Virat Kohli’s succession options show the depth in Indian cricket January 21, 2022 “Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me, as Test captain of India, it’s now.” With those words earlier this month, Virat Kohli announced that he was stepping down, leaving the world’s No3 Test side without a skipper. It means there will be a new man at the helm when India [...]
Belfast is Kenneth Branagh at his sentimental best January 21, 2022 While many might associate him with his acting roles, Sir Kenneth Branagh has been prolific behind the camera, too. Belfast is his nineteenth film as a director, with a CV that has included everything from his epic 90s adaptation of Hamlet to the first Thor movie. This new film, however, comes from a personal place. [...]
Ollie Phillips: The squad is exciting but it’s still classic Eddie Jones January 21, 2022 When I saw the England squad Eddie Jones had named for the Six Nations on Tuesday evening, I was actually pleasantly surprised. It is good to see head coach Eddie Jones picking in-form players this year, though I must say the squad seems rather predictable. The return of Owen Farrell is no surprise. Jones is [...]
The A-Z of wine: This week, A is for… Assyrtiko January 21, 2022 How do you pronounce it? Ah-seer-tee-co What is it, then? A white grape variety from a land blessed with a beautiful Mediterranean climate, an age-old wine culture, and a wealth of native (and often unpronounceable) grape varieties that make genuinely outstanding wines. Also known as Greece. Best known for wines from the striking volcanic island [...]
Nightmare Alley is another sumptuously dark tale from Guillermo Del Toro January 21, 2022 The 2010s were an interesting time for Guillermo Del Toro. The first half of the decade was spent in blockbuster land, exiting The Hobbit before making divisive sci-fi blockbuster Pacific Rim. The second half was devoted to two eerie period fables in Crimson Peak and The Shape of Water. The latter was a surprise hit, [...]
Fifa rules to be introduced which will curb international loanees January 20, 2022 Fifa have announced new rules that will limit the number of international loans going in and out of clubs which come into effect from July. The new rules will see clubs limited to eight international loan signings in and eight loaned out in an attempt to stop teams from stockpiling talent. The international governing body [...]
Scream review: 2022 reboot-cum-sequel lacks cutting edge January 20, 2022 Tara Carpenter, a young potential murder victim in the new Scream, doesn’t much care for the Stab franchise, the film’s in-universe analogue for itself. She prefers “elevated horror” – The Babadook, The Witch, It Follows, Hereditary. The first Scream notwithstanding – the 1996 “meta slasher-whodunnit” still holds up brilliantly – I tend to agree, and [...]
How Derby County slipped to edge of disappearance January 20, 2022 They are former English champions and in top form under the management of Wayne Rooney, yet day by day Derby County are inching towards liquidation and disappearing from football forever. Their story is one of financial mismanagement in a desperate bid to achieve promotion to the Premier League; administrators scrambling to find a buyer – [...]
Manchester United: Has Rangnick failed to instil his philosophy? January 20, 2022 When Ralf Rangnick arrived at Manchester United last month, the interim manager was expected to reinvent the philosophy from a lethargic and confused style under the previous regime to his trademark gegenpressing. “This is the only way we can compete at this level,” said Rangnick earlier this month. “Whenever you watch games, even if it’s [...]
Domestic cricket: Fixtures unveiled as English game eyes Ashes recovery January 20, 2022 The England and Wales Cricket Board (EBC) today finalised the fixtures for domestic English cricket’s main competitions. The County Championship fixtures will kick off the men’s domestic summer on 7 April and will conclude in the last week of September. During this time, the T20 Blast will run over a seven week period – culminating [...]