Australia heap more pain on England in first Ashes Test December 9, 2021 England’s chances of salvaging anything from the first Ashes Test receded further as Travis Head’s quick century helped Australia build a 196-run lead on day two in Brisbane. Head hit the third quickest ton in Ashes history, off just 85 balls, while David Warner made 94 and Marnus Labuschagne 74 as the hosts reached 343-7. [...]
Omicron hit to economy: New Covid restrictions may cost businesses £4bn in December December 9, 2021 The UK economy should brace itself for a £4 bn a month hit and see taxpayers foot the bill for more emergency support as new Covid restrictions to clamp down on the spread of the Omicron variant come into force, a think tank has warned. The right-wing Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) said Plan B [...]
Ashes talking points: England weren’t good enough, but Aussies shone December 8, 2021 There was a deep feeling of dread when Haseeb Hameed and Rory Burns walked out onto the Gabba’s moderately green crease to open the batting in the first Test of this winter’s Ashes. But no one would have predicted the collapse that followed. Here are the talking points from England’s batting on day one of [...]
Eight Premier League stars in KPMG top 10 most valuable players list December 8, 2021 KPMG has underlined the financial supremacy of English football by naming eight Premier League stars among its top 10 most valuable players. Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund, valued at €142m (£121m), and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, valued at €128m (£109m) occupy the top two places. But the remainder of KPMG’s top 10 is comprised of [...]
Australia captain Cummins hails ideal start to Ashes after England collapse December 8, 2021 Australia captain Pat Cummins hailed a perfect start to their Ashes defence after they dismissed England for 147 on day one of the first Test in Brisbane. England opener Rory Burns was bowled first ball by Mitchell Starc, while Cummins marked his debut as skipper with figures of 5-38. “It’s all gone to plan so [...]
Australia joins US in boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics as China hits back: ‘They violate Olympic spirit’ December 8, 2021 Australia’s prime minister said this morning the country will join the US in a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights concerns. Scott Morrison said it should come as no surprise that Australian officials would boycott the event after the nation’s relationship with China had broken down in recent years. He added [...]
Champions League: Barcelona on brink ahead of Bayern Munich trip December 8, 2021 The last time that Barcelona were absent from the Champions League knockout stages, Lionel Messi was yet to make his debut and Gavi, the club’s newest star, hadn’t even been born. But 18 years later that scenario could come to pass again on Wednesday evening, depending on the outcome of the club’s make-or-break final Group [...]
Hong Kong Racing Tips: Hayes’ Fearless Fire to scorch away from Valley rivals December 7, 2021 IF EVER a horse looks like he has been lined-up for a contest at Happy Valley, it’s the David Hayes-trained galloper FEARLESS FIRE in the France Handicap (11.00am) over the extended mile. This Happy Valley specialist has won five times around the city circuit and suffered accordingly at the hands of the handicapper after winning over the [...]
Hong Kong Racing Tips: Awesome Moore and Marquand take top IJC rides December 7, 2021 GET SET for the ‘Valley of the Kings’ extravaganza at Happy Valley on Wednesday, when a dozen of the best jockeys from around the world compete for the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship. With nearly £50,000 going to the winning rider, in what is the most lucrative jockeys series prize in horse racing, it’s no wonder [...]
Challenge Cup rugby gives teams the chance to hit reset December 7, 2021 A weird quirk of top flight European rugby is that in the big three leagues – England’s Premiership, France’s Top14 and Scotland, Italy, Ireland and Wales’s United Rugby Championship – every northern hemisphere team gets continental action. For the sides who finish in the bottom half of their league, except those who are relegated, are [...]