Steve Smith admitted on Thursday (10) he was pumped to play his first Test in almost a year, revealing how hard it was to miss India's last series in Australia when he was banned for ball-tampering.
The two sides meet in a day-night Test in Adelaide from December 17, the first of four clashes over a blockbuster summer.
It will be Smith's first red-ball international since the final Test against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January before coronavirus caused havoc.
"Very excited, I love Test cricket, it's my favourite form of the game no doubt. It challenges you in so many different ways," Smith, bubbling with enthusiasm, said on a Zoom call from Adelaide.
"So excited to get back out and play some long-form cricket. It's been close to a year since our last game. Can't wait -- all the boys are really keen to get out there and play as well."
Making it extra special for Smith is that he missed India's historic first Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 when he was serving his 12-month suspension.
"I watched bits and pieces," he said of the tour. "It was difficult sitting on the sidelines and not being able to go out there and make a difference.
"That was the toughest thing for me, knowing that I probably could make a difference if I was out there. So that was hard. But it's an exciting series coming up."
Smith skippered Australia until he was banned over the brazen attempt under his watch to alter the ball with sandpaper in Cape Town.
- Captaincy 'discussions' -
Part of his punishment included a further year-long exile from any leadership role, which expired in March.
He has yet to captain the side again but revealed Thursday "discussions" had taken place, with the issue thrust back into the spotlight at the weekend when Aaron Finch was ruled out of the second Twenty20 against India.
Speculation was rampant that Smith would stand in as skipper, but Matthew Wade instead got the nod.
"For me, I just said I am happy to do whatever is best for the team and that's the same going forward. I do whatever I can for the team," he said.
Both teams face selection problems ahead of Adelaide.
India's opening batsman Rohit Sharma and pace bowler Ishant Sharma are both injured.
Australia will be missing opener David Warner after he injured a groin in the recent white-ball series but young prospect Will Pucovski, who was heavily tipped to replace him, suffered a concussion against India A this week.
Various scenarios have been touted should Pucovski fail to recover, from elevating Marnus Labuschagne or Wade to open, to recalling Marcus Harris or even Usman Khawaja.
Smith said it wouldn't trouble him if Labuschange opened and he was moved up to bat at three from four.
"That doesn't bother me too much, I've batted a fair bit at number three. Three or four, any lower than four and I wouldn't be overly happy, but anywhere out there I'm fine," he said.
Smith, who has played 73 Tests, scoring more than 13,000 runs, including 26 centuries, admitted Warner's absence would be felt.
"I think our depth is obviously going to be tested with Davey out and a few potentially new players coming in, so it's test for us against a good Indian outfit," he said.
"Whoever is out there and in the team, hopefully we all do our job and have a successful summer."
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.
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An Indian soldier stands guard as national flags wave in the background
After the dastardly killing of 25 Hindus by terrorists in Pahalgam, India delivered a devastating blow to Pakistan. It sent the message that India will not tolerate terrorist attacks anymore. However, India seems to have lost the propaganda war. In any battle, propaganda plays a huge role.
There are two interpretations of how the brief conflict was suddenly brought to a close. The Indian interpretation is that the Pakistani commanders urged India to stop the conflict and India agreed. This in itself raises some crucial questions. If the enemy is urging you to stop, why would you? Certainly the great Chanakya's response would be to take full advantage of the enemy's weakness. Did India get any cast-iron guarantees that Pakistan will stop state-sponsored terrorist attacks? Did India ask for the immediate release of Sudhir Kulbushan Yadav who is in a Pakistani jail for nine years on false spying charges?
The Pakistani interpretation is that it was President Trump who brought an end to the conflict. Indeed, Pakistan has proposed that Trump should be given a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the conflict! On a world stage, it looks more plausible that Trump succeeded in putting pressure on India and he is trumpeting his success to the world.
I believe in India's version of events. However, India should show the world the proof by sharing the transcript of the conversation with the Pakistani generals. By not sharing with the world the proof of India's position, it is putting itself at a disadvantage. I for one cannot see any reason to keep the conversation a secret.
India has won every confrontation with Pakistan but at the negotiating table it has always lost out. Thus, the military gains have always been neutralised by Pakistan on the negotiating table. Here is a history of conflicts with Pakistan in which India gave away all the gains at the negotiating table.
In 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar against India. It was designed to infiltrate soldiers into Jammu and Kashmir and cause an uprising. Under international pressure, the then PM Lal Bahadur Shastri went to Tashkent and signed a peace treaty with Pakistan. While there, he died mysteriously.
The treaty called upon both sides not to interfere in each other's affairs. It was not worth the paper it was written on.
In 1971, another war broke out between India and Pakistan. India won the war which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. Even though India won the war, it failed to grasp any long-term gains. Indeed, Bangladesh was quick to ask the Indian army to leave once they had been liberated. The same Bangladesh today has turned against India and is persecuting Hindus.
Following the 1971 war, the then PM Indira Gandhi and Pakistan PM Bhutto signed a Shimla Agreement. Both nations committed to establish peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Again, an agreement not worth the piece of paper it was written on. Indian forces had captured around 15,010 km² (5,795 sq mi) of land during the war but returned it after the Shimla Agreement as a gesture of goodwill.
In 1984, under the Prime Minister of Rajiv Gandhi, the Indian Army launched Operation Meghdoot, a military operation to seize control of the Siachen Glacier. This operation was a preemptive move as it was believed that Pakistan was also planning to take control of the glacier. In spite of the Pakistani attacks, India granted it Most Favoured Nation for trade status in 1996. However, Pakistan did not reciprocate. India withdrew its MFN status to Pakistan following the 2019 Pulwama attack.
On 24 December 1999, Indian Airlines Flight 814, commonly known as IC 814, was hijacked by five members of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. A plan to send in commandos to neutralise terrorists did not materialise. The then PM Vajpayee agreed to release three terrorists in exchange for the release of 160 passengers.
Of the terrorists released, Omar Sheikh went on to finance one of the hijackers of the 9/11 attacks and the kidnap and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl. Maulana Masood Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed, a United Nations designated terrorist organisation. Maulana Masood was the mastermind behind the Parliament attacks in 2001, the 2016 attacks on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, and the killing of CRPF jawans in 2019 in Pulwama. He is responsible for hundreds of Indian deaths.
After the attack on the parliament in 2001, the then PM Vajpayee mobilised the army to attack Pakistan. Once again, due to international pressure, Vajpayee stopped the army.
LeT, the other terrorist organisation co-founded by Hafiz Saeed, is also responsible for many attacks on India. The blasts in Delhi in October 2005 which killed 44, train blasts in 2006 which killed over 200 people, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in November 2008 that claimed 166 lives. The outfit also masterminded the Uri army base attack killing 19 soldiers in September 2016.
For the first time under Prime Minister Modi, India took offensive action. On 29 September 2016, teams of Indian Army Para (Special Forces) crossed the Line of Control into Pakistani-administered Kashmir to attack targets up to a kilometre within territory held by Pakistan. Around 35 to 40 Pakistani soldiers were killed or injured.
Between May and July 1999, a war took place between India and Pakistan after the latter occupied the Indian territory of Kargil. India successfully dislodged the Pakistani occupiers. In the conflict, 527 Indian soldiers were killed and 1,363 wounded. India's Jat Regiment managed to occupy a strategically important mountain peak on the Pakistani side of the LoC near Dras, Point 5070, and subsequently named it Balwan.
In 2010, a bomb blast in a crowded bakery in the city of Pune killed 9 people and wounded 57. Through all this, cultural exchanges were going on between the two countries.
We often talk about how Prithviraj Chouhan defeated Mohammad Ghouri many times and let him go free. However, in 1192, when Ghouri attacked with a larger army, Prithviraj Chouhan was defeated and killed mercilessly.
It seems to me that in spite of wave after waves of attacks from Pakistan, we have given them the opportunity to come back. I am sure Prithviraj Chouhan must be watching from Heaven and thinking that at least they cannot blame him only anymore. “They are doing the same today,” he must think.
With the new bonhomie between Trump and Pakistan, India might have missed a golden opportunity of neutralising Pakistan — instead they have been given a chance to attack India again.
I am a great fan of Modiji. He has transformed India but my love for Hindu Dharma and Mother India compels me to speak out.
(Nitin Mehta is a writer and commentator on Indian culture and philosophy. He has contributed extensively to discussions on Hinduism, spirituality, and the role of Gurus in modern society. You can find more of his work at www.nitinmehta.co.uk.)