Pat Cummins concedes he is ‘weeks away’ from bowling and unlikely to play in first Ashes Test

Thomas Tuchel, head coach of England, has expressed that he would prefer his team to lose their final World Cup qualifier against Albania rather than risk any players receiving red cards that could lead to suspensions in the upcoming tournament. This caution follows Cristiano Ronaldo's recent dismissal during a match against the Republic of Ireland, which may result in a two-game ban for the Portuguese star. Tuchel emphasizes the importance of discipline as England prepares for the match at the Air Albania Arena, having already secured their place in the World Cup.

Britain's interior minister defended plans to significantly reduce protections for refugees and eliminate automatic benefits for asylum seekers, claiming that irregular migration is 'tearing our country apart.' These measures, inspired by Denmark's stringent asylum policies, aim to curb the influx of migrants arriving in England from northern France via small boats. However, the proposals have faced criticism from the Refugee Council charity as 'harsh and unnecessary' and are expected to encounter opposition from left-wing lawmakers within Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government.

On Monday morning, 69 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) canceled playtime due to concerns over a potentially hazardous batch of colored sand. The Australian regulator has issued a recall for several sand products used in children's play, citing asbestos contamination risks. The situation has raised alarms among parents and educators, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of students.

Ireland showcased a dominant performance against Australia in the Autumn Nations Series, with Hansen emerging as a standout player at fullback. Early in the match, Ireland's clumsy restart allowed Australia to regain possession, but their attack lacked direction, leading to a turnover. Ireland quickly regained control, and Hansen scored a try under the posts after a swift series of passes. The match highlighted Ireland's strength and tactical prowess, dismantling the Wallabies with effective plays.

The article discusses the potential of the England football team, highlighting their tactical and technical skills as they prepare for the World Cup in North America next summer. It emphasizes the impressive performance of players like Micky van de Ven, who showcased remarkable speed and composure in recent matches. Additionally, it notes Liverpool's physical dominance in their match against Real Madrid, suggesting that England can leverage similar strengths to succeed in the tournament.

The article discusses the recent decision by the Liberal and National parties in Australia to abandon their commitment to a net zero emissions target by 2050. It aims to clarify some of the claims made by these parties regarding the implications of this decision, including assertions about the cost of achieving net zero, which they claim could reach $9 trillion, and the potential impact on electricity prices. The article serves as a fact-checking resource to help readers understand the context and validity of these claims.

Bill Bryson, the American-British author, shares his thoughts on various topics, including his pet peeves and the challenges of fantasy dinner parties. He reflects on revisiting his book, 'The Short History of Everything,' two decades later. Bryson emphasizes the importance of walking to explore cities, suggesting that it is the best way to discover new places. He also mentions his previous travels to Australia and offers advice for first-time visitors, encouraging them to venture out and walk without a map to truly experience the environment.

Australian companies have exported nearly $300 million in weapons to the UAE over the past five years. This comes amid concerns that these arms could be used in atrocities in Sudan, a claim that remains unverified. The UAE has denied allegations of shipping weapons to a paramilitary group in Sudan. At a weapons fair in Dubai, a retired military officer representing Australia will highlight the credibility of defense companies showcasing their products, emphasizing their unique advantage in engaging with military delegations.