Marcus Trescothick has defended England’s Ashes preparations after Ian Botham joined a chorus of criticism from former players over the decision to schedule just a single warmup game

* Botham echoes criticism over single warm-up game * Trescothick laughs off linking mints to Sandpapergate Marcus Trescothick has defended England’s Ashes preparations after Ian Botham joined a chorus of criticism from former players over the decision to schedule just a single warm-up game, saying ex-professionals need to bear in mind that “times have dramatically changed in the way that cricket is done”. England’s assistant coach also laughed off attempts from the Australian media to compare his use of mints to help the ball swing in the 2005 Ashes with their own players’ notorious Sandpapergate controversy. Continue reading...

On the final day of campaigning for Phase 2 of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, political rhetoric reached its peak. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi and the BJP of 'stealing votes,' calling on youth to safeguard democracy. BJP leaders, including Nishikant Dubey and Shahnawaz Hussain, hit back with sharp rebuttals, accusing Rahul of resorting to “vacation politics” and “excuses for defeat.” RJD and NDA leaders traded further charges as Bihar braces for a crucial polling phase. Show more Show less

Most voters do not think it is a major factor. Even those who believe Kumar is unwell said that this alone was not enough for them to vote against him.

England fast bowler Mark Wood shrugged off the sting of Australian media criticism and said the team remains calm and focused as they gear up for the 2025‑26

Ben Stokes (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Former England fast bowler Steven Finn believes the Australian media’s attempt to provoke Ben Stokes ahead of the Ashes could end up backfiring, warning that the England captain is at his best when challenged. Stokes’ arrival in Perth drew headlines from The West Australian, which mocked him as “Cocky Captain Complainer” and labelled his team’s tactics “dopey”.

Ben Stokes (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Former England fast bowler Steven Finn believes the Australian media’s attempt to provoke Ben Stokes ahead of the Ashes could end up backfiring, warning that the England captain is at his best when challenged. Stokes’ arrival in Perth drew headlines from The West Australian, which mocked him as “Cocky Captain Complainer” and labelled his team’s tactics “dopey”. But Finn, who was part of England’s last Ashes triumph in Australia in 2010-11, thinks such criticism will only fuel the all-rounder’s competitive fire. “Ben Stokes thrives when he has a point to prove,” Finn told the PA news agency, adding that some players simply become stronger when targeted.

Ben Stokes (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Former England fast bowler Steven Finn believes the Australian mediaâ€s attempt to provoke Ben Stokes ahead of the Ashes could end up backfiring, warning that the England captain is at his best when challenged. Stokes†arrival in Perth drew headlines from The West Australian, which mocked him as “Cocky Captain Complainer†and labelled his teamâ€s tactics “dopeyâ€.