It won’t be much consolation to Ben Stokes or anyone connected with the current England team that just lost the second Test at the Gabba, but when it comes to tours going wrong in Australia, I have been in worse situations than this.

I have been down 2-0 plenty of times in away Ashes series (four, in fact), so I know exactly how the England players will be feeling now they are two matches adrift and staring down the barrel of a series defeat as they prepare to head to Adelaide for the third Test.

I saw the photographs of the players on the beach at the resort of Noosa yesterday, and there was a familiar ring to some of the howls of outrage which greeted them. I understand why they might cause frustration among fans.

The England players will feel as if they are under siege. The Australian media is relentless in its attacks. It seems to be a facet of their coverage that they get more joy from England’s failings than the successes of their own team and they appear to be particularly gleeful about the struggles Bazball is having in Australia.

All the England players will be wanting to do is curl up in a ball in their room because of the scrutiny and the headlines and the pictures. And that is not healthy at all.

However bad the photos may look, they are doing the right thing by taking a bit of time out. They need to get out of the cricket bubble for a couple of days, get away from the pressure. It is far better that they are on the beach or the golf course than holed up in their hotel rooms.

I know exactly how England players like Jofra Archer will be feeling now they are two matches adrift and staring down the barrel of a series defeat

Captain Ben Stokes (left) will feel as if he is under siege. The Australian media is relentless in its attacks

As a player, you just want to shut yourself away until the next game. You feel as though that’s the only way for the headlines not to come out. You don’t even want to go out for a coffee because you know even that can be fraught with possibility.

When we were 3-0 down in Melbourne in 2013-14, I went for a walk with my kids when they were quite young and the photographers got us as soon as we came out of the hotel.

I just looked dejected – because there wasn’t much to smile about. I ended up feeling like I just wanted to hide away again.

That tour was the worst one I’ve been involved with. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

The team was edging towards decline, we had just come out of the Kevin Pietersen-Andrew Strauss stuff where KP had been texting South African players about his captain, Jonathan Trott was struggling with his mental health and flew home early and Graeme Swann retired during the tour.

It just felt as if we were fighting a losing battle. Australia were strong but even though we were trying our best, there was a kind of inevitability about that trip where I knew we were just going to get dealt with. 

Everything crowded in on us. Mitchell Johnson was on fire and everything went downhill very quickly.

We are not at that point yet on this tour but we are getting close. I was surprised by how poor our bowling performance was in Brisbane in the Australian first innings. It felt like all four seamers didn’t quite get it right for the whole day.

Our 2013-14 tour Down Under was the worst I was ever involved in – Mitchell Johnson was on fire and everything went downhill very quickly

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong, with Graeme Swann retiring during the tour

They all bowled a little bit too short and too wide. They bowled to Australian strengths. They conceded way too many runs behind square and that tells me they bowled way too short and not accurately enough. They are better bowlers than that. There were cracks in that wicket to aim for and we missed them.

There are wider issues with our attack, too. There is not that communication that you need in a bowling group to do well. I don’t see the bowlers going up to Stokes with ideas of what they want to do and plans to get wickets. It feels as if Stokes is having to do everything. What should be happening is a collective effort as a bowling group.

You have got to be talking to each other all the time. How are we trying to get wickets? What is working on this pitch? Exchanging ideas. Encouraging each other all the time. It doesn’t feel like that’s there. It looks as if Stokes is on his own.

I don’t see many chats between Stokes and Harry Brook, the vice-captain. In a good team, we need everyone to be having good ideas. But our bowlers are not characters like that. 

I am not digging them out but Gus Atkinson is quite a quiet guy, Brydon Carse is the same and so is Jofra Archer.

I think it was clear in Brisbane that our first-innings total was slightly under par. When Stuart Broad and I were bowling, if that was the situation, we would gee each other up to bowl really well at the start of the Aussie innings, put them under pressure early and just have a massive focus on that first six to 10 overs to set the tone and bring energy.

But at the Gabba, England’s bowlers started so poorly. It was a timid beginning, lots of deliveries down the leg side and the pace of the bowling down. When that happens, the fielding group goes flat quite quickly.

Stokesy can’t do everything – but his bowlers in this squad aren’t the kind of personalities who can help him out. Gus Atkinson, for example, is quite a quiet guy

Brydon Carse is the same – the England attack is missing a leader, someone to check in on the group and bounce ideas around

This England team is missing a leader in the attack. We don’t have a captain of the bowlers any more, someone checking in on the group, bouncing ideas around, making sure everyone is working together and coherently, backing each other up. 

Stokesy can’t do everything, but his bowlers in this squad aren’t the kind of personalities who can help him out.

I did smile at the exchange between Steve Smith and Jofra right near the end of the game when Australia were closing in on victory. 

‘You bowl fast when there’s nothing going on, champion,’ Smith said and I could see why a lot of people agreed with him.

Jofra bowled his fastest spell in Test cricket when Australia only needed 65 to win. The game had already gone when he was hitting 95mph.  

England need that attitude and that fire and that pace from ball one of the first innings. That was the frustration for me.

If Jofra had bowled like that in the first innings, then he brings everyone else with him. He brings the fielding group with him. He brings more energy to everyone. You beat the bat, you rush a batter with pace and then the fielding group is going to lift and be noisier and the batter will feel under more pressure because it’s coming from all angles. That never happened.

I loved the fact that Jofra was going hard at Smith, but don’t do it when they need 20 to win. Do it when we need to get a foothold in the game. Do it when we’ve got an under-par score in the first innings. Get right in their face and bowl as fast as you can.

I loved the fact that Jofra Archer went hard at Steve Smith, but he shouldn’t have waited until Australia needed 20 to win to do it

Smith ended up having the last laugh – and I can see why a lot of people agreed with him when he said: ‘You bowl fast when there’s nothing going on, champion’

Don’t think, ‘I might have a long day in the field here so I better bowl within myself to start off with.’ 

If he can bowl at 95mph there, he can do it from day one. So when Smith said that, I thought he was probably saying what everyone else in England was thinking. Why only now? It’s way too late.

When Ben spoke afterwards about Australia not being a place for weak men, what I saw from him was someone who was extremely frustrated and borderline angry, someone trying hard not to say something he shouldn’t.

There is still hope left. Not as much as the start of the series but we still need to win three Test matches.

In that context, the loss of Mark Wood, who ruled himself out of the rest of the tour with a recurrence of his knee injury on Tuesday, was a big blow because he is someone who can crack open a game. 

He can bowl frighteningly quick spells and he left his mark on Australia’s batsmen in Perth, as Cameron Green (and the grille on his helmet) found out. 

Mark Wood being ruled out of the rest of the tour is a big blow because he is someone who can crack open a game

His absence does not change the fact that England have to leave everything on the field in Adelaide. Leave nothing in the tank. 

You have to play the Adelaide Test match as if it is the deciding Test match in the Ashes. You have got to play it as if it is 0-0 and that this is the only Test that matters.

Matt Prior, the former England wicketkeeper, pointed out that, having listened to Stokes speak, if you don’t want to follow him into battle, then you’re playing the wrong game.

If anyone can get the best out of this team and turn things around, it is Stokes.

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The swimming section of Ikoyi Club 1938 is set to host a year-ending competition for the young ones with over 200 participants already registered for the event.

Over 10 schools are expected to compete in the tournament sponsored by NNPC-SNEPCo to develop young swimmers and prepare them for future challenges.

The annual competition will take place on Saturday December 13 at the swimming pool section of the Ikoyi Club.

The Chairman of the Ikoyi Club Swimming Section, Akinbulejo Onabolu, told newsmen on Tuesday that all was set for the competition.

He said the sponsors, NNPC-SNEPCo, has been in good partnership with the swimming section of the elite club over the years.

 “We are happy to have NNPC-SNEPCo as partners and the fact that the competition put smiles on the faces of the young ones delights us in the club.  We are ready for the event.

 “It has been an amazing year for us and I am looking forward to a very exciting competition in which the young ones will exhibit their talents on Saturday,” Onabolu said.

The competition will feature freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, individual medley, butterfly and the relays among others.

According to the programme schedule, there will be a warm up session as early as 8am on Saturday while the competition proper stars at 9am.

 “It will be a carnival of sort because it’s the season of Christmas already. We expect a good show from the competitors just as our members are also looking forward to have a great time come Saturday,” Onabolu added.

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A senior figure within the Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will receive his outstanding wages soon.

This development is expected to ease concerns over Eric Chelle’s reported three months of unpaid salary as preparations continue for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The tournament, which runs from December 21 to January 18, 2026, will see Nigeria name a 28-man squad before Thursday’s deadline. Clubs are required to release players for national duty latest on Monday, December 15.

Naija News reports that the story of Chelle’s unpaid salary first gained attention after journalist Shina Okeleji wrote on 𝕏: “Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is owed three months’ salary and bonuses ahead of the AFCON. The Malian, who led the Eagles to 2026 World Cup play-off, has, however, yet to make an official complaint to his employers (the NFF) about the non-payment of his salary.”

In an interview with the Punch, an unnamed NFF official dismissed talk of a rift and insisted the situation is being handled.

“Eric came to see us, and we explained the processes. His money will be paid. We have paid him even ahead before, and this time, we are waiting for cash backing from finance. The money on paper has been paid, and the coach is aware,” the source said.

“When they paid him two months ahead, all these were not glorified, and we don’t need this now.”

In May, National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko revealed that the government-backed support group had already covered Chelle’s salary until October to support Nigeria’s difficult World Cup qualification push.

“We worked with the Nigeria Football Federation to appoint the coach, and although the NFF signed his contract, we, through the support group, decided to cover his salary until October. This will give the NFF space to secure long-term funding and sponsorship,” he said during an interview with former international Segun Odegbami on Eagle 7 Sports Radio.

Chelle, appointed in January, guided Nigeria into the CAF play-off but the Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo, ending hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup and marking a second successive absence from football’s biggest stage.

AFCON 2025 will be Chelle’s third major assignment, with Nigeria drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

The team opens camp on Wednesday, December 10, in Egypt, with an unofficial friendly against the Pharaohs lined up for December 16.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles Group C AFCON 2025 opponent Cranes of Uganda will play two build-up games against FAR Rabta and Gabon before the tournament.

According to kawowo.com, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put confirmed the development upon his arrival in Morocco for the AFCON preparations.

“I don’t have all the players available, but we will be playing two friendly matches,” Put said. “The first match is scheduled for December 13th against FAR Rabat, a team that competes in the Champions League. The second match will be against Gabon on December 17th.

“With the changes made, preparations will not be very difficult; however, we currently have only 15 players available. It’s unfortunate, but we must deal with it,” he added.

Uganda has embarked on an 11-day training camp to prepare for tis year’s AFCON. Seventeen players are currently camped in Morocco, while the remaining 13 will join the team there later.

Aside facing the Super Eagles, Uganda will also tackle former AFCON champions Tunisia and Tanzania.

Also Read: AFCON 2025: Samatta, Msuva Headline Tanzania’s Final Squad

The Cranes return to the continental showpiece for the first time since 2019 in Egypt.

The Super Eagles will also prepare for the AFCON with a friendly match with the Pharaohs of Egypt on December 16.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will be facing Uganda for the second time at the AFCON when both teams lock horns in Morocco.

The two countries first clashed at the tournament in the semi-final of the 1978 edition which Uganda won 2-1.

By James Agberebi

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• Aussie win occurred during the Test at the Gabba

By MICHAEL PONTICELLO

Published: 01:31 EST, 10 December 2025 | Updated: 01:33 EST, 10 December 2025

‘Bluey’, one of Australia’s most well known cartoons, has helped the nation to another Ashes victory over England – but one that occurred off the field.

A poll was conducted at the second Test at The Gabba, with cricket fans asked to vote on whether they prefer Bluey or England’s ‘Peppa Pig’ cartoon. 

The result was a 10-wicket victory to the world’s favourite blue heeler.

Bluey outvoted Peppa Pig almost three to one, with the Aussie show winning the fan vote 74.5 per cent to 25.5 per cent. 

The vote was conducted on day three of the Test, and mirrored how the tourists were travelling on the field.

England struggled to take wickets quickly during that day’s play as Australia raced to a huge first-innings total, and eventually lost the second match of the series by eight wickets.

Cricket fans at the second Test in Brisbane were asked which one they prefer, Bluey or Peppa Pig – and the result was a landslide win to the Aussie dog (pictured)

Bluey’s ‘cricket’ episode, which debuted in 2023, attracted 563,000 viewers on its initial ABC Kids airing

England captain Ben Stokes is pictured trudging off the field after losing the Gabba Test

The animated series, which revolves around the Blue Heeler puppy who goes on adventures with her younger sister, has exploded in popularity in recent times. 

It was the most streamed show in the US in 2024.

Bluey also continues to be one of Australia’s best-loved series, almost eclipsing five billion minutes watched on ABC iview this year.

Peppa Pig was established several years before Bluey and is also wildly popular around the world.

‘The Grade Cricketer’ podcast hosts Sam Perry and Ian Higgins saw the poll at the Gabba and weighed in on the debate.

‘Peppa Pig is a little s**t of a kid, with respect. Bluey is podium (level), if not it’s gold. It’s f*****g statue stuff,’ joked co-host Sam Perry.

‘Bluey is [Don’ Bradman,’ Higgins added.

A photo of the vote has been posted X, with fans weighing in on England’s ‘third’ defeat of the series.

‘All parents I know hate Peppa Pig, but bloody love Bluey,’ one person wrote.

‘No Englishman thinks Peppa Pig is better. Bluey is elite,’ another added. 

‘Bluey > Peppa Pig. By miles,’ a third claimed.

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Australia claims another Ashes victory over England – and it’s all thanks to Bluey

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Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, has insisted that the situation with Mohamed Salah did not change anything at the club.

He said that the players are still focused and determined to win games.

The Dutchman said this after helping the Reds secure a 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Mohamed Salah, one of Liverpool’s greatest players of all time, was removed from the team by Arne Slot following his explosive interview on Saturday.

Salah had complained about how he was being treated at the club he had sacrificed everything for, adding that his relationship with Anfield boss, Arne Slot had broken down.

Speaking on the Egyptian’s uncertain future at the club, Van Dijk told reporters after the Reds victory over Inter Milan, “It’s difficult but it’s a collective difficult situation that we’re all in.

“Between Mo and the club, things are going on and he’s not here today, that’s the reality. I don’t think anything has changed in terms of our focus and determination.”

“It’s a good feeling of winning. Especially in a period we are in, trying to find consistency and something to build on,” he continued.

“It doesn’t change anything. There’s obviously so much noise from the outside world, which is normal when you don’t perform.”

Liverpool will play Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.

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Crystal Palace have make a decision to keep Christantus Uche until the end of the season, reports Completesports.com.

Uche joined the Eagles on a season-long loan from LaLiga club, Getafe on deadline day.

There were reports, the London club are considering sending the player back to Getafe in January.

According to Standard Sport, Palace have no plans to cancel the midfielder’s loan despite him receiving limited minutes.

The Nigeria international impressed off the bench in Oliver Glasner’s side 2-1 win at Fulham last weekend.

Uche is also keen to remain at the Selhurst Park.

The 22-year-old is also expected to feature regularly during the busy festive period as he is not expected to be called by Nigeria for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The midfielder has made five league appearances for the Eagles.

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Taifa Stars Head coach, Miguel Gamondi has named his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Gamondi picked a invite a mix of players from the Tanzanian domestic league and a few overseas-based stars, as the team aims for a good performance in Morocco.

Taifa Stars head coach, Miguel Gamondi. Photo | X

Full Squad

Yakoub Suleiman (Simba SC)

Hussein Masalanga (Singida BS)

Zuberi Foba (Azam FC)

Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans)

Shomari Kapombe (Simba SC)

Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam FC)

Mohamed Hussein (Young Africans)

Nickson Kibabage (Singida BS)

Alphonse Mabula (Shamakhi, Azerbaijan)

Wilson Nangu (Simba SC)

Novatus Dismas (Göztepe FC, Turkey)

Kelvin Nashon (Pamba Jiji)

Pascal Msindo (Azam FC)

Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans)

Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England)

Dickson Job (Young Africans)

Habibu Idd (Singida BS)

Tarryn Allarakihia (Rochdale AFC, England)

Charles M’Mombwa (Floriana FC, Malta)

Yusuph Kagoma (Simba SC)

Feisal Salum (Azam FC)

Morice Abraham (Simba SC)

Abdul Suleiman (Azam FC)

Iddi Suleiman (Simba SC)

Kibu Dennis (Simba SC)

Mbwana Samatta (Le Havre AC, France)

Kelvin John (Aalborg BK, Denmark)

Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba, Iraq)

Kikosi cha AFCON 2025 Morocco @TaifaStars_ pic.twitter.com/ZDl6ZfwC2I

— TFF TANZANIA (@Tanfootball) December 9, 2025

The Taifa Stars are already in Egypt for a series of friendly matches, where they will fine-tune their squad before heading to Morocco for the tournament.

At this year’s tournament, they’ve been placed in Group C, alongside Nigeria, Uganda, and Tunisia.

Tanzania’s first match will be against Nigeria on January 23rd.

Super Eagles are unbeaten in all past encounters against Tanzania winning five wins and three draws.

Also read: AFCON 2025: Emerse Fae Recalls Zaha Returns… Pepe, Adingra Dropped

Tanzania’s second match is against regional rivals Uganda on January 27th, followed by their final group match against Tunisia on January 30th.

All matches will be played in Fez, Morocco.

For the Taifa Stars, this tournament represents a chance to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their AFCON history.

In their three previous appearances (1980, 2019, and 2023), Tanzania was eliminated at the group stage.

The team is hopeful that this will be the year they break that barrier and make a deep run in the competition.

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By JACK BEZANTS, US DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 22:01 EST, 9 December 2025 | Updated: 00:02 EST, 10 December 2025

The Rice University soccer team has announced the death of second-year undergraduate student at the age of 19.

Claire Tracy passed away on Sunday, the school announced. A cause of death has not been revealed but counselling has been offered to Tracy’s fellow students.

Tracy was found dead at an off-campus apartment complex two blocks away from the school, according to local reports.

‘It is with deep sadness that I am writing to tell you that Claire Tracy, a second-year undergraduate student, passed away on Sunday,’ wrote Bridget K. Gorman, Rice’s Dean of undergraduates, in an email that was also published on the Rice website.

‘Claire joined Rice in fall 2024 from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and was an active student. 

‘A member of Wiess College and a former member of the Rice soccer team, she was a talented athlete who had led her high school to many championships. Claire was a finance major and had close friends and a bright spirit. 

Claire Tracey, a Rice University soccer player, died on Sunday night at the age of 19

‘Our hearts go out to Claire’s family and all who knew her and are grieving her loss.’

Tracy’s soccer coach, Brian Lee, also paid an emotional tribute to her.

‘The entire Rice soccer community mourns the loss of Claire Tracy,’ Lee wrote.

‘Our thoughts and prayers go to Claire’s friends and family and to the many current and former teammates, whose lives were impacted by Claire’s kindness. She will forever be in our hearts.’

Tracy, who was from Wisconsin, was also paid tribute to by the University President in his annual address on Monday, according Rice Thresher.

Reggie DesRoches reportedly began his speech by calling for a moment of silence in respect to Tracy.

‘She was deeply connected to many students and known for her Rice spirit,’ DesRoches said. 

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Tragedy as Rice University soccer player Claire Tracy dead at age 19

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By JACK BEZANTS, US DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 21:23 EST, 9 December 2025 | Updated: 21:38 EST, 9 December 2025

Ed Kelce has endeared himself further to the Kansas City Chiefs fanbase by taking on Buffalo Bills supporters on social media.

Travis and Jason’s father went into bat for the Chiefs over a meme shared by a Bills fanpage mocking his son,  Kelce’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid.

The post in question had Kelce, Mahomes and Reid’s faces photoshopped into a video from the film ‘Step Brothers’, where the two main characters burst into tears when their parents announce they’re getting divorced.

The post was captioned: ‘Chiefs fans facing their first potential missed postseason since 2014’.

And it provoked a defiat response from Ed Kelce, who took it upon himself to put Bills Mafia back in its place.

‘If the Chiefs don’t get in the playoffs, then the path is clear for the BILLS TO LOSE ANOTHER SUPERBOWL,’ Ed wrote in the comments to the post.

Ed Kelce has torn into Buffalo Bills fans as the Kansas City Chiefs struggle to make the playoffs

Kelce hit out over a meme mocking his son Travis and the Chiefs, shared by a Bills fanpage 

The Chiefs face an uphill battle to make the postseason after losing Sunday to the Texans

His response is particularly funny because the Chiefs have had a stranglehold over the Bills in the Mahomes era – the Chiefs quarterback is 4-0 against Buffalo in the postseason from 2020.

Furthermore, the Bills remain one of 12 teams to have never won a Super Bowl, losing all four of their appearances in football’s showpiece event.

But with the Chiefs’ postseason aspirations hanging by a thread after Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans, the path is potentially clearer for Josh Allen and his men to make another Super Bowl.

As talented is Allen unquestionably is, the Bills haven’t been too impressive this season. They sit on a 9-4 record despite having a much more favorable schedule than the Chiefs, 6-7, and are two wins behind AFC East leaders New England Patriots.

The Bills face the Patriots in their next game, with New England coming off a bye week for the showdown at Foxborough. 

The Chiefs, meanwhile, need to win their four final games against Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders and hope other results go their way.

They aren’t done yet, but Sunday’s loss to the Texans will be seen as the tipping point if they fail to make the postseason. 

And if the worst happens for Kansas City, Ed Kelce is sure that the Bills won’t get the crown that they do desperately crave.

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Travis Kelce’s dad in stunning outburst at the Buffalo Bills as Kansas City Chiefs struggle to make playoffs

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