each day the world looks away, more lives are lost and more futures erased. The international community must support investigations into war crimes, including sexual violence, ethnic killings, and attacks on aid workers. Silence is not neutrality. Silence gives a blank cheque for horror to continue.

We must act now, urgently. Governments and donors must fully fund the humanitarian response and ensure access for those delivering aid. They must press all parties to immediately stop attacks on civilians, guarantee safe passage for those fleeing, and allow relief operations to reach those cut off by the fighting.

Humanitarian workers and grassroots organisations are risking their lives so that others might live. The world must match their courage with urgent action.

Above all, Sudan’s women and girls must be part of shaping peace. They are already leading by organising, sheltering, and rebuilding amid the chaos. Their courage offers a glimpse of the country Sudan could still become.