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Cricket World Cup 2023 final: India v Australia – preview, expected line-ups and prediction

Jon Fisher
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Cricket World Cup 2023 final: India v Australia – preview, expected line-ups and prediction

The State of Play

After six weeks of interesting, rather than pulsating, action, the Cricket World Cup comes to a close on Sunday with hosts India taking on five-time champions Australia.
Rohit Sharma’s India have blazed a trail through the tournament, winning every one of their 10 games, including a six-wicket triumph over Australia on October 8. Their top-order has looked ominous – particularly Virat Kohli – while their pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have decimated opposing batting line-ups. Add in an expected turning pitch that could see Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav become central figures in the final, and they make a compelling case.

Australia are on an unbeaten run of their own, having won their last eight matches to secure a place in the showpiece on Sunday in Ahmedabad. There is a hint of “seen it, done it” about this team that ought to make India wary. Opener David Warner continues to produce and his partnership with Travis Head is key. And in captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc they posses a pace attack to rival India’s.

It ought to be an absorbing final.

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Team News

It seems inconceivable that India will make changes to the side that saw off New Zealand in the semi-finals. The only poser for coach Rahul Dravid is the pitch and whether he calls up Ravichandran Ashwin, who has played just once in the tournament so far. The problem comes in who to drop so expect India to go with their tried and trusted.

It’s a similar story for Australia, who are expected to name an unchanged XI. The dilemma before the semi-final was the choice between Marnus Labuschagne and Marcus Stoinis. And while Labuschagne only managed a stodgy 18 from 31 balls against South Africa, he seems likely to retain his place with Australia going in with their strongest possible batting line-up.

Expected Line-ups

India: Sharma (c), Gill, Kohli, Iyer, Rahul (wk), S Yadav, Jadeja, Bumrah, Shami, K Yadav, Siraj

Australia: Head, Warner, Marsh, Smith, Labuschagne, Maxwell, Inglis (wk), Starc, Cummins (c), Zampa, Hazlewood

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What They Said

Former India all-rounder and coach Ravi Shastri on Sunday’s final
“They [India] are playing at home, and it’s a very experienced side. They don’t need to do anything different. They should be holding that cup very soon. They just need to be composed and calm, handling and soaking in the pressure. You don’t want to be excited just because it’s a final. You know what your roles are, and the good thing is this team doesn’t depend on one or two players. There are eight or nine players performing game after game, so that’s a brilliant sign.”

Australia bowler Josh Hazlewood on what he learned from their previous meeting in the tournament
“We know them inside out, same with them. They’re a quality team, they’ve been on a march the whole tournament, no real weaknesses in their team, so, yeah, looking forward to playing them on Sunday. I guess we saw a few cracks when we played them in Chennai chasing a small target, we were lucky enough to get a couple early.”

Prediction

India have conquered all before them in this tournament so far but it’s now crunch time. They carry the hopes of a nation desperate for World Cup success, with prime minister Narendra Modi set to be in attendance, and the favourites’ tag weighing heavy around their neck. Australia can go in relatively stress free and that might just prove crucial. The Aussies have a knack of winning when it really matters and I think they might just edge it.

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Las Vegas Grand Prix: Ferrari’s Leclerc tops delayed practice on difficult opening night

Harry Carr
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Las Vegas Grand Prix: Ferrari’s Leclerc tops delayed practice on difficult opening night

Charles Leclerc topped a delayed Practice Two at the Las Vegas Grand Prix as Ferrari ended a difficult opening night at the event on a high note.

The opening practice session, which began at 8:30pm local time on Thursday, ran for less than nine minutes before Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Sainz hit a damaged manhole cover, leading to a red flag and a full cancellation.

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur called the incident “unacceptable” as Sainz’s car suffered extensive damage to the chassis, engine and battery, and things got worse for the team thereafter.

The need to replace Sainz’s power unit energy store took him over the limit for penalty-free parts for that area this year, and despite Ferrari’s protestations, he will take a 10-place grid penalty into the race.

Practice Two finally began after fans were told to head home due to safety concerns on a problematic night for Formula One, with the extended 90-minute session not finishing until 4am local time on Friday morning.

When it did, Ferrari posted a one-two with Leclerc recording a 1:35.265 on the soft tyre, with Sainz in second and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso third.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the session, Leclerc said: “It looks good for now. I like the track, it’s fun to drive like all street tracks, but this one is a good one.

“We look quite strong for now. It’s difficult to understand exactly where we are in terms of race pace. We still have to work and try to take a step forward tomorrow, but it’s a good start.”

Others were less impressed with the track, which forms part of an estimated $500million investment in the Vegas event from F1’s owners Liberty Media. Asked whether he enjoyed the delayed practice after coming in sixth, world champion Max Verstappen said: “No.

“I’ve had better tracks in my life. I already said that on Thursday. There was nothing new that I discovered or whatever, so I just get on with it.”

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was back in ninth, and despite the delays, the seven-time world champion was full of praise for the circuit.

“It’s incredibly fast and a lot of fun,” Hamilton said. “I had so much fun today, I’m so glad we got to run again. Not a good FP1 but they did a good job to fix it.

“The car is okay. When we are all out on similar tyres we are not too far off. Everyone is having graining and people are running out of tyres, but everyone is in a similar boat.

“I had a blast. Everyone is struggling with jet lag and all that stuff and I feel great! I just watched a movie in between the break and I feel great, ready to go again.”

Police urge caution to avoid online shopping fraud

Helen Greaney
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Police urge caution to avoid online shopping fraud

Sixty-five people reported being victims of online shopping fraud in Greater Manchester last week.

On the run up to Christmas police are urging shoppers keen to grab a bargain, to take caution and be sure they know who they are purchasing goods from.

The average loss per online shopping fraud last week was around £200 per person.

The most common types of online shopping fraud

Officers say purchases on Facebook marketplace where people are paying upfront before receiving the item, then fail to receive their purchase are very common. The item is either  an empty box or something completely different to the purchased item.

Many purchases of high value goods on Instagram, such as trainers and handbags, are also turning out to be fake once delivered.

GMP’s Economic Crime Unit is combatting this issue ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday by ensuring specialist teams are working with communities across Greater Manchester in November and December to hand out crime prevention advice.

Officers are also working with City of London Police to ensure that any fraudulent websites are disrupted and taken down.

Detective inspector Jill Billington of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said, “We understand that because of the rising cost of living, people are trying to get the most from their money and save where they can.

“This year’s Christmas season will add pressure on people at an already expensive time of year.

“With retailers already cutting prices for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, it is easy to rush into making a purchase to try and grab a bargain as quickly as possible, but we want people to stop and think before buying.

“Please don’t forget, criminals still operate at this time of year and will take the opportunity to try and get you to part with your money. We want to ensure Greater Manchester is protected from this crime type and work together to stop this heinous offence.”

Police say you should make sure you know where and who you are buying from, and use a credit card to offer protection, should things go wrong.

While its figures show that people aged 25-34 years old are most likely to fall victim to an online shopping scam, fraud can affect anyone of any age.

How to report online shopping fraud

Fraud is a serious crime. If you suspect it, you must report it.

  • If you, or someone you know is vulnerable to fraud please report it online or call us on 101.
  • For more information and help or to report these and many other types of fraud, go to Action Fraud.
  • If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud you can find further advice from Victim Support.

Police appeal for information following armed robbery in Bury

Helen Greaney
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Police appeal for information following armed robbery in Bury

Detectives are seeking information following an armed robbery at a shop in Bury.

The incident occurred in a shop on Blackburn Road, at around 1.50pm on November 12.

A member of staff was threatened with a meat clever before the offender left with the store till.

Officers are following up numerous lines of enquiries to establish a full timeline of events and are now in a position in their investigation to appeal to the public for assistance.

Traumatic

Detective sergeant Culleton of GMP’s Bury CID, said: “Thankfully no one was harmed during this incident but it was an incredibly traumatic experience for the shop staff and customers who were in the store at the time.

“We are following all available lines of enquiry to identify the man in the image as he may be able to assist enquiries, we are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and saw anyone acting suspiciously either before or after the incident or have seen a discarded Casio store till or meat cleaver to get in touch with us.

“Anyone with information, no matter how small, should get in touch with police by calling 0161 856 1173 quoting log number 1613 of 12/11/23 or alternatively by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Knutsford waste management company’s plea to overcome recycling rate plateau

Helen Greaney
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Knutsford waste management company’s plea to overcome recycling rate plateau

Despite efforts made by local councils to enhance household waste recycling, recycling rates have reached a stagnant point, according to new data.

Recycling and waste management company CRJ Services’ analysed seven years of waste collection data (dry recycling, residual waste, organic waste, and food waste) from the 10 largest councils by population in the UK.

The  shows that certain regions have even witnessed an increase in the disposal of waste in landfills or through incineration methods.

In 2021/22 across the ten largest councils by population, 508,657 tonnes of waste was recycled – the equivalent of six Taj Mahals.

Waste recycled

  • Leeds City Council: 72,196 tonnes
  • Birmingham City Council: 67,544 tonnes
  • Manchester City Council: 65,346 tonnes 
  • Bristol City Council: 55,089 tonnes
  • Liverpool City Council: 52,515 tonnes
  • Bradford Metropolitan District Council: 46,423 tonnes
  • London Borough of Croydon: 44,437 tonnes
  • Sheffield City Council: 42,225 tonnes
  • London Borough of Barnet: 39,525 tonnes
  • Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council: 23,357 tonnes

The report launches in light of the National Infrastructure Commission recently calling on the government to “urgently implement” waste legislation needed to achieve a 65% recycling rate by 2035.

Consistent approach required

CRJ Services is now calling for local authorities to establish a consistent approach to tackling recycling across regions and support consumers in understanding more about how to recycle their household waste.

Budget cuts and funding restrictions have forced many local authorities to charge for recycling collection. Analysis from CRJ Services shows that charging households appears to reduce the amount of recycling collected overall, putting local authorities in a challenging position to meet recycling targets.

Lack of understanding

Rob Symons, operations director of CRJ, said: “Local authorities are facing difficult decisions and in many cases, are having to sacrifice practices that would encourage effective recycling in order to stay afloat – illustrated by our findings.

“While people are getting better at recycling, there’s still a lack of understanding, knowledge and even care when it comes down to where to discard of your household waste.

“Private companies, especially manufacturers, have the power to reshape consumer behaviour and enhance recycling efforts without incurring substantial expenses. Whether it involves enhancing consumer awareness regarding packaging, or introducing recycling incentives, companies have the capacity to foster a genuine shift in individuals’ waste-consciousness.”

 

The Wow Effect Revitalises Its Digital Hub for Small Business Empowerment

News Desk
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The Wow Effect Revitalises Its Digital Hub for Small Business Empowerment

The Wow Effect, a pioneering venture in the small business support sector, is gearing up to re-launch its virtual business emporium and online networking platform. Rooted in over ten years of entrepreneurial expertise, the platform is strategically designed to deliver streamlined, profitable solutions for small businesses.

The journey of founder Nadine La Reine is a narrative of resilience and unwavering determination, overcoming daunting challenges, including severe domestic abuse and episodes of suicidal thoughts. Nadine’s path to self-empowerment began after escaping a life-threatening situation during pregnancy, leading her to a path of self-discovery and empowerment.

Emerging from these dark experiences, Nadine embodies resilience and a deep-seated belief in endless possibilities. Her journey over the past 14 years includes single-handedly raising two children with complex needs and venturing into various entrepreneurial roles, such as cleaning, decorating, and interior design.

The Wow Effect, initiated during the 2020 lockdown, initially offered virtual networking events. Evolving with client demand, it now includes a ‘pick and mix’ virtual business emporium, providing various software solutions to enhance small business growth.

As The Wow Effect expands its services and membership options in 2024, Nadine’s commitment to simplifying business operations for small enterprises remains unwavering. The platform is user-friendly for all, offering tools like digital magazines, chatbots, Google review collections, and web development, all aimed at boosting business productivity and time efficiency.

Nadine La Reine leverages her personal experiences to assist others in their business pursuits. Her approach to client interaction emphasises creativity, empathy, and active listening. The Wow Effect is a reflection of Nadine’s dedication to empowering fellow entrepreneurs.

In her words, Nadine shares, “Admittedly a work in progress, I want to use my different life experiences to help others. Creativity, the ability to convert a brief into delivery, empathy, and active listening to extract key brief factors are crucial. At The Wow Effect, I am the brand, and I encourage everyone to buy into themselves because it’s essential.”

For more information about The Wow Effect and its business support services, visit woweffect.co.uk.

Manchester City await news on Haaland ankle injury

Jon Fisher
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Manchester City await news on Haaland ankle injury

Manchester City will keep a close eye on Erling Haaland’s fitness after the striker twisted his ankle in Norway’s 2-0 friendly win over the Faroe Islands last night.

Haaland came on as a half-time substitute but went down late on after lunging towards a cross at the far post, seemingly getting his ankle trapped underneath his body. He carried on after treatment but Norway doctor Ola Sand confirmed he would be monitored again today.

Sand told TV2: “It was the same that happened against Bournemouth, he has had it before too.

“He gets a slight twist in his ankle, where he is a bit vulnerable. It hurts a lot right away, and then it goes away pretty quickly.

“We’ll see tomorrow how he is. Now he will receive some treatment, he’ll rest and then we will see how he is tomorrow morning.”

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It is unlikely City boss Pep Guardiola will be enamoured at the news his star striker has suffered a recurrence of the problem that forced his half-time withdrawal against Bournemouth on November 4.

City’s first game back after the international break is a lunchtime clash a week on Saturday against title rivals Liverpool at the Eithad.

Las Vegas Grand Prix: First practice cancelled after manhole cover damages Sainz’s car

Harry Carr
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Las Vegas Grand Prix: First practice cancelled after manhole cover damages Sainz’s car

The Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend got off to a calamitous start with the opening practice session being cancelled after a loose manhole cover damaged Carlos Sainz’s car.

Thursday’s first practice was halted just nine minutes in when Sainz’s Ferrari suffered significant damage after hitting the manhole cover.

Esteban Ocon’s Alpine was also damaged under the resulting red flag when he collided with debris left by the Sainz incident.

The decision was subsequently taken to cancel the session, with second practice also being pushed back by two hours subject to engineers completing the necessary works to repair the track. The FIA also confirmed that session would be extended to 90 minutes.

The incident is a major embarrassment for Formula One’s owners Liberty Media, who have invested an estimated $500million to make the first race in Las Vegas since 1982 – the last time the Caesars Palace Grand Prix formed part of the schedule – a reality.

An FIA statement said: “Following inspection, it was the concrete frame around a manhole cover that has failed.

“We now need to check all of the other manhole covers, which will take some time.”

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur said Sainz’s car had suffered damage to the chassis, engine and battery and would not be ready for the second session, fuming in a press conference: “The show is the show and everything is going well, but it’s just unacceptable for F1 today.

“The show is mega and I am very happy with what Liberty did around the race, but we have to separate the show and the sporting side.

“The opening ceremony was something mega in F1 but it is not because you are doing this that you don’t have to do the job on the sporting side. You can do the show and do a good job on the sporting side.”

Sitting alongside Vasseur, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff defended the event and reacted angrily to suggestions the incident was a “black eye” for F1.

“That is not a black eye, this is nothing. We are on Thursday night, we have a free practice session one that we’re not doing,” he said.

“They’re going to seal the drain covers, and nobody’s going to talk about that tomorrow morning anymore. It’s completely ridiculous, completely ridiculous.

“FP1… how can you even dare trying to talk bad about the event that sets the new standards, new standards for everything?

“Have you ever spoken good about someone and written a good word? You should, about all these people that have been out here. Liberty has done an awesome job and just because a drain cover has become undone, we shouldn’t be moaning.

“The car is broken. That’s really a shame for Carlos. It could have been dangerous. So between the FIA and the track, everybody needs to analyse how we can make sure that this is not happening again.

“But talking here about a black eye for the sport on a Thursday evening… nobody watches that in European time anyway.”

Behind the Glamour: Model Chloe Amour Talks Body Confidence

News Desk
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Behind the Glamour: Model Chloe Amour Talks Body Confidence

Chloe Amour, an acclaimed model with a substantial following of over 2.1 million on Instagram (@realchloeamour), is openly discussing her struggles with body confidence, despite receiving widespread admiration online. Freya Coombes explores Chloe’s journey, highlighting the model’s personal challenges and victories, and the empowering effect of sharing her experiences on social media.

Based in Los Angeles, 32-year-old Chloe Amour has garnered attention for her striking appearance and significant online presence. Despite frequent praise from her followers, she confesses to ongoing self-esteem issues, a sentiment echoed by many women. Chloe, once reliant on fillers to augment her looks, has recently chosen to reverse these enhancements.

In an insightful conversation with NudePR, Chloe Amour talks about the cathartic experience of sharing her personal journey with the online community. “I may be a model, but I have body issues just like other women,” she reveals. Chloe reflects on her evolution from facing criticism in her younger years for being thin to finding empowerment and a sense of allure through posting provocative images online.

Chloe speaks openly about her past insecurities and the difficulties she faced in her youth. “People have always seen beauty in me since I was young, but I didn’t become more comfortable with it until adulthood,” she says. She also touches upon the loss of friendships due to envy, which further impacted her self-confidence and made everyday activities challenging.

In 2020, Chloe embraced a fuller figure after gaining 20lbs. While initially struggling with her new shape, she now celebrates her body, thanks to the positive reinforcement from her audience. However, she acknowledges that she still battles negative self-perceptions and body dysmorphia occasionally.

Chloe also discusses her experiences in dating, underlining the significance of self-appreciation in finding true affection and acceptance. “I realised, how can I find love if I can’t love myself?” she muses.

Now, Chloe Amour aspires to motivate others to accept and love their bodies and imperfections. She advises, “I sometimes struggle to love my body, but I have accepted no one is perfect. You should try to love yourself, as others see you as beautiful.”

Her story underscores the complexity of body confidence in today’s digital age and the vital role of self-love in navigating personal challenges.

Southgate: Gordon ‘very close’ to England call-up

Kyle Goldsmith
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Southgate: Gordon ‘very close’ to England call-up

Gareth Southgate says Anthony Gordon was “very close” to receiving a call-up for England’s squad for the November international break amid reports the winger could switch allegiances to Scotland.

Despite his strong start to the season for club side Newcastle United, Gordon was again snubbed by Southgate for the European Championship qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

With the Three Lions already qualified thanks to a 3-1 win over Italy last month, there were maiden call-ups for Rico Lewis and Ezri Konsa, as well as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who played alongside Gordon as the England Under-21s won the European Championships earlier this year, with the Newcastle man claiming the Player of the Tournament award.

The exclusion has led to reports that Gordon could look to play for Scotland instead, eligible to play for the Tartan Army thanks to his grandparents, but Southgate insists the former Everton man is on his radar and only just missed out this time.


“He’s a good player,” Southgate told reporters. “He was very good with our Under-21s last year.

“He’s very close, I have to say. I like his attitude, I like the way he works so hard for the team.

“Of course, I’m sure he was hoping to get a call at this moment, but there are good players playing well in that position on the field.”

Southgate is looking to use the upcoming qualifiers to get a good look at some of the fresher faces in the squad, saying: “There is always opportunities for other players coming in.

“In terms of the selection of the team, then we are looking at what’s the right balance, what are the different quality of the players that we can put together so that we have the best possible attacking output – but also with the right structure and balance behind that.”

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