Head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key will remain in their roles for England's cricket team, despite a recent series loss in the Ashes against Australia. They are expected to make improvements, with their focus on changing team culture and preparation. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) supports this decision and does not plan major changes.
Key Facts
Brendon McCullum became head coach of England's cricket team in 2022.
Rob Key is the director of cricket for England.
England lost the Ashes series in Australia, sparking criticism of McCullum and Key.
McCullum and Test captain Ben Stokes want to continue in their roles until at least 2027.
The ECB is supporting McCullum and Key despite calls for changes.
Critics have pointed to the team's preparation and culture as areas needing improvement.
England will next play a Test series against New Zealand in June.
Changes in coaching staff and preparation methods are being considered.
This year's NFL play-offs are unique because well-known teams and players are not participating as expected. New England and Chicago have improved significantly and are now top contenders. Fourteen teams are competing, and plenty of young quarterbacks have the opportunity to make a name for themselves.
Key Facts
Kansas City Chiefs, recent regular participants, are not in this year's play-offs.
Philadelphia Eagles, last season's champions, are not as strong as before.
14 teams are in the play-offs, with 11 of them achieving at least 11 wins this season.
Five teams made the play-offs despite losing at least 11 games the previous year.
Top-seeded Denver and Seattle have a bye in the first round, called Wildcard Weekend.
The Super Bowl will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Famous quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow will not play in these play-offs.
Denver's Bo Nix and New England's Drake Maye are emerging as new potential stars.
Jacob Bethell scored his first century in a cricket match, which is called a "maiden first-class century." Despite this achievement, the England cricket team is likely to lose the fifth Test match against Australia.
Key Facts
Jacob Bethell scored his first century in a top-level cricket match.
This was part of the Ashes series, a famous cricket competition between England and Australia.
The achievement by Bethell is a positive point, but England is still facing likely defeat.
The event took place during the fifth Test match of the series.
The match is part of a series of games played to determine the winner of the Ashes.
The Baltimore Ravens have fired John Harbaugh after 18 years as their head coach because the team did not make the NFL play-offs. Harbaugh helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2013 but faced challenges in recent seasons. The Ravens lost a crucial game to the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending their play-off chances.
Key Facts
John Harbaugh was the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens for 18 years.
Harbaugh led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2013.
The Ravens did not make the NFL play-offs this season, finishing with an 8-9 record.
Harbaugh is the fourth NFL head coach dismissed since the end of the regular season.
The Ravens lost a critical game 26-24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which prevented them from making the play-offs.
During Harbaugh's time, the Ravens made the play-offs 12 times in 18 years.
Harbaugh is the longest-serving head coach in Ravens' history, as the franchise began in 1996.
The decision to let Harbaugh go was described as difficult by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti.
CM Punk participated in the main event of WWE "Raw" where he defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker and won the match. Despite a fall outside the ring during the event, reports confirm that CM Punk is not undergoing concussion protocol. Punk also participated in media activities in New York City following his victory.
Key Facts
CM Punk defended his World Heavyweight Championship on WWE "Raw."
He competed against Bron Breakker in the event.
Punk won the match despite having a fall outside the ring.
Rumors about Punk being in concussion protocol have been denied.
Punk's immediate post-match plans are not specified.
After the match, Punk appeared on the FOX show "Good Day New York."
The WWE event took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
George Skivington, head coach of Gloucester Rugby, is going through a challenging time as the team has lost eight of nine matches this season. The club is considering hiring a new figure to help reduce his responsibilities. Skivington highlights the team's struggles with injuries and admits the recruitment process last summer left gaps in experience.
Key Facts
George Skivington is the head coach of Gloucester Rugby.
Gloucester has lost eight of its nine Premiership matches this season.
The team narrowly missed the playoffs last season by two points.
Gloucester plans to appoint someone to assist Skivington, allowing him to focus on coaching.
Several key players, including Tomos Williams, are injured, affecting team performance.
Chief executive Alex Brown acknowledged gaps in player experience due to recruitment issues.
Gloucester has signed Dan Robson, Jac Morgan, and Dewi Lake for upcoming seasons.
The team will play against Edinburgh, Toulon, and Bath in their next matches.
Francesca Jones, a British tennis player ranked 72 in the world, reached the Auckland Classic quarter-finals despite dealing with an injury. She won a tough match against Austrian player Sinja Kraus after initially struggling. Jones also discussed the challenges she faced due to the weather and her genetic condition.
Key Facts
Francesca Jones won against world number 15 Emma Navarro at the Auckland Classic.
She played against Sinja Kraus, overcoming a one-set deficit after calling for a physiotherapist twice.
Jones won 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the match against Kraus.
Jones was born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia (EEC), affecting her fingers and toes.
She struggled with hot weather conditions in Auckland but managed to save nine out of 13 break points.
Francesca Jones is currently ranked 72 in the world.
She will face Chinese player Wang Xinyu in the next round.
The article also mentions Iga Swiatek's performance in the United Cup, where she helped Poland reach the quarter-finals.
England's Jacob Bethell scored his first century in cricket's Ashes series, giving England a small advantage against Australia, although they are still likely to lose the match. Bethell, aged 22, impressed by scoring 142 runs while England finished the day at 302-8, leading by 119 runs. Despite the effort, England will need strong performances to avoid defeat.
Key Facts
Jacob Bethell scored his maiden century with 142 runs against Australia.
England ended day four at 302-8 in their second innings, leading by 119 runs.
Australia scored 567 runs in their first innings, with Travis Head making 163 and Steve Smith 138.
England took three late wickets against Australia, including Steve Smith for 138.
Captain Ben Stokes left the field with a right groin injury.
Bethell partnered with Ben Duckett and Harry Brook for stands of 81 and 134 runs, respectively.
England lost five wickets for 78 runs late on the fourth day.
Bethell is being considered a key player for England's future cricket matches.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is nearing its end in Morocco, with eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The matches will take place on January 9 and 10, featuring top teams like Senegal, Morocco, and Nigeria. Morocco's Brahim Diaz leads the goal-scoring charts with four goals.
Key Facts
The AFCON 2025 quarterfinals feature eight teams: Senegal, Mali, Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and Ivory Coast.
Matches are scheduled for January 9 and 10 in various stadiums in Morocco.
Ivory Coast and Morocco started as favorites, with Nigeria and Algeria now considered strong contenders.
Morocco's Brahim Diaz is the top scorer with four goals.
Al Jazeera Sport and regional broadcasters will cover the quarterfinal matches.
Jacob Bethell scored his first Test century during the fifth Ashes Test, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve this for England. Bethell's performance is seen as a promising sign for England's cricket future. His mature batting style and past experiences have prepared him for this achievement.
Key Facts
Jacob Bethell scored his first Test century in the fifth Ashes Test.
He is the seventh youngest player to score a Test hundred for England.
Bethell previously came close to a century against New Zealand in November 2024.
England made Bethell their youngest captain during a white-ball tour of Ireland.
Bethell moved from Barbados to the UK at age 12 for a cricket scholarship.
He scored his first first-class hundred in a Test match against South Africa.
Bethell's batting style is described as mature, combining classic techniques with modern flair.
David Batty, a retired footballer who played for England and clubs like Leeds United and Newcastle United, has kept a low profile since retiring in 2004. Despite attempts by former teammates to reach him, Batty remains out of touch, having chosen to focus on his family life instead of staying in the football industry.
Key Facts
David Batty played football for England and clubs like Leeds United and Newcastle United.
He retired from football in 2004 and has stayed out of the public eye since then.
Batty is not involved in football anymore and does not attend reunions or events.
Former teammates tried to contact him, but they haven't succeeded.
Despite rumors, Batty has not pursued a career as a superbike champion or butcher.
After retiring, Batty chose to focus on his family life in Yorkshire.
Batty briefly appeared in public to honor a friend who passed away in 2011.
He is remembered by teammates for his toughness on the field and supportive nature.
Darren Fletcher is serving as interim manager for Manchester United's game against Burnley following the departure of Ruben Amorim. Fletcher, who has been with Manchester United since his youth, is noted for his leadership and extensive experience both on and off the pitch. He has previously been captain at West Brom and is now a coach for Manchester United's under-18 team.
Key Facts
Darren Fletcher is the interim manager for Manchester United in their game against Burnley.
He has been a part of Manchester United since he was a teenager, making his first-team debut in 2003.
Fletcher played 342 games for Manchester United during his career as a player.
Fletcher was signed by West Brom in 2015 and became their captain.
Known for his leadership, he started 86 consecutive league games while at West Brom, setting a record at that time.
Fletcher's contribution is praised by former colleagues, including Tony Pulis, who regarded him as one of the best signings.
Fletcher has been the technical director of Manchester United between 2021 and 2024 and is currently coaching the under-18 team.
He is seen as a potential candidate for a permanent managerial role at Manchester United.
Jacob Bethell scored his first Test cricket century during the fifth Ashes Test match in Sydney. He reached the milestone by hitting a four, bringing England to a score of 210-3, giving them a 27-run lead over their opponent.
Key Facts
Jacob Bethell achieved his first Test century.
Bethell hit the ball to score four runs and complete his century.
The event occurred during the fifth Ashes Test match.
The match took place in Sydney.
England had a score of 210-3 after Bethell's century.
England led by 27 runs at that point in the game.
The coverage of this moment was limited to UK audiences only.
West Ham United is struggling in the Premier League, facing a 10-game winless streak and sitting seven points away from safety. Coach Nuno Espirito Santo has managed only 11 points in his 16 matches, leading to concerns about relegation from the top league.
Key Facts
West Ham has not won in their last 10 Premier League matches.
They are seven points below the safety line with 17 games remaining.
West Ham lost a recent match 2-1 against Nottingham Forest after leading.
Ten games without a win is West Ham's worst run since 2006-2007.
Nuno Espirito Santo is the team's manager and started in September.
West Ham has earned only 11 points from 16 matches under Nuno.
The team failed to win any of the last five games despite scoring first.
Upcoming challenges include matches against Tottenham and Chelsea.
The Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons following a narrow loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harbaugh led the Ravens to a Super Bowl win in 2013 and other significant achievements. Several teams are interested in hiring him, including potentially the New York Giants.
Key Facts
The Baltimore Ravens fired John Harbaugh, their head coach for 18 seasons.
Harbaugh's dismissal happened after the team lost 26-24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He helped the Ravens win a Super Bowl in 2013.
Harbaugh was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2019.
Under Harbaugh, the Ravens won multiple divisional titles.
Harbaugh is the second-ranked NFL coach in playoff appearances since 2008.
Several NFL teams are reportedly interested in hiring Harbaugh.
He might become the head coach for the New York Giants.
Category: sports
Ben Stokes, the captain of England's cricket team, left the field due to a groin injury during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. England has had a difficult Ashes series, losing the first three Tests and facing potential defeat in the current match. Stokes' injury adds to the team's existing challenges with injured players.
Key Facts
Ben Stokes is the captain of England's cricket team.
He left the field with a groin injury during the fifth Ashes Test.
Harry Brook, the vice-captain, took over team control after Stokes left.
England lost the first three Tests in the series.
Stokes has struggled with various injuries over the years.
He has bowled a significant number of overs during this series.
Three other fast bowlers on the England team are also injured.
Stokes plans to continue as captain, with a contract until 2027.
Rangers closed the gap to three points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts after a 2-0 win over Aberdeen. Since head coach Danny Rohl took over in October, the team has moved from sixth place and 13 points behind to second place. Rohl is focused on continuing improvement as the season progresses.
Key Facts
Rangers are now three points behind the league leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
Danny Rohl became the head coach of Rangers in October.
Under Rohl, Rangers have won 10 out of 13 league games.
Rangers were initially 13 points behind the league leaders and in sixth place.
Rangers defeated Aberdeen 2-0 in their latest match.
Rohl mentioned the need for further improvements, especially in midfield.
Rangers plan to strengthen their team during the January transfer window.
Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has decided to enter the transfer portal despite recently agreeing to stay with the Huskies until 2026. LSU is reportedly interested in Williams as they look to fill their quarterback position. Washington is considering legal action to enforce Williams' contract.
Key Facts
Demond Williams Jr., a quarterback for Washington, is entering the transfer portal.
Williams recently signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal to stay with Washington until 2026.
LSU is interested in Williams to fill their quarterback needs.
Lane Kiffin is the coach of LSU, seeking a new quarterback for his team.
Williams' entry into the transfer portal has a "do-not-contact" tag.
Washington may pursue legal action to keep Williams, as he signed a contract.
NIL deals allow athletes to earn money from their likeness and have changed athlete decision-making in college sports.
Demond Williams, a quarterback for the Washington Huskies, planned to compete in the 2026 season but announced he is entering the transfer portal. He had reportedly signed a contract to stay with the Huskies, leading to controversy about whether he can transfer. There is speculation that Williams may join another team such as LSU.
Key Facts
Demond Williams is a sophomore quarterback for the Washington Huskies.
He was expected to be a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy in 2026.
Williams announced he is entering the transfer portal, which allows college athletes to explore transferring to another school.
He reportedly signed a contract to play for Washington in 2026, causing disputes about his eligibility to transfer.
The Washington Huskies consider Williams to have a binding contract with them.
There are rumors linking Williams to the LSU Tigers and other teams.
Nottingham Forest won against West Ham with a late penalty by Gibbs-White. This victory leaves West Ham seven points away from safety in the league standings.
Key Facts
Nottingham Forest played an away game against West Ham.
Gibbs-White scored a late penalty for Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest won the match with a final score of 2-1.
This game was part of the Premier League.
West Ham is now seven points away from safety in the league standings.
