Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India sweep series with big win over Windies

India completed an emphatic 2-0 series sweep against West Indies when they won the second test by 257 runs in Jamaica on Monday (2) after the hosts' batsman Darren Bravo was replaced by a concussion substitute after retiring hurt.

Bravo was struck on the helmet by a short delivery from Jasprit Bumrah in the final over on Sunday, but batted on and saw out the last two balls at Sabina Park in Kingston.


He returned for the start of day four, but lasted only three overs before deciding to retire hurt on 23 and left the field to be examined by a doctor.

Soon afterwards, Jermaine Blackwood was named as a concussion substitute and went out to bat following the fall of the fourth wicket.

Blackwood's addition meant West Indies had 12 batsmen for the second innings.

Blackwood, a Jamaican who was not in the original squad, scored 38 runs but it made little difference to the final outcome as West Indies, chasing 468 for victory, were bowled out for 210.

India dominated the short two-test series, part of the inaugural World Test Championship, having won the opening encounter in Antigua by 318 runs.

India also extended their unbeaten streak against West Indies to 23 tests. They last lost to the Caribbean team in Kingston in 2002.

CONCUSSION SUBSTITUTE

West Indies lost two wickets in the morning session, Roston Chase lbw to Ravindra Jadeja for 12, while Shimron Hetmyer was caught at cover off Ishant Sharma for one.

But dismissals came thick and fast after lunch as India ripped through the middle order and tail, with all the bowlers sharing the spoils, though Bumrah picked up only one wicket to add to his six from the first innings.

Blackwood became the second test concussion substitute after Marnus Labuschagne, who replaced Steve Smith in the Australia team during the second Ashes test against England less than a month ago.

In that situation, Smith retired hurt after being felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer during Australia's first innings.

Though Smith returned to the crease 40 minutes later and was dismissed before stumps, he was ruled out of the remainder of the test the following morning after experiencing the effects of delayed concussion.

Because Smith was already out in the first innings, Labuschagne batted only in the second innings.

More For You

black-smoke-getty

Black smoke is seen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel as Catholic cardinals gather for a second day to elect a new pope on May 8, 2025 in Vatican City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Cardinals to vote again after second black smoke signals no pope yet

CARDINALS will cast more votes on Thursday afternoon to choose the next pope, after a second round of black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signalling that no candidate has yet secured the required majority.

The 133 cardinals began the conclave on Wednesday afternoon in the 15th-century chapel to elect a successor to Pope Francis. So far, two rounds of voting have ended without agreement. Black smoke appeared again at lunchtime on Thursday, showing no one had received the two-thirds majority needed.

Keep ReadingShow less
qawwali brothers Rizwan and Muazzam Ali Khan

Muazzam Ali Khan

Monika S Jakubowska

Grace and glory of qawwali brothers Rizwan and Muazzam Ali Khan

A YEAR after Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan passed away in 1997, his sensational young nephews Rizwan and Muazzam Ali Khan delivered a star-making performance at the Womad music festival.

Collectively known as Rizwan–Muazzam Qawwals, they have since, kept their legendary uncle’s remarkable legacy alive through songs, albums and world-class live performances around the globe. This includes regular UK tours, where they have captivated audiences with their exceptional stage presence.

Keep ReadingShow less
controversial adult series  Secret Diary of a Call Girl' to leave Netflix on 29 May

'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' received mixed reviews

IMDb

Last chance to watch ‘Secret Diary of a Call Girl’ –controversial adult series leaving Netflix

Fans of provocative British television have a limited window to stream the popular ITV drama Secret Diary of a Call Girl on Netflix before it is removed from the platform. The show, which originally aired between 2007 and 2011, will no longer be available after 29 May.

Secret Diary of a Call Girl, often described as Britain’s answer to Fifty Shades of Grey, stars Billie Piper as Hannah Baxter, a high-end escort navigating the complexities of living a double life. While maintaining a seemingly normal personal life, Hannah adopts the alias "Belle" for her work in the sex industry.

Keep ReadingShow less
king-charles-ve-day-reuters

King Charles lays a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Warrior during a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

King Charles leads VE Day service marking 80 years since WWII ended

KING CHARLES joined veterans and members of the royal family at Westminster Abbey on Thursday to mark 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe. The service was the main event in the UK's four-day commemorations of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which marked Nazi Germany’s surrender on May 8, 1945.

Charles and his son Prince William laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. The King’s message read: "We will never forget", signed "Charles R". William's wreath message read: "For those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War. We will remember them", signed "William" and "Catherine".

Keep ReadingShow less
Usman Riaz debuts pakistan's first animated film

Usman Riaz

Instagram/ usmanoriaz

Usman Riaz breaks new ground with Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film

When Usman Riaz first picked up a pencil, it was not to make history. Yet decades later, the Karachi-born artist, composer and filmmaker did exactly that – by creating The Glassworker, Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animated feature.

The film, which was selected as Pakistan’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, will close this year’s UK Asian Film Festival and marks another remarkable chapter in Riaz’s increasingly inspiring creative journey.

Keep ReadingShow less