Former England spinner Monty Panesar feels New Zealand will hold the edge over India in the World Test Championship final if conditions favour fast bowling at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
Panesar feels that if the rainy and cold weather in UK at the moment stays that way for the WTC final starting from June 18, then it will be advantage for New Zealand.
"At the moment there is a lot of rain around. If the weather stays like this then it will be an interesting battle between the Indian and New Zealand seamers. The New Zealand batsman also play the moving ball better than Indian batsmen. So, that, that would be quite interesting to see if the ball is swinging and moving at some stage during the Test match, how the Indian batsmen, stand up to it compared to the New Zealand," Panesar said.
However, if it is nice and sunny in the port city of Southampton, then the conditions will suit India more, said the former left-arm spinner. Panesar also expects the ICC to prepare a neutral wicket and not a green top as the WTC is supposed to be a good advert for the five-day game.
"They have got a great draining system at the Ageas Bowl. Normally you see nice good hot weather. Hopefully, the game will go on for the whole four to five days. On that basis, you are looking at two spinners (Ashwin and Jadeja) from India and three seamers. If the weather is clear then India become favourites. So it depends a lot on the conditions," he said.
Indian team will arrive in the UK on June 2 and will get a little over 10 days to train. New Zealand, on the other hand, are playing two Tests against England before the WTC final and many see it as a big advantage but Panesar reckons it can be a double-edged sword.
"If New Zealand do well in the next two Test matches, then the momentum is going to favour them against India. But if England can beat them, suddenly they're going to be low on confidence and it is a good time for India to come. James Anderson and Stuart Broad are usually very effective at this time of the year but England have picked a B team (for NZ series) in the absence of some key players, so we will see," he said.
However, Panesar feels despite not getting enough time for preparation India have got the belief to win from any situation after the triumph in Australia.
"If you said the WTC final is in a week's time, I would pick India as they have played much more hard cricket. The team is probably believing that it can win from any situation, while New Zealand have played good cricket, but they haven't really had the hard victories like India. What really makes a top team is when you win from really difficult, tough situations," he said.
The tour of Australia showed India's depth and the upcoming series against New Zealand will give good account of England's talent pool in the absence of Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran and Jonny Bairstow.
"You saw the depth of Indian cricket in Australia, now you will see the depth of England cricket. Where does the team stand if Joe Root doesn't score? Who steps up if Broad and Anderson go for runs? So, there are many questions that need to be answered.
"The series is in August, it is going to nice and hot, wickets will be dry. If there was any other time I would have said England. That time of the year favours India," Panesar added.
Helldivers 2 launches on Xbox Series X|S on 26 August 2025.
Sony is publishing the title on Xbox, an unusual move for the company.
Crossplay confirmed between Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
The announcement coincides with Gears of War: Reloaded’s PS5 debut.
Helldivers 2 to launch on Xbox Series X|S this August
Sony has confirmed that Helldivers 2 will launch on Xbox Series X and S on 26 August 2025, marking a rare move by the company to release one of its games on a rival console. The announcement was made during a livestream and comes on the same day Microsoft’s Gears of War: Reloaded is set to arrive on PlayStation 5.
Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Helldivers 2 is a co-op third-person shooter that has already achieved major success on PlayStation 5 and PC, where it launched in February 2024. The title has since sold over 12 million copies in just 12 weeks, becoming the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game of all time.
Cross-platform play confirmed
Helldivers 2 will support full crossplay between Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, allowing players across all platforms to team up in their missions to defend Super Earth. The game’s director, Mikael Eriksson, addressed the new platform launch in a post on Xbox Wire.
“We know gamers have been asking for this for some time and we are so excited to bring more Helldivers into our game,” Eriksson said. “We have so much more in store for the future months and years – and the more players we have the more stories we can tell! The fight for Super Earth has only just begun.”
- YouTube YouTube/ IGN
Breaking from tradition
The release of Helldivers 2 on Xbox marks a significant shift in strategy for Sony, which traditionally limits PlayStation Studios titles to its own consoles and, increasingly, to PC. Until now, MLB The Show has been one of the few exceptions, launching on Xbox under the MLB brand.
This announcement is part of a broader trend across the gaming industry. Microsoft is also expanding its reach beyond Xbox, with several former exclusives heading to PlayStation. These include Gears of War: Reloaded, Hellblade 2 (arriving in August), and The Outer Worlds 2 (set for an October release on PS5).
The launch of Helldivers 2 on Xbox is expected to grow its player base further and signals a continued move toward cross-platform gaming and reduced console exclusivity.
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Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR will not appear together for promotions as YRF keeps them apart
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR will promote War 2 separately ahead of its 14 August 2025 release.
Yash Raj Films is keeping the actors apart to preserve the film’s on-screen conflict.
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film is part of YRF’s growing Spy Universe.
Fans have expressed disappointment over missing out on the stars’ joint promotional appearances.
With just weeks to go before War 2 hits theatres, Yash Raj Films has decided that Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR will not appear together during the film’s promotional run. The production house is deliberately keeping them apart to heighten anticipation around their on-screen showdown. While some fans see this as a bold marketing move, others are left disappointed by the lack of camaraderie in the lead-up to the film.
Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR starrer War 2 to hit IMAX screens worldwide Instagram/yrf
YRF aims to preserve on-screen rivalry
War 2 is the first collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, and the studio is banking on their intense face-off to draw audiences. According to trade sources, the actors won’t share a stage, give joint interviews, or appear in promotional videos together before the release. The idea is to prevent any early display of off-screen rapport and let viewers experience their confrontation fresh in cinemas.
A senior source explained, “The clash between Hrithik and NTR is the film’s biggest hook. YRF wants audiences to witness that tension first in theatres, not diluted by pre-release friendliness.”
This isn’t the first time YRF has opted for unconventional marketing. When Pathaan released, Shah Rukh Khan avoided all pre-release interviews. Similarly, War (2019) saw limited media presence from its stars before release, and these moves have paid off in the past.
A source close to the studio added, “The YRF Spy Universe thrives on suspense. Avoiding early disclosures helps protect plot twists and character dynamics.”
Despite the silence around joint promotions, the individual campaigns have started. Hrithik recently shared a new poster of his character, Major Kabir, on Instagram, showing him bloodied and battle-ready. He captioned it: “This time he is ruthless, merciless, relentless, and ready for War! Are you? The countdown begins now. 50 days to War 2.”
While the strategy may work for maintaining mystery, fan response online has been mixed. Many had hoped to see Jr NTR and Hrithik together in interviews or promotional content, especially as this is their first collaboration. Some expressed disappointment on social media, calling the plan unnecessary in the age of fan-driven marketing.
Still, the buzz around War 2 remains strong. Directed by Ayan Mukerji and also starring Kiara Advani, the film is set for a theatrical release in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on 14 August 2025, just ahead of India’s Independence Day holiday.
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The Canary Wharf business district including global financial institutions in London.
THE COST of UK government borrowing fell on Thursday, partially reversing the rise seen after Chancellor Rachel Reeves became emotional during Prime Minister’s Questions.
The yield on 10-year government bonds dropped to 4.55 per cent, down from 4.61 per cent the previous day. The pound also recovered slightly to $1.3668 (around £1.00), though it did not regain all its earlier losses.
The movement followed comments from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who told BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking with Nick Robinson that he worked “in lockstep” with Reeves and said she was “doing an excellent job as chancellor.”
Analysts told the BBC that markets appeared to back Reeves, with concerns that her departure could lead to a weakening of fiscal discipline. “It looks to me like this is a rare example of financial markets actually enhancing the career prospects of a politician,” said Will Walker Arnott of Charles Stanley. “If the chancellor goes then any fiscal discipline would follow her out the door and that would mean bigger deficits.”
Mohamed El-Erian of Allianz warned that risk premiums may persist. “I suspect that we will see some moderation, but we will not go back to where we were 24 hours ago,” he said.
Reeves, who became tearful during PMQs after a U-turn on planned welfare reforms that left a £5bn gap in her financial plans, said on Thursday she had been upset due to a personal issue. A Treasury spokesperson also confirmed it was a personal matter.
Reeves told the BBC that the welfare changes would be reflected in the Budget and reaffirmed her commitment to fiscal rules. Jane Foley of Rabobank said Reeves now faces difficult choices but added, “investors do place a lot of store in political stability.”
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Shubman Gill reacts to reaching his double hundred on day two of the second cricket test match against England at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, central England on July 3, 2025. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
SHUBMAN GILL etched his name in cricket history on Thursday (3), becoming the first Indian and Asian captain to score a double-century in a Test match on English soil as he powered India to a commanding position at Edgbaston.
The 25-year-old skipper scored 269 on the second day of the second Test, having shattered multiple records in a masterful innings that has put England to the sword.
Gill not only achieved a career-best knock but also posted the highest ever individual score by an Indian captain in Test cricket, surpassing the great Sunil Gavaskar's 221 at the Oval in 1979.
He reached his first Test double-hundred and walked off unbeaten on 265 at the tea, having taken 311 deliveries to reach the 200-run milestone. His innings, decorated with 30 fours and three sixes, saw him join an elite group of Indian captains alongside MAK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni who have scored double-hundreds whilst leading the side.
The Punjab batsman's achievement is particularly significant as he becomes only the third Indian batter to score a double-century in England, following in the footsteps of legends Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid.
Previously, Mohammed Azharuddin's 179 in Manchester in 1990 was the highest score by an Indian captain in England, while his 192 against New Zealand in Auckland the same year held the record for the highest score by an Indian skipper in a SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) country.
Gill's innings has been marked by near-flawless execution. After resuming on 114 not out, the skipper continued his assault on England's bowling attack with clinical precision. He was particularly harsh on off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, whom he cover-drove for four and lofted for six.
The India captain also struck two fours in three balls off fast bowler Josh Tongue, showcasing his range with an on-drive followed by a flick off the hip that left fielders Joe Root and Zak Crawley scrambling unsuccessfully to prevent the boundary.
When England desperately introduced part-time medium-pacer Harry Brook in a bid to buy a wicket, Gill responded by striking him for three successive fours, the best being a textbook straight drive that underlined his technical excellence.
This remarkable innings comes just a week after Gill scored 147 in his debut as Test captain at Headingley, where India suffered a five-wicket defeat to trail 1-0 in the five-match series. His consistency at the top level has been extraordinary, with the double-century marking his seventh Test hundred in just 34 matches.
Remarkably, Gill has now scored centuries in each of his first two Tests as captain, joining an exclusive club of just seven players to achieve this feat.
India, who were sent in to bat by England captain Ben Stokes, had resumed Thursday's play on 310-5 after an excellent first day. They were eventually bowled out for 587.
Gill received excellent support from Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 89 in an outstanding sixth-wicket partnership of 203 runs. When Jadeja was dismissed by Josh Tongue, recalled all-rounder Washington Sundar stepped up to provide further assistance to his captain.
The massive total represents a significant improvement from India's collapses of 7-41 and 6-31 that cost them dearly in the first Test at Headingley, demonstrating the team's determination to level the series.
(Agencies)
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Patrick Grant, Esme Young and Kiell Smith-Bynoe return as judges and host
The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 begins Tuesday, 15 July at 9 pm on BBC One.
The 11th series will see a new group of amateur sewers compete for the title.
Patrick Grant, Esme Young and Kiell Smith-Bynoe return as judges and host.
The show continues its popularity with weekly sewing challenges and heartfelt moments.
Great British Sewing Bee 2025 set to return on 15 July
The return date for The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 has been officially confirmed. The popular BBC One competition will be back on screens on Tuesday 15 July at 9 pm, bringing with it a fresh group of amateur sewers hoping to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.
Now in its 11th series, the show has grown into a mid-year television highlight, offering a combination of creativity, technical skill, and emotional storytelling. Hosted by Kiell Smith-Bynoe, the series follows contestants through a series of themed sewing challenges as they compete for the title of Britain’s best home sewer.
New faces and returning favourites
While the full line-up of contestants for The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 is yet to be revealed, anticipation is already building. The show is known for its warm tone and close-knit community feel, with viewers often quickly forming favourites among the competitors.
Each episode will once again feature three key rounds: the Pattern Challenge, the Transformation Challenge, and the Made-to-Measure final test. Contestants will need to show flair, precision, and creativity under pressure.
Previous highlights and special episodes
The most recent episode aired was a Christmas special in 2024, featuring celebrity contestants including Ian “H” Watkins from Steps, Kellie Bright from EastEnders, comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri, and reality star Charlotte Crosby. The festive-themed episode saw challenges such as making an advent calendar and reworking a children’s onesie, with Kellie Bright emerging as the winner.
Although The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 is starting slightly later than previous years, the BBC has confirmed its regular slot, and the series is expected to run weekly through the summer.
What’s next
Details on the specific themes and tasks for this year’s episodes have not yet been released. Fans of the show can look forward to another season of innovative designs, memorable reactions from the judges, and emotional farewells as contestants are gradually eliminated.
The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 continues to be a cornerstone of BBC One’s creative competition programming, building on over a decade of sewing success.