England captain Joe Root has urged his team to produce a "ruthless" display in the fourth Test against India at the Oval starting on Thursday (2).
England's innings and 76-run victory at Headingley last week has left the five-match series all square at 1-1.
But with wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler absent to attend the birth of his second child and concerns about the impact a gruelling schedule of three Tests in three weeks will have on their fast bowlers, England could still make as many as three changes to a winning side.
"Now is when the hard work starts," England captain Root told reporters on Tuesday.
"We've got to look to go even further, dig deeper and really start to go through the gears," added Root, who scored his third hundred in as many Tests last week -- his sixth of 2021 -- and is now set to climb to the top of the International Cricket Council Test batting rankings when the points system is updated on Wednesday.
"A world-class side like India, led by Virat Kohli, I expect nothing less than a response. It would be naive to think otherwise. We've just got ourselves back to level and, if we find ourselves ahead of the game at any stage, we must get ruthless again."
Jonny Bairstow will replace Buttler behind the stumps, with either Dan Lawrence or Ollie Pope filling the vacancy in the middle order.
The more awkward issue for England is whether they should rest either or both James Anderson and Ollie Robinson after the new-ball duo starred at Headingley.
England coach Chris Silverwood has spoken of not wanting to "break" his quicks, but the inflexible application of a rotation policy contributed to the team's series loss in India earlier this year.
Both Anderson and Robinson, however, have bowled more than 116 overs each in the first three games of the series, with Robinson -- whose Headingley match haul of 7-81 was his best in Tests -- increasingly influential in an attack missing Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Olly Stone and Ben Stokes.
"Trying to manage workloads alongside performance is something in the current climate, with the games coming thick, that is always going to be tricky," said Root.
"You come off a win like last week and there's continuity of confidence and trying to replicate a similar performance, but you're trying to balance that and make sure you don't blow someone out and injure someone."
Alternative bowling options for England could include fast bowler Mark Wood, trying to overcome a shoulder injury and the recalled Chris Woakes, who could yet pay his first Test in a year if England drop fellow all-rounder Sam Curran.
- 'World-class Ashwin' -
Faced with an Oval pitch known to take turn, India must decide if they can continue to omit off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ashwin has 413 Test wickets and five hundreds to his credit, but is yet to feature in this series, with left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja supporting a four-man pace attack.
"I think his record speaks for itself, he's a world-class player," said Root of Ashwin, who had a brief spell with Oval-based Surrey earlier this season.
"We've seen him score runs and take wickets against us and we know what he is capable of in the Test arena. Ultimately you can get wrapped up in playing the player but it's important that you just play the delivery, play the situation you find yourself in."
A see-saw series -- a rain-affected draw in Nottingham was followed by India's 151 run-win at Lord's before they collapsed to 78 all out at Leeds -- has left Kohli adamant his side will not be "demoralised" by last week's loss.
"If what happens in one game guarantees you the same thing in the next game, we should have smashed England again," the India captain added.
India were dismissed for just 36 while losing the first Test against Australia in Adelaide in December only for an injury-hit squad to claim a memorable 2-1 series win.
"We like to be in this situation where people start coming at us with doubts and really start questioning the ability of our team," said Kohli. "That is the situation we love best."
Ed Sheeran confirms he is relocating with wife Cherry Seaborn and their daughters
The move comes ahead of his extended US tour
Singer reveals love for Nashville and his future in country music
Sheeran says he culturally identifies as Irish despite Suffolk upbringing
Ed Sheeran moving to America has been confirmed by the star himself, with the singer explaining he will relocate with his family to settle in the US during his upcoming tour. The chart-topping musician, who has often spoken about his love for Nashville and country music, said he could not keep “dipping in and out” of the country while raising young children.
Ed Sheeran confirms he is moving to America with wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters Getty Images
Why is Ed Sheeran moving to America?
The Suffolk-based artist revealed his plans during an appearance on The 2 Johnnies Podcast. Sheeran explained that a long stretch of touring in the US meant it was not practical to keep flying back and forth from the UK.
“I’m just about to move to America. I feel like I might be the only person moving to America,” he said, acknowledging the political turbulence in the country but adding that touring and family life were the main reasons behind the move.
The singer, his wife Cherry Seaborn, and their daughters Lyra (5) and Jupiter (3) are expected to divide their time between New York and Nashville. Reports suggest he has purchased a £9 million (₹95 crore) apartment in Brooklyn, where he previously rented during his copyright trial in 2023.
Sheeran has made no secret of his admiration for Nashville, often calling it his “favourite city in the States”. Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast earlier this year, he explained: “When you transition to country, you can’t transition back. Nashville has always been my end goal.”
The Grammy-winning artist has hinted at moving into country music for several years, influenced by the city’s songwriting culture and welcoming music scene. He believes Nashville offers a space where celebrities can live more freely without constant attention.
Fans have long been fascinated by Sheeran’s sprawling Suffolk estate, nicknamed “Sheeranville”. The property includes two pubs, a chapel, and multiple houses. In his podcast interview, Sheeran explained that the private pubs allow him to enjoy time with friends without worrying about camera phones or social media exposure.
The chapel, meanwhile, has hosted carol services, family events, and even weddings for members of his security team. Sheeran also described it as a place to remember friends who have passed away. While the estate will remain in his portfolio, he suggested he would be spending most of his time in the US during the next phase of his career.
Ed Sheeran described himself as “culturally Irish” while preparing for his American relocationGetty Images
How does Sheeran identify culturally?
In addition to his music career, Sheeran has spoken about his strong Irish roots. Appearing on The Louis Theroux Podcast, he said: “I class my culture as Irish. My dad’s family has seven brothers and sisters. We’d spend all of our holidays in Ireland, and my first musical experiences were with trad music in the house.”
Although born in Halifax and raised in Suffolk, the singer said his upbringing was steeped in Irish culture, shaping both his personal identity and his artistry. “I feel like just because I was born in Britain doesn’t necessarily mean I have to just be British,” he said.
Ed Sheeran says his long tour schedule means the family will “settle” in the StatesGetty Images
For Sheeran, the move to America is both a personal and professional shift. As he prepares to settle with his family across the Atlantic, the move reflects not only the demands of his career but also his plans to embrace country music and even a new cultural chapter.
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Researchers from the UK and US analysed data from American households between 2004 and 2019
Hotter days linked to greater intake of sugary drinks and frozen desserts
Lower-income households most affected, research finds
Climate change could worsen health risks linked to sugar consumption
Study based on 15 years of US household food purchasing data
Sugary consumption rising with heat
People are more likely to consume sugary drinks and ice cream on warmer days, particularly in lower-income households, according to new research. The study warns that climate change could intensify this trend, adding to health risks as global temperatures continue to rise.
Sugar consumption is a major contributor to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and has surged worldwide in recent decades. The findings, published in Nature Climate Change, suggest that rising heat could be nudging more people towards high-sugar products such as soda, juice and ice cream.
Climate link to diet
Researchers from the UK and US analysed data from American households between 2004 and 2019 and compared purchases with local weather conditions. They found that for every additional degree Celsius within the range of 12–30°C, people consumed an extra 0.7 grams of sugar per day on average.
Those with lower incomes or less education were the most affected, according to the study. Under worst-case climate scenarios, disadvantaged groups could be consuming up to five additional grams of sugar daily by the end of the century, lead author Pan He of Cardiff University told AFP.
Beyond recommended limits
The American Heart Association recommends a maximum daily intake of 36 grams of added sugar for men and 24 grams for women. However, most Americans already consume two to three times these amounts. A single can of soda contains about 40 grams of sugar.
The study showed that the increase in sugar consumption levelled off once temperatures rose above 30°C. Co-author Duo Chan of the University of Southampton suggested this may be because people had already altered their diets by that point. He warned this could be “even worse news”, as it showed dietary changes were occurring even at lower, not extreme, temperatures.
Substituting frozen treats
The research also indicated a drop in purchases of baked goods on hotter days, likely because consumers were substituting them with ice cream or other frozen desserts.
Health concerns
Unhealthy diets are among the four main risk factors for diseases that account for more than 70 per cent of deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The authors concluded that climate change, by shaping dietary choices, could further worsen public health outcomes.
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Education secretary Bridget Phillipson leaves following a cabinet meeting at Downing Street on September 9, 2025.
EDUCATION SECRETARY Bridget Phillipson has announced her candidacy for Labour’s deputy leader, becoming the most senior figure to enter the contest so far.
Clapham and Brixton Hill MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy is the only other declared candidate in the race to replace Angela Rayner.
Lucy Powell, who was removed as leader of the House of Commons last week, is expected to announce her bid.
Foreign affairs committee chair Emily Thornberry has said she is considering running, while former transport secretary Louise Haigh and Tooting MP Rosena Allin-Khan have ruled themselves out.
Candidates must secure nominations from at least 80 Labour MPs by Thursday evening. They also need support from either 5 per cent of local parties or three Labour-affiliated groups, including two unions. Those who qualify will face a ballot of party members, with the winner to be announced on 25 October.
Some Labour members have criticised the short nomination period. Ribeiro-Addy said: "It is absolutely unfair, and I don't think it's what the membership want." She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the party needed to reflect on "what's gone wrong," citing concerns over Gaza, winter fuel allowances and welfare cuts.
Announcing her candidacy, Phillipson said: "Because make no mistake: We are in a fight. We all know the dangers Reform poses our country."
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he had not yet decided whom to support. David Lammy will remain deputy prime minister regardless of the outcome.
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Analysts say Apple continues to trail competitors such as Google in applying AI to consumer devices
Apple to debut its thinnest iPhone yet, with a new “iPhone Air” model
Apple Watch Series 11 and updated AirPods also expected
iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe launch dates likely to be announced
Trade tariffs and AI developments loom over the event
Apple’s big reveal in Cupertino
Apple is set to introduce its latest devices at its annual showcase today, branded the “awe-dropping” event. Taking place at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino at 10am PT, the company is widely expected to debut its slimmest iPhone to date.
The iPhone 17 range will include the standard, Pro, and Pro Max models, alongside a newcomer — the iPhone Air. Analysts suggest the Air will be Apple’s lightest flagship yet, drawing inspiration from its slim MacBook Air design.
Beyond the iPhone
Alongside its new handsets, Apple is expected to launch the Apple Watch Series 11 and an update to AirPods. Reports indicate the earbuds could feature live translation, a function already available on Google’s Pixel Buds.
The company is also anticipated to confirm rollout dates for its upcoming operating systems: iOS 26 for mobile and macOS Tahoe for desktop.
Tariffs and global supply chain pressures
This year’s launch comes under the shadow of Donald Trump’s tariffs, which could disrupt Apple’s global supply chain. A proposed levy on Chinese imports risks pushing iPhone prices higher. To mitigate the impact, Apple has shifted large portions of production to India and accelerated shipments to the US before the tariffs take effect.
Apple and artificial intelligence
Another area under scrutiny is Apple Intelligence, the generative AI suite announced last year. Its mixed reception and an unfulfilled pledge to revamp Siri have raised questions about Apple’s AI strategy.
During Apple’s July earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said progress was being made on a “more personalised Siri”, with updates due next year. Reports also suggest Apple is in talks with Google to integrate its Gemini AI models into Siri, similar to how Google powers search in Safari.
Industry and investor expectations
Analysts say Apple continues to trail competitors such as Google in applying AI to consumer devices. Google’s Pixel phones already offer AI-driven features, while Apple has been slower to adapt. Today’s announcements will therefore be closely watched by investors and iPhone users alike, as Apple attempts to reassure both markets and consumers of its innovation edge.
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Passengers walk back to the reopened terminal after emergency services responded to what they called a 'possible hazardous materials incident' at Terminal 4 of Heathrow Airport.
HEATHROW Airport has reopened Terminal 4 after it was evacuated on Monday evening following what authorities described as a "possible hazardous materials incident."
The airport said the terminal was declared safe and apologised for the disruption. In a post on X, Heathrow said it was "doing everything we can" to make sure flights depart as planned.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed it had stood down its response.
Terminal 4, which handles both European and long-haul flights, was closed temporarily as specialist fire crews carried out an assessment.
The London Ambulance Service said paramedics treated 21 patients and one person was taken to hospital. The nature of the incident has not been disclosed.
The Metropolitan Police said specialist officers were at the scene and conducted a search of the area. The force said no trace of any "adverse substance" was found.
Video clips shared online, which could not be verified, showed passengers waiting outside the terminal. Heathrow’s departures board showed flights continuing to take off.
In March, Heathrow was shut for nearly a day after a fire at a nearby electrical substation cut power, disrupting flights worldwide and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.