Ed Warner: Cricket should follow Ryder Cup to save Test matches December 16, 2021 The matter-of-fact delivery of his bleak assessment was like a punch to the gut. Here was someone woven into the fabric of international cricket who believed Test matches would become extinct in his lifetime. The individual in question, who shall remain nameless, might hope to have a good four or five decades ahead of him, [...]
Can developing tech change the broadcasting landscape? December 15, 2021 If the Covid-19 pandemic provided one significant challenge to broadcasters, it was the logistics of commentating on games without actually being in attendance. Television networks had to rely on local workers to set up match feeds in order for their commentators to call the matches from home or a local studio. That solution, however, raised [...]
Get into the festive spirit at El Palace, Barcelona December 15, 2021 THE WEEKEND: Escape December drudgery and head off for a festive city break to kickstart that long-neglected Christmas spirit. Skip the traditional packed Christmas markets of Northern Europe and look south to Spain instead, where Barcelona piles on dazzling decorations, twinkling city-wide lights and chocolate-box markets to tick off the present shopping. It’s also much [...]
Former Premier League winner Sergio Aguero announces health related retirement December 15, 2021 Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has retired from football in a bid to protect his health. The 22-year-old announced the news earlier today and said: “The decision I have made, I have taken it for my health.” The striker signed for Barcelona in the summer but was taken to hospital in late October after [...]
Christmas wine for your dry bird: How to pick the perfect festive bottle December 15, 2021 It is the festive season, and we will soon be shoving turkeys into ovens to feed the masses, but turkey is a notoriously dry bird and calls for the right wine to help wet our whistles. Though traditionalists may feel the classic Bordeaux is always acceptable beware of drying tannins. A wiser choice if you [...]
Xmas Drinks 2021: The spirits you need on your cabinet over the holidays December 15, 2021 The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is ideal for seasonal cocktails. Made by the experimental Scotch whisky-makers at Bruichladdich, using a rare, salvaged Lomond still, the Botanist combines nine traditional gin botanicals with a further twenty-two ingredients foraged from the island. The resulting spirit is incredibly smooth, enlivened by citrus, mint, and harmonious floral flavours, that make [...]
Saracens’ European game with Pau off due to positive Covid-19 tests December 15, 2021 Saracens’ upcoming European Challenge Cup game against French side Pau has been called off due to a series of positive cases in the London club’s camp. Saracens, recently promoted back to the Premiership, were huge favourites for this competition before it began last weekend. In a statement, Saracens said: “Saracens can confirm that the club [...]
Barclays to pump record £30m into WSL and women’s UK sport December 15, 2021 Banking giant Barclays are set to double their investment in Women’s football as they extend their sponsorship deal to include the Women’s Championship. The deal will begin from the 2022-23 season and run through to 2025, and will see Barclays pump £30m into the women’s game. Sasha Wiggins, Barclays Group head of public policy and [...]
Anderson and Broad included in England’s second Ashes Test squad December 15, 2021 Bowlers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad have been included in England’s 12-man squad for the second Ashes test. The match is due to get underway at 4am UK time on Thursday and will be a day-night Test match. Pace bowler Mark Wood has been rested for the Adelaide Test. England’s leading wicker-takers were left out [...]
How a day-night Test and a pink ball could help England level the Ashes December 14, 2021 On Thursday morning, cricket fans in the UK will be able to tune in to the last few hours of live coverage of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide. Why? Because this year it is a day-night Test match. Play between England and Australia gets underway at 4am UK time and is set to conclude [...]