Preview Julia Donaldson's joyful tale of love
Two devoted scarecrows plan the perfect wedding – until a rival threatens everything.
Cricket
26th December 2025
24th December 2025
Has Bashir become 'unselectable' for England during Ashes?
England have spent almost two years getting off-spinner Shoaib Bashir ready for an Ashes tour of Australia, but four games in, he is yet to play. BBC Sport looks at possible reasons why.
England search for Christmas miracle, Australia eye next step to 5-0
The visitors have confirmed two changes while Australia will make at least three in a series where their adaptability has stood out.
Kohli breaks a Tendulkar record, Rohit catches up with Warner
Virat Kohli is now the fastest to 16,000 List A runs, while Rohit Sharma has the joint-highest number of 150-plus scores in the format.
Sakibul Gani hits record-breaking 32-ball century, Ishan Kishan gets there in 33
Three of the four fastest centuries by Indians in men's List A cricket came on the same day in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
I know how it feels when everything piles on top of you - Stokes
Ben Stokes says he understands the criticism his side are facing during his "toughest time as England captain", as their Ashes series is dogged by reports of excessive drinking.
Suryavanshi, 14, makes history with List A century
Indian teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi makes history as the youngest player to score a century in men's List A cricket.
Archer out of Ashes tour, Bethell replaces Pope for Boxing Day Test
Ben Duckett has been retained despite a poor run and an ECB investigation into his conduct.
Stokes calls for empathy for players after Ashes criticism
Ben Stokes said he is going through his "toughest time" as England captain, as the tourists' awful Ashes series is dogged by reports of excessive drinking.
Boland's Bazball redemption aided by faith in Carey
Getting comfortable with Alex Carey keeping up to him has delivered success for Scott Boland this Ashes series.
India’s teenage sensation rewrites record books... again with staggering 190-run barrage
Indian cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has rewritten the record books, with the teenager becoming the youngest man to score a List A century.
Stokes promises 'complete support' to embattled Duckett
Ben Duckett, who is being investigated for his conduct while on tour in Australia and has gone six innings in the Ashes without getting to 30, has been retained in England's XI for the MCG Test.
Archer ruled out of Ashes as Bethell replaces Pope
England pace bowler Jofra Archer is ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series with a side strain, while England drop former vice-captain Ollie Pope for the fourth Test in Melbourne.
VHT: Suryavanshi slams 36-ball century, becomes youngest List A centurion
Playing against Arunachal Pradesh in a Plate League fixture in Ranchi, Suryavanshi scored his first non-T20 ton in senior cricket.
U19 Female Championship win breaks Queensland's finals curse
Queensland's young female talent has delivered a much-awaited trophy for the state by beating an undefeated NSW Metro side in the final.
Test Match Special Podcast
Ben Stokes speaks to Jonathan Agnew about the reports of the squad’s conduct in Noosa.
Stokes defends teammates as Archer's Ashes ends
England's disastrous Ashes tour has received another blow with Jofra Archer ruled out of the remaining two Tests while skipper Ben Stokes has dug in to defend his beleaguered team.
Stokes vows to 'protect' players, Archer out of Ashes
Another England fast bowler injured as Stokes issues emotional defence in face of 'pile on'.
England’s mammoth blow, ‘vulnerable’ star’s omission in Boxing Day shake-up
England has unveiled its XI for the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday, making two changes after a horror injury blow.
Kirstie Gordon commits international future to Scotland
Kirstie Gordon made her international debut for Scotland and then represented England, and now wants to help Scotland rise in the ranks in the women's game.
‘Everything you do gets scrutinised’: Stokes’ response as ugly Ashes fallout rolls on
Ben Stokes has come out in a passionate defence of his players as England’s disastrous Ashes tour took another turn on Wednesday, with claims of excessive drinking in a trip to Noosa.
English cricket investigating Duckett social media video
A video said to feature Ben Duckett is under ECB investigation in another problem for England's disastrous Ashes tour.
Homework pays off for Thunder's new opening combination
A focus on changing gears and running between the wickets sparked David Warner's side to their first win of BBL|15.
‘Not true’: England chief hits back at Ashes claim, throws support behind ‘outstanding’ coach
England cricket chief Rob Key has thrown his support behind embattled coach Brendon McCullum, while making a key distinction surrounding criticism of the team’s preparation for the Ashes.
Shock AFL history, huge Ashes call... and a $100m statement: Top 25 Aussie performances of 2025
From our cricket heroes making history to emerging and already established track athletes firing and dominant displays in the NRL and AFL, it was a big year of sport in Australia.
Get ready for Guz Khan's new comedy, landing this Christmas
The Farooqi family have a chaotic Christmas in Lapland after a surprise bonus for Dad.
‘Who are you? F*** knows’: England’s Ashes drama as drunk star offered ‘uber to the nets’
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is “establishing the facts” after a video appearing to show Ashes opening batter Ben Duckett drunk and slurring his words in Noosa went viral.
3,272-day spin cycle set to end... and give Australia a glimpse of life after Lyon
For the first time in just under nine years, Australia is poised to unleash an out-and-out spinner that isn’t Nathan Lyon.
Bracewell to lead New Zealand in ODIs against India, Santner to return for T20Is
Left-arm quick Jayden Lennox has received his maiden New Zealand call-up, while uncapped Clarke features in the ODI squad.
Test Match Special Podcast
Comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses a daily cricket conundrum about the Ashes.
'Top-class' Gordon commits to Scotland return
Blaze captain Kirstie Gordon opts to add to her 60 Scotland caps more than eight years on from a switch to England.
ECB investigating Ben Duckett video amid drinking allegations
Recording posted on X appears to show England batter worse for wear during team's break in Noosa.
Jemimah Rodrigues appointed Delhi Capitals captain ahead of WPL 2026
She replaces Meg Lanning in the role, who was not retained by DC this season.
Shafali 69*, spinners lead India's rout of Sri Lanka
After Vaishnavi and Charani squeezed SL, Shafali made light work of the 129-run chase, scoring an unbeaten half-century.
Thomas Rew to lead England at Under-19s World Cup
Highly rated wicketkeeper-batter returns after missing Caribbean tour while with England Lions.
23rd December 2025
Tom Curran and Sam Harper power Stars past Strikers
Curran, who got 3 for 35, struck twice in the second over as Stars restricted Strikers to 155.
How England lost the Ashes in five charts
It took England just 11 days of cricket to lose the Ashes to Australia - BBC Sport looks at five charts that show why the hosts have gone 3-0 up after three Tests.
Stars outshine Strikers to continue perfect start
Marcus Stoinis' Melbourne Stars have opened their season with a 2-0 ledger, defeating the Adelaide Strikers by six wickets.
Indonesia bowler takes five wickets in over
Indonesia seamer Gede Priandana becomes the first bowler to take five wickets in an over in a T20 international, returning figures of 5-1 against Cambodia.
Sarfaraz to Pakistan's U-19s after beating India: 'Celebrate but with decorum'
In a video from the Asia Cup final that went viral, Pakistan's mentor was heard telling his players not to be uncivil even if India's players crossed lines.
'We didn't get it right' - Key sorry for Ashes display
Director of cricket Rob Key says he is "gutted, disappointed and sorry" regarding England's dismal Ashes performance - the series having been lost with two Tests still to play.
Deepti becomes No. 1 T20I bowler; Wolvaardt tops ODI batting charts
Jemimah Rodrigues jumped to No. 9 among T20I batters after match-winning 69 against SL.
Ashes fallout: Contrite Key admits New Zealand white-ball tour was planning error
Batters struggled for form in tough conditions and were unable to raise their games, says England MD.
Is it finally their year? Stars last unbeaten BBL side as Aussie star scolds opponents for batting act
The Melbourne Stars remain unbeaten and move to the top of the table after cruising to a dominant six-wicket win over the Strikers.
Indonesia's Gede Priandana becomes first to pick five wickets in an over in T20Is
Gede Priandana, the right-arm quick, recorded the feat in the first T20I against Cambodia in Bali on Tuesday.
England investigate Ashes drinking as video emerges
England will look into reports of players drinking excessively during a break from the Ashes series in Noosa, says director of cricket Rob Key.
Smith, Khawaja hit nets as Aussies mull further tweaks
The urn might be retained, but Australia still has plenty of selection questions to answer ahead of the fourth Test.
Australia prepare for life without 'shattered' Nathan Lyon
"It'll be pretty long," Australia coach Andrew McDonald says of Nathan Lyon's road back after veteran offspinner undergoes hamstring surgery.
Key sorry for '20%' England in Ashes
Director of cricket Rob Key apologises to fans for England's miserable Ashes tour, but says captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have his backing.
Cummins no certainty for upcoming World Cup
Pat Cummins could be held back from the upcoming T20 World Cup as Australia look to manage his workload following his recent back injury.
A brutal game: Tahlia McGrath opens up on form struggle
The allrounder opted not to nominate for the WPL and will focus on preparing for the multi-format series against India.
‘Found a recipe’: First look at Boxing Day pitch as curator tips repeat of final-day thriller
The Melbourne Cricket Club curators are aiming to replicate the pitch that delivered last summer’s “epic” Boxing Day Test.
KSCA moves Vijay Hazare Trophy matches out of Chinnaswamy Stadium
Kohli and Pant will now play for Delhi at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
England close ranks as Noosa investigation looms
ECB managing director Rob Key will investigate reports England's recent break in Noosa resembled a "stag do" as the tourists pick up the pieces from their Ashes defeat.
Ashes over for Cummins, uncertainty over T20 World Cup too
"That was a discussion that we had a long time out around his return," head coach Andrew McDonald says about Australia captain Pat Cummins' one-Test appearance at the Ashes.
Match fees more than doubled for women's domestic cricketers in India
The changes are part of BCCI's ongoing efforts to elevate the domestic game in the wake of India's maiden ODI World Cup triumph.
‘Responsible adults’: Aussies ‘earnt’ right to celebrate as coach probed on English criticism
Australia coach Andrew McDonald says his players have “earnt the right” to celebrate their Ashes win but called them “responsible adults”.
Cummins ruled out of Ashes as 'freak' Starc soldiers on
Jhye Richardson among the quicks vying for a Boxing Day berth after Aussies put their captain on ice.
NZC introduces bonus points in Women's Super Smash to lift scoring rates
With average team totals on the rise in global cricket, the board hopes the new rule keeps NZ on track with global trends.
Australia v England, fourth Ashes Test: match preview
Get the broadcast info, latest team news, start times and more for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
The Ashes: Key sorry for England performing at 20%
Rob Key gives an in-depth interview on what’s gone wrong in the Ashes series so far.
Allan Border Medal award shake-up as CA scrap ceremony... in favour of virtual presentation
Cricket fans have expressed their sadness after news broke that the Australian Cricket Awards function, where the Allan Border Medal is handed out, is set to be scrapped.
Ashes fallout: Key to investigate whether England's drinking went too far in Noosa
Managing director admits England had "mucked up on the big occasions" but backs McCullum as coach.
McGrath makes big money call ahead of crunch India series
Star allrounder is hopeful a rare block of games for South Australia will give her the ideal preparation ahead of the massive India series.
Murphy, Richardson called up for Boxing Day, Lyon set for surgery
Steven Smith returns from illness to captain in Pat Cummins' absence.
Australia's Cummins and Lyon out of rest of Ashes
Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are out of Australia's squad for the fourth Ashes test, while Steve Smith returns to captain.
Green, Lyon replacement both uncertain as Aussies weigh up Boxing Day surprises
Pat Cummins will not feature in the remainder of the Ashes series after being left out of Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test alongside Nathan Lyon, with two new faces named as reinforcements.
Australia names Boxing Day Ashes replacements for Cummins and Lyon
West Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson comes into Australia's squad for the fourth Ashes Test, while Victorian off spinner Todd Murphy has been named, and is a chance to play his eighth match and first on Australian soil.
‘My hero’: Vaughan’s touching tribute to late father as cricketing world rallies around legend
The cricketing world has wrapped its arms around English legend Michael Vaughan after he revealed his father, Graham, had passed away after an ongoing battle with cancer.
Murphy, Jhye in for Boxing Day with Lyon set for surgery
Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson have been added to Australia's squad for the Boxing Day Test.
MCG looking to repeat the dose after 2024 classic
The forecast is in for what the MCG pitch is likely to dish up on one of the biggest days on the Australian sporting calendar.
The Ashes: Where did England go wrong?
Reflections on England losing the Ashes after the Third Test in Adelaide.
‘Utter tool’: From Punter’s run-out fury to England star’s wife destroying Piers in Ashes epic
Piers Morgan was gobbing off and testing the resolve of Rachael Flintoff, the wife of England’s star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, amid rising tensions at Trent Bridge in 2005.
Baz’s ‘gobsmacking’ Ashes reveal as $2m axe sharpens after ‘stag do’ teammates snub Stokes — UK View
England coach Brendon McCullum wants to stay in his job despite a chastening Ashes series defeat but admits his future is out of his hands, with the cricketing world weighing in on the looming decision.
The Ashes might be gone, but $500 million worth of English madness will only get madder
The Ashes might be lost, but the English presence at Australian cricket grounds is about to get a hell of lot bigger.
Bazball architect wants to stay but 'it's not up to me'
Brendon McCullum is eager to stay on as England's head coach but says his future is "up to other people" after losing the Ashes in just 11 days.
‘Nobody bowls better’: Test debut and star’s demotion in great’s surprising Boxing Day XI
Australia should hand a Test debut to Xavier Bartlett on Boxing Day, according to former spinner Kerry O’Keeffe, who also believes Todd Murphy is the man to replace the injured Nathan Lyon.
ICC pledges to fund USA cricketers amid USAC dysfunction
The ICC revealed it had offered to provide a loan to USAC after the bankruptcy filing that included the payment of player and High-Performance staff salaries.
Daily Ashes Quiz: Wins in the first three Tests
Comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses a daily cricket conundrum about the Ashes.
'Bit of a privilege' - Record-breaking Duffy on being NZ's frontman
Duffy toppled Sir Richard Hadlee's record for the most wickets by a New Zealand bowler in a calendar year.
India dominant with bat and ball but fielding needs improvement
India dropped five catches in the series opener, including three straightforward ones.
K Gowtham retires from all forms of cricket
Gowtham, 37, finishes with 394 wickets across formats for Karnataka in a domestic career that spanned for nearly 14 years.
22nd December 2025
Brendon McCullum says future as England head coach not in his hands
New Zealander wants to continue in role, calls on team to "salvage something out of the next two Test matches".
Gilkes 76, Shadab four-for lead Thunder to first win of the season
Matt Renshaw's quick 43 was not enough to salvage Heat's chase of 194.
McCullum wants to stay as England coach
England head coach Brendon McCullum is contracted until the end of the 50-over World Cup in 2027, with a home Ashes series in that time.
Shadab finishes off Thunder openers' good work
A four-wicket spell from their frontline spinner was the perfect complement for a 127-run opening stand as the Thunder cruised to victory.
Mentality is reason for England's losing streak in Australia - McGrath
Australia legend Glenn McGrath says England must change their mentality towards Ashes tours in order to win series down under.
Is domestic red-ball cricket the logical next step for women's game?
The Blaze seamer Grace Ballinger asks if it is time for domestic women's cricket to expand into the red-ball game.
New Zealand thrash West Indies to seal series win
New Zealand bowl West Indies out for 138 to win the third Test by 323 runs and complete a 2-0 series victory.
Is there another Ashes left in Aussie champion?
Age is not slowing the left-armer who has been one of the stars of the show across the first three Tests of the summer.
'Everyone's giving me grief about Ashes being over before I get there'
Four siblings from Lancashire are still flying out to Australia despite England's Ashes loss after booking tickets for fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago".
Abhishek Sharma named in Punjab's Vijay Hazare Trophy squad
Arshdeep Singh and Shubman Gill will join the squad at a later stage.
Thunder’s curious Warner ploy pays off as Heat fail to replicate historic BBL feat
The curious case of David Warner batting down the order has paid off with the Thunder’s top three dishing out some capital punishment in Canberra to knock off the Heat by 34 runs.
Jhye Richardson closing in on return to Australia's Test squad
The quick bowler would bolster Australia's pace resources for Melbourne with Pat Cummins set to sit out.
Lyon 'shattered' as Aussies weigh up Boxing Day spin call
Australian coach says veteran spinner a 'huge part' the Test team's future plans after undergoing hamstring surgery.
Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars: match preview
Get all the latest team news and broadcast details as the Strikers host the Stars in their first home game of BBL|15.
Who wants to be Australia's next Test spinner?
The Aussie selectors have suddenly found themselves with an unexpected problem to solve ahead of the Boxing Day Test.
Broad stands by 'worst Aussie side in 15 years' sledge
Stuart Broad has attracted plenty of criticism for his low opinion of the current Australian team but the England great stands by his harsh assessment.
‘Worst in the series’: Stokes’ most important Ashes role is making him, and England, worse
With England’s ambitions of reclaiming the urn in tatters, attention has turned to whether the key pillars of a failed Ashes campaign in Australia will hold their positions at the completion of the series.
