England secures a dominant 118-run victory as South Africa’s rain-delay gamesmanship fails to save them.

David Willey was quick to highlight how South Africa’s attempt at time-wasting was thwarted during England’s commanding 118-run win at Old Trafford, which levelled the ODI series at 1-1. The England all-rounder suggested that “Mother Cricket” played a key role in ending the Proteas’ gamesmanship and allowing the match to reach a conclusion.

England’s victory was built on a strong bowling performance, as they bowled South Africa out for just 83, easily chasing down a target of 202 after the visitors’ dramatic collapse to 6 for 4 early in their innings. Although the match was in England’s hands, there was a brief moment of concern when light rain threatened to derail the game, potentially leading to an abandonment that would have deprived the hosts of the chance to claim the series.

Heinrich Klaasen, sensing an opportunity to extend the match, created an artificial delay of eight minutes, raising concerns about a small patch of exposed white at the bottom of the sightscreen. This tactic appeared designed to disrupt play in the hope of a rain delay that would alter the outcome. However, England remained unfazed, and Klaasen’s attempt at gamesmanship only led to frustration within the England camp.

“I think it was pretty clear what they were trying to do,” Willey remarked after the game. “They were hoping for a bit of rain to stick around and force the game into a no-result, allowing them to go to Headingley 1-0 up. But, as it turned out, Mother Cricket had other plans – they lost a few more wickets, and the game was effectively over for them.”

Klaasen’s delay came just before England reached the 20-over mark, which would have rendered the match a completed game and prevented a no-result scenario. When Jos Buttler stumped Klaasen for 33, the end was nigh for South Africa, and England wrapped up the win shortly thereafter.

Willey’s performance with the ball was pivotal in England’s dominant victory. Alongside Reece Topley, he helped dismantle South Africa’s top order in a controlled and clinical bowling display. With several key seamers injured, Willey and Topley have become central figures in England’s bowling attack this summer.

“We knew we had to bowl and field well to put them under pressure,” Willey said. “We managed to keep our foot on their throat and execute the basics well. Reece and I have been going well so far, and it’s been nice to get rewards from pitches that have been bowler-friendly.”

In the aftermath of the defeat, South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius remained philosophical, acknowledging that “bad days at the office” happen, but stressing that the team’s confidence would not be shaken. “Our batting unit has been in great form, and I’m sure they’ll bounce back and not let this defeat affect their performances,” Pretorius said.

With the series now tied, both teams will head to Headingley for the decider, where England will look to take the series lead, buoyed by their commanding win and the resilience shown by their bowlers.

Sport adopts new name to promote inclusivity and move away from author’s controversial stance on gender identity.

The sport of Quidditch is officially rebranding, adopting the new name “Quadball” to distance itself from J.K. Rowling’s controversial remarks on gender identity. The decision comes as part of a wider effort by the sport’s governing bodies to establish a more inclusive and independent identity.

Originally inspired by Rowling’s famous Harry Potter series, Quidditch was first played in the United States in 2005 before becoming a global phenomenon. The name change, confirmed by QuidditchUK (QUK), marks a pivotal moment for the sport, which is played on broomsticks and encourages participation from all genders, including those who identify as trans or non-binary.

QUK described the rebranding as “symbolically and practically significant,” underscoring that it reflects a commitment to creating an inclusive space for players of all identities. The organisation further explained that the change would also provide a stronger legal standing, as well as enhance the sport’s potential for external funding and sponsorship opportunities.

“By shifting away from the association with J.K. Rowling,” said the governing body, “we are reaffirming our commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. This is about securing a future for Quadball that aligns with the values we hold dear: inclusivity and respect for all players, regardless of race, gender, or background.”

The name change follows criticism of J.K. Rowling for her public comments on transgender issues, which many have deemed transphobic, though the author has denied these accusations. Last year, both US Quidditch (USQ) and Major League Quidditch (MLQ) conducted surveys to gauge the opinion of players and stakeholders, ultimately leading to the decision to rename the sport.

For years, the Quidditch community has been committed to diversity, and players have argued that the sport’s previous name was at odds with these values in light of Rowling’s ongoing remarks. In a statement, QUK said: “We cannot continue to call ourselves Quidditch while remaining linked to an individual who perpetuates harmful and exclusionary views that hurt our trans athletes, volunteers, and supporters.”

The name “Quadball” was chosen by USQ after considering various options, and QUK expressed its support for the change, with rebranding efforts set to take place later this year. Among the changes, players can expect a new name for the ball used in the game. The shift is expected to open up more opportunities for the sport’s growth and expansion beyond its ties to the Harry Potter franchise.

With nearly 600 teams now participating in over 40 countries, the sport has grown significantly since its inception. The International Quidditch Association (IQA) will also be adopting the new name, solidifying the global shift towards Quadball.

Chris Lau, Chairman of the IQA Board of Trustees, expressed his excitement about the rebrand: “This is a historic moment for our sport. We’re confident that the transition to Quadball will bring new opportunities and help the sport continue to grow and thrive. I’m thrilled to be a part of this pivotal change.”

A civil rights icon and former NAACP president, Spearman’s death marks the loss of a passionate advocate for justice.

Rev. T. Anthony Spearman, a prominent civil rights advocate and former president of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP, has been found dead at the age of 71, his attorney confirmed on Wednesday. Mark Cummings, a Greensboro-based lawyer representing Spearman, shared that the civil rights leader passed away on Tuesday, though he did not provide further details regarding the cause of death.

Spearman, a well-known figure in both the local and national civil rights movements, was also the former president of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Described by his attorney as “a drum major for justice,” Spearman’s life and work mirrored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “He saw the good in everyone, even those who criticized him, always finding a way to see the best in people,” Cummings stated.

The late civil rights leader’s family released a heartfelt tribute, describing him as “a man of strong conviction who loved his family with every ounce of his being.” No further comments were made by the family at this time.

Bishop William J. Barber, who succeeded Spearman as president of the North Carolina NAACP and currently serves as president of Repairers of the Breach, issued a statement mourning the loss. “I have lost a true brother in the struggle,” Barber said. “We have lost a scholar, a preacher, and a defender of voting rights, prison reform, and justice for the wrongfully accused. His efforts should be cherished.”

Spearman had faced recent controversies, including a suspension from the NAACP by the organisation’s national leadership approximately five months ago. This followed his filing of a 28-page lawsuit in June, in which he accused national NAACP President Derrick Johnson and other high-ranking officials of defamation and civil conspiracy. Spearman claimed that his support for a woman who accused a state NAACP member of sexual harassment led to an effort to oust him from his position. The lawsuit also implied that these actions were part of a wider campaign of retribution.

The individual at the centre of the harassment allegations, Rev. Curtis Gatewood, declined to confirm or deny the accusations but expressed forgiveness for Spearman’s role in the conflict. On Facebook, Gatewood wrote, “I forgave him,” adding that while they disagreed on several matters, “I loved the brother.”

Rev. Spearman’s death marks the end of a remarkable career dedicated to civil rights and social justice, leaving a void in the movement that will be felt by many across the state and beyond.

Sarina Wiegman’s tactical changes spark a thrilling 2-1 win over Spain, propelling the Lionesses into the last four.

England’s women delivered a stirring 2-1 victory over Spain after extra time, advancing to the semi-finals of the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro Championship. Substitute Ella Toone levelled the score late in regular time, and Georgia Stanway fired a stunning 96th-minute winner to secure a memorable comeback that defied expectations and set up a clash with either Sweden or Belgium in Sheffield next week.

The result marks a defining moment for the Lionesses, a victory that not only pushes them closer to European glory but also has the potential to ignite further growth in women’s football across the nation.

For the first 84 minutes, the match followed a familiar script for the England team, as they were outplayed by a technically superior Spain. The Spanish side, led by Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, controlled possession and displayed their trademark slick passing game. Despite England’s best efforts, they were outclassed in every area, with Spain taking the lead through a composed 55th-minute finish by Esther Gonzalez.

Spain’s attacking move began when Athenea Del Castillo danced past Rachel Daly in the box, cutting the ball back for Gonzalez to score from close range. England struggled to break down their opponents and could only manage one shot on target until the dramatic final moments.

However, as the match approached its dying moments, England found new life. The breakthrough came from a well-worked set-piece. Toone, on as a substitute, latched onto a precise knockdown from Alessia Russo to volley home the equaliser, sending the Amex Stadium into raptures.

With Spain tiring, England seized control, and in the 96th minute, Stanway delivered a match-winning strike from 20 yards, firing a powerful shot across goalkeeper Sandra Paños to seal the victory.

The dramatic turnaround is a testament to the resilience of the Lionesses, overturning a one-goal deficit and rewriting the usual narrative of English teams struggling against more technically polished opponents at the business end of a tournament. England’s thrilling comeback is a stark contrast to the more typical fate of English teams in similar situations, where a lack of depth or tactical nous often leads to a collapse under pressure.

The turning point in the match came when Sarina Wiegman, with England trailing 1-0, made a bold decision to substitute her three most likely sources of a goal. Off came Beth Mead, the tournament’s top scorer; Ellen White, the Lionesses’ record goal-scorer; and playmaker Fran Kirby, who had contributed to key goals earlier in the competition.

In their place came Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, and Ella Toone, with the match hanging in the balance. Wiegman’s gamble paid off handsomely, as Russo’s header laid the ball off for Toone to volley in the equaliser, igniting the crowd. Had the substitutes not made an impact, questions would surely have been asked about Wiegman’s decisions, but instead, the change was hailed as another masterstroke from the Dutch manager, showcasing her tactical brilliance and England’s incredible strength in depth.

While Stanway and Toone will rightly dominate the headlines, the standout performance came from England’s centre-back Millie Bright. The Chelsea defender was a rock at the heart of the defence, playing one of her finest matches in an England shirt. Bright repeatedly thwarted Spain’s attacking threats, showing immense resilience and composure under pressure.

England’s defence has been one of the highlights of their campaign, with Esther Gonzalez’s goal marking the first they’ve conceded in four matches. Wiegman’s decision to move captain Leah Williamson into the defensive line, breaking up Bright’s partnership with Alex Greenwood, continues to pay off, with Bright’s performances proving invaluable to the team’s success.

With their place in the semi-finals secured, England will now look to build on this remarkable victory and take another step towards Euro 2022 glory.

In light of sweltering temperatures, Prince Charles stresses the importance of national commitments to achieve net zero and tackle the climate emergency.

Amid a scorching heatwave that has seen temperatures exceed 38°C, Prince Charles has called for urgent action on climate change, declaring that tackling the crisis is “utterly essential” for the future of the UK and the world. Speaking at an outdoor event to mark his 70 years as Duke of Cornwall, Charles emphasised that national commitments to achieving net zero have never been more crucial.

The country is grappling with extreme heat, which has led to school closures, reduced train services, and increased pressure on emergency services, as ambulance crews face a rise in 999 calls. On Monday, temperatures hit 38.1°C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, marking the hottest day of the year, with many other locations across the country also exceeding 37°C.

Charles, who has long been a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, reiterated his call for decisive action, stressing that climate change is no longer just a topic for discussion. “If I may say so,” he remarked, “commitments around net zero have never been more vitally important, as we all swelter under today’s alarming record temperatures across Britain and Europe.”

He went on to state that “the climate crisis is a genuine emergency,” and that urgent measures are necessary, not just for Cornwall and the UK, but for the entire planet. “Tackling it is utterly essential,” he concluded.

This call for action comes at a time when the UK, and much of Europe, is enduring its hottest summer on record, with temperatures soaring well beyond typical seasonal averages. In the lead-up to the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), Charles famously told delegates that the world could no longer afford to delay meaningful climate action, urging governments and industries to turn commitments into tangible results.

In a related development, Alok Sharma, the former COP26 President, has indicated that he may resign if the incoming UK Prime Minister does not commit fully to the net-zero agenda. Sharma, in an interview with The Observer, suggested that some candidates in the Tory leadership race have been “lukewarm” in their stance on climate change, making it a leadership issue.

Charles also took the opportunity to highlight the sustainable practices underway in Nansledan, an eco-friendly development in Newquay, Cornwall. The project, on land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, aims to meet ambitious net zero carbon targets. “We have made progress in the development of Nansledan, as well as in the Duchy’s regenerative agricultural practices, by working closely with tenants, suppliers, and the people of Cornwall,” Charles noted, underlining the importance of collaboration in addressing the climate challenge.

In a more light-hearted moment, the Prince recalled an amusing experience from a visit to the Royal Cornwall Show, where he inadvertently followed a deaf chairman to the wrong tent, ending up in the lavatory section instead of the bee exhibit.

The couple also took the time to visit the village of Mousehole, near Penzance, where the temperatures were a cool 10°C lower than the sweltering 38°C in London. Camilla, carrying a parasol, joked with locals about the difference in climate, quipping, “I think I’m going to take off like Mary Poppins.”

As they continue their tour of Cornwall and Devon to mark 70 years since Charles became the Duke of Cornwall, the Prince’s message remains clear: the time to act on climate change is now, and the world must rise to meet the challenge.

In his last scheduled Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister will review the UK’s handling of Covid and the heatwave’s strain on services, while acknowledging the NHS’s resilience.

Boris Johnson is preparing to hold what is expected to be his final scheduled Cabinet meeting as Prime Minister, with a focus on two major issues: the ongoing heatwave and a significant milestone in the UK’s Covid response. The Prime Minister is set to reflect on the nation’s vaccination success, the resilience of public services, and the ongoing pressure faced by the NHS amidst the extreme summer temperatures.

Johnson, whose tenure has been marred by controversies and a steep decline in public support, will also mark a year since England reached Step Four of the government’s Covid roadmap. This stage saw most of the remaining pandemic restrictions lifted, allowing the economy to reopen fully. Ministers will revisit the vaccination rollout, hailed as one of the UK’s major successes in the fight against Covid, as well as the NHS’s performance during the heatwave, with both topics being key discussion points for the meeting.

The Prime Minister is expected to highlight the country’s global leadership in rolling out vaccines, stating: “We were the first to deliver approved vaccines and, thanks to the work of our scientists, the NHS, and the volunteers who administered millions of doses, we built a formidable wall of protection, enabling us to safely reopen our economy.”

Despite rising Covid cases across the UK, Downing Street pointed to the continued effectiveness of the booster campaign, noting that while cases have increased, there has not been a corresponding surge in hospital admissions or fatalities. The Prime Minister is likely to encourage anyone eligible for the spring Covid booster to come forward. Statistics released recently revealed a sharp rise in Covid infections, with some regions approaching the levels seen earlier in the year. Hospital admissions are also on the rise, driven largely by the spread of the newer Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5.

In a sombre reflection, Johnson will acknowledge the toll Covid has taken on lives, offering condolences to those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic. He is expected to say: “One year on from reopening, we can take pride in what our NHS and nation have achieved. Without our remarkable scientists, clinicians, and the millions who stepped up to be vaccinated, our journey would have been far more difficult.”

Turning to the current heatwave, Downing Street assured the public that the NHS is managing well, despite the intense weather. The government has taken precautions, including reducing services and speed limits on transport networks to mitigate the impact. According to the Prime Minister’s official spokesman, the Cobra meeting earlier in the day received updates from public sector teams, including those handling health, transport, and education. He noted that no significant disruptions had yet been reported, with schools remaining open and the NHS continuing to cope with the pressure.

As Johnson approaches the end of his leadership, this meeting will serve as a moment to reflect on the UK’s progress in both health and crisis management, with many eyes now on his final decisions before he steps down.

The Texas House report reveals a disorganised law enforcement response, poor school security, and missed warning signs leading up to the tragic events at Robb Elementary School.

The long-awaited Texas House report into the tragic Robb Elementary School shooting on May 24, which resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers, paints a damning picture of law enforcement’s chaotic and ineffective response. The report sheds light on multiple lapses in security protocols, missteps in coordination among officers, and missed opportunities to prevent the attack, painting a broader picture of systemic failures than previously understood.

Ineffective and Disorganised Law Enforcement Response
The report highlights a response that was both massive in scale and utterly disorganised. Nearly 400 law enforcement officers, including local, state, and federal agents, arrived at the scene but failed to take decisive action. After the shooter crashed his truck and entered the school, the situation devolved into more than an hour of inaction, despite multiple 911 calls from inside classrooms and urgent pleas from parents outside. “At Robb Elementary, law enforcement responders failed to adhere to their active shooter training and failed to prioritise saving innocent lives,” the report stated.

While much of the blame has been directed at Pete Arredondo, the Uvalde school district’s police chief, the report spreads responsibility across all responding agencies. Arredondo failed to take charge of the situation, and no one else stepped up to assume command, resulting in a “chaotic atmosphere” on the scene. Early responders attempted to breach the classrooms but were pushed back by gunfire, and the officers misclassified the situation as a “barricaded shooter” rather than an “active shooter,” severely delaying their response.

A key factor contributing to the lack of urgency was the high frequency of school lockdowns in the area. These were mostly triggered by human trafficking incidents, which led to the false assumption that the alert was not a serious threat. The report suggests that this desensitisation to lockdown alarms may have dulled the readiness of both school officials and law enforcement to respond appropriately.

School Security Failures
The report also addresses the critical failure of the school’s security measures, particularly regarding the doors. Robb Elementary had a history of issues with door locks, and the school’s culture of noncompliance around basic security measures played a fatal role. The door the shooter used to gain access to the building was not properly secured, and one of the classroom doors was known to be faulty by several staff members and students. However, no repairs were made, and the door was left unaddressed, leaving it vulnerable to the attack.

Warning Signs from the Shooter
In the months leading up to the attack, the shooter exhibited numerous signs of violent behaviour, which were largely ignored by those around him. He had developed an interest in violent online content and had a history of threatening behaviour. He was known to have become obsessed with school shootings, even adopting the moniker “school shooter” on an online platform. Despite multiple warning signs, including violent behaviour and estrangement from his family, the shooter legally acquired firearms in the days leading up to the attack.

The report reveals that several family members knew about the shooter’s troubled behaviour and attempts to buy guns, but no one took action to intervene. In an online conversation just days before the attack, he ominously wrote, “10 more days.”

Role of Border Patrol Officers
While much of the focus initially fell on local and state law enforcement agencies, the report also notes the involvement of the U.S. Border Patrol, which had 149 officers at the scene—the largest contingent of any agency. Despite the Border Patrol’s presence, many of its officers, including those in the tactical unit that eventually took down the shooter, were delayed in taking action. The commander of the Border Patrol tactical team waited for a bulletproof shield and a working key to the classroom door, despite reports that the door may not have needed the key. The report further revealed that none of the Border Patrol agents involved in opening the door were wearing body cameras, which further hampered the investigation.

The report raises critical questions about the effectiveness and coordination of the law enforcement response to the attack, with implications for how similar situations will be handled in the future.

The Foreign Secretary’s attire at Channel 4’s debate draws comparisons to the former Prime Minister’s iconic 1979 look.

Liz Truss was quickly noticed on social media for appearing to recreate a look worn by Margaret Thatcher during a 1979 election broadcast. The Foreign Secretary chose a black blazer paired with a white shirt and a prominent bow tie, strikingly similar to the outfit Thatcher wore in her famous 1979 campaign broadcast.

Twitter users immediately pointed out the resemblance, with many commenting on the fashion choice. One tweet, which gained over 4,500 likes, noted: “Liz Truss has recreated Margaret Thatcher’s appearance from her 1979 election broadcast down to the last detail.” Another joked: “Liz Truss’s Margaret Thatcher Tribute Act is available for hire.”

Truss was participating in the first live televised debate for the Conservative leadership, alongside fellow candidates Tom Tugendhat, Rishi Sunak, Kemi Badenoch, and Penny Mordaunt. Hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, the debate provided a platform for Truss to defend her political stance and discuss key issues.

When asked about her commitment to integrity and honesty, Truss responded: “I stood by Boris Johnson, of course, I raised issues with him in private, but I supported him for the leadership election. I was part of his Cabinet and I owed him my loyalty.”

She also appeared to take a veiled dig at Rishi Sunak’s economic record. In her concluding remarks, Truss said: “We face grave challenges as a country, the worst economic crisis for a generation, an appalling war perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine, after decades of very slow growth. Now is not the time for a continuity of our current economic policy. We need to be bold, we need to do things differently, we need to cut taxes, we need to unleash growth, and we need to unleash the potential of all of the people across our great country.”

Her Thatcher-inspired outfit and fiery rhetoric have sparked further discussions as Truss positions herself as a bold alternative to the current economic policies under Johnson’s leadership.

A roundup of the most significant statements made during the first televised debate in the Tory leadership race.

During the first televised debate in the Conservative leadership race, candidates shared a range of striking quotes that gave insight into their political views and personal values.

Penny Mordaunt responded to attacks on her candidacy with confidence, saying, “We are all responsible for our own campaigns and I take it as a big fat compliment that no-one wants to run against me.” She also strongly affirmed her identity, stating, “I’m a woman, I’m a biological woman, if I had a mastectomy I would still be a woman – I’m a biological woman in every cell in my body.”

Liz Truss, when questioned about criticisms aimed at Mordaunt, retorted, “I’m running an entirely positive campaign which is about the great challenges we face and what we need to do to deliver for the people of Britain because we are facing a cost-of-living crisis, families are struggling.”

Tom Tugendhat, asked if Boris Johnson is an honest man, simply answered with a direct “No.” He also joked about the NHS, replying to a woman in the audience, “You’ve also given me two children,” before quickly adding, “Not you personally, of course.” Tugendhat further stood out with his remark: “It’s easy to stand up to your enemies – it’s sometimes harder to stand up to your friends,” which many on social media linked to a line from the Harry Potter series.

Kemi Badenoch, reflecting on her vision for Britain, stated, “Why should the public trust us? We haven’t exactly covered ourselves in glory and it has, on occasion, looked like we were doing this for ourselves.” She also spoke personally about her experience, sharing, “Energy is a subject that worries me a lot, I grew up in Nigeria where there were blackouts every single day, there still are. I know what it’s like not to be able to turn on the light, so it terrifies me seeing how high bills are going.”

Rishi Sunak emphasised fiscal responsibility, telling the audience, “I don’t think the responsible thing to do right now is launch into some unfunded spree of borrowing and more debt, that will just make inflation worse, it will make the problem longer.” He also shared a personal moment about his family, stating, “I have two young girls and they’re not massively bothered about my job (but) the one thing they ask me about is the environment.”

In a sharp exchange, Sunak accused Truss of not having a sound economic plan, saying, “Borrowing your way out of inflation isn’t a plan, it’s a fairytale.” Truss, in turn, responded, “I think it is wrong to put taxes up,” and defended her stance on funding Covid-related measures, saying, “I support the extra money, I just don’t support the way we funded it. I support spreading the Covid debt over a longer period of time.”

These key quotes from the debate reflect the intense and competitive nature of the Tory leadership race as candidates position themselves on various critical issues.

From Ukraine’s frontlines to Portugal’s wildfire battle and Canada’s music festival, this gallery captures significant global events.

From soldiers seeking shelter on the frontlines near Kharkiv in Ukraine, to a man desperately using a tree branch to hold back a raging wildfire in Portugal, to music lovers gathering in vast numbers at the Festival d’été de Quebec in Canada, which is drawing over a million people across 11 days, this collection of images offers a glimpse into some of the most striking moments from the past week around the globe.

Curated by AP photo editor Anita Baca in Mexico City, these photographs, captured or published by The Associated Press, reflect the diverse and often intense stories shaping our world during the week of July 9-15, 2022.