Author: News Desk

Cliff Notes – Brook brilliance can’t mask issues for brittle England batting Harry Brook’s explosive 135 runs from 101 balls showcased his talent, but highlighted England’s batting fragility as they collapsed to 10 for 4 early in the innings. Despite Brook’s heroics, England’s recent ODI form remains concerning, with only eight wins in their last 24 matches, raising questions ahead of the upcoming Ashes series. Brook brilliance can’t mask issues for brittle England batting He’s done it again. Another innings in New Zealand. Another Harry Brook masterclass.Less than a year ago, Brook played arguably his best innings in an England…

Cliff Notes – Better Clasico star: Real Madrid’s Mbappé or Barcelona’s Yamal Kylian Mbappé has a significant edge in goal-scoring, netting 32 non-penalty goals compared to Lamine Yamal’s 10 since last season, highlighting his finishing prowess. Yamal excels in creativity with 17 assists, outpacing Mbappé’s five, showcasing his ability to generate scoring opportunities for teammates. While Yamal contributes positively to buildup play and pressing, Mbappé’s lack of defensive effort raises questions about his overall impact on team dynamics. Better Clasico star: Real Madrid’s Mbappé or Barcelona’s Yamal? Ryan O’HanlonOct 24, 2025, 11:30 AMCloseRyan O’Hanlon is a staff writer for ESPN.com.…

Cliff Notes – I won Bruce Forsyth’s final Strictly series – I want the same with Tess and Claudia Aljaž Škorjanec, who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, aims to replicate his victory in the final series hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, expressing a desire for “bragging rights” as the last winner they crown. The current series features Icons Week, with Aljaž and his partner La Voix performing a salsa to Cher’s “Strong Enough,” as they strive to extend their time in the competition. Tess and Claudia announced their departure after over 20 years, expressing gratitude for their…

Cliff Notes – King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, a haven for migratory birds and endangered species Field teams from the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve observed over 300 great white pelicans during the current migratory season, highlighting the reserve’s significance for avian migration. The sightings occurred at one of five designated sites within the reserve that are recognised as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, underscoring the region’s ecological value. This influx of migratory birds reaffirms the reserve’s role as a critical habitat for various species, particularly during their migratory journeys, contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts in the area.…

Cliff Notes – Harry Brook rewrites record books with one-man show Harry Brook’s 135 runs accounted for 60.53% of England’s total of 223, marking the highest contribution by a batter in a completed ODI innings for England, surpassing Robin Smith’s previous record of 60.28%. Brook’s score is the second-highest for England batting at No. 5 or lower in ODIs, trailing only Jos Buttler’s 150, and is also the second-highest score for England in ODIs in New Zealand. The 57-run partnership for the tenth wicket between Brook and Luke Wood is the highest in England’s ODI history, while Brook’s 11 sixes…

Cliff Notes – Lily Allen’s Madeline ‘revealed’ as woman claims she had affair with David Harbour A woman named Natalie Tippett has come forward, claiming to have had an affair with David Harbour during his marriage to Lily Allen, leading to speculation that she is the ‘Madeline’ referenced in Allen’s new album, West End Girl. Lily Allen’s latest album explores themes of infidelity and the breakdown of her marriage, with lyrics suggesting Harbour violated their open relationship agreement by engaging in a secret affair with Tippett. Allen has stated that ‘Madeline’ is a composite character, while Tippett acknowledges her awareness…

Cliff Notes – The PS5 will be my last console because the PS6 is going to be even worse – Reader’s Feature The PS5’s graphics are only a minor upgrade from the PS4, leading to skepticism about the PS6’s potential improvements. The gaming industry faces significant challenges, including corporate greed and a potential brain drain among developers, which could hinder future game quality. The reader suggests bypassing traditional publishers and considering PC gaming as a viable alternative due to rising console prices and dissatisfaction with current industry practices. Things can always get worse (Sony/Metro) Following a Sony developer’s admission that…

Cliff Notes – Guardiola warns Norway boss that Haaland will not get much rest Pep Guardiola has indicated that Erling Haaland may not receive much rest this season due to his crucial role for both Manchester City and Norway. Haaland has scored 24 goals in 14 appearances, significantly contributing to City’s title ambitions and Norway’s World Cup qualification hopes. Guardiola emphasised the importance of the Champions League and the competitive nature of the Premier League, suggesting Haaland will continue to play as long as he remains fit. Guardiola warns Norway boss that Haaland will not get much rest Pep Guardiola…

Norris Tops Final Practice as Piastri Faces Struggles Mclaren’s Lando Norris secured the fastest lap in the final practice session for the Mexico Grand Prix, laying down a stunning 1m16.633s to edge out his competitors ahead of Saturday’s crucial qualifying. Meanwhile, fellow McLaren driver Oscar Piastri continues to grapple with performance issues, finishing behind Norris once again. Norris’s Impressive Performance In the final segment of the one-hour session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Norris displayed exceptional pace, asserting his dominance as he progressed to the top of the timesheets. The Briton’s lap time placed him comfortably ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis…

Cliff Notes – ‘Masterpiece’ psychological horror movie now streaming on Channel 4 Critical Acclaim: “Saint Maud” has received high praise, boasting a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 83 on Metacritic, highlighting its gripping narrative and performances. Unique Horror Approach: Unlike traditional horror films, it focuses on psychological tension and character-driven narratives, drawing comparisons to films like “Midsommar” and “Hereditary.” Mixed Audience Reception: While many viewers laud its thematic depth and cinematography, some critics express disappointment with the film’s pacing and ambiguous ending, indicating a divide in audience expectations. ‘Masterpiece’ psychological horror movie now streaming on Channel 4 Pray…