‘I could have been a better captain’: Stokes admits errors as England seek Ashes reset

‘I could have been a better captain’: Stokes admits errors as England seek Ashes reset

Contrite leader owns up to mistakes in Perth but hopes to address shortcomings against Australia in the day-nighter The sheer number of Australian voices triumphantly telling England to show some humility this past week has been slightly ironic. The first Test finished as an eight-wicket thumping, done inside 48 hours and worthy of criticism, but it was not without a genuine wobble from the hosts en route. Either way, Ben Stokes looked to do so when his players resumed training at Allan Border Field on Saturday morning before next week’s day-night second Test at the Gabba. Gone was the “shell-shocked” captain seen during the immediate aftermath of going 1-0 down and in his place, having reflected during these past few days, a far more conciliatory figure. Continue reading...

Forget your scraper – £1 bathroom staple that everyone already owns will de-ice your car BEFORE frost forms

Forget your scraper – £1 bathroom staple that everyone already owns will de-ice your car BEFORE frost forms

DRIVERS can tackle a surprisingly common winter headache by using an inexpensive skincare item that’s likely already inside your bathroom cabinet. As temperatures fall, cold weather can wreak havoc on your motor, from fogged windscreens and sluggish batteries to treacherous road conditions. But a quick, preventative treatment on your door seals can save time, stress...

Luke O’Neill: How to avoid the hangover from hell — and a fry won’t help you

Luke O’Neill: How to avoid the hangover from hell — and a fry won’t help you

The Christmas season brings with it lots of merrymaking. When we humans moved into northern Europe 40,000 years ago, it’s likely that to cope with the depths of the cold winter we got together to cheer ourselves up, and also to mark the turning of the year back towards summer. It’s no coincidence that Christmas Day falls very close to the winter solstice, when the sun begins its journey back to warmer and longer days.