Captain Joe Root scored his second century in succession to keep England afloat on a difficult, turning wicket as they reached 252 for six in their first innings at tea on day three of the second and final test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The tourists still trail the home side by 129 runs but the imperious Root is well set on 137 and will start the final session with a new partner after Sam Curran (13) was out on the stroke of the interval.

Root followed up his brilliant 228 in the first match with a 19th test century, the first time he has reached three figures in consecutive tests in his career.

His innings has been built around the impressive use of the sweep shot, which he has waged to take the attack to the Sri Lanka bowlers.

England resumed the day on 98 for two having lost their openers cheaply for the third time in as many innings this series.

But Jonny Bairstow never looked settled and fell on 28, an inside edge onto his pad off the dangerous home spinner Lasith Embuldeniya (5-99) looping to Oshida Fernando at short leg.

Dan Lawrence was impressive on his debut in England’s seven-wicket win in the first test but made just three as he edged Embuldeniya to Lahiru Thirimanne at slip.

At 132 for four, England were teetering, but Root and Jos Buttler (55) steadied the ship with a fifth-wicket stand of 97 before the latter tried a reverse sweep that went straight into his boot and bounced to short leg, providing a first test wicket for debutant spinner Ramesh Mendis.

Curran was out in the final over of the session, Embuldeniya taking his fifth wicket, caught at slip.

Root failed to score a test century in 2020, the first time in his career he went a calendar year without a ton, and his return to form will be welcome as England head into four tests in India right after this series.

Captain Joe Root scored his second century in succession to keep England afloat on a difficult, turning wicket as they reached 252 for six in their first innings at tea on day three of the second and final test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Captain Joe Root scored his second century in succession to keep England afloat on a difficult, turning wicket as they reached 252 for six in their first innings at tea on day three of the second and final test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The tourists still trail the home side by 129 runs but the imperious Root is well set on 137 and will start the final session with a new partner after Sam Curran (13) was out on the stroke of the interval. Root followed up his brilliant 228 in the first match with a 19th test century, the first time he has reached three figures in consecutive tests in his career. His innings has been built around the impressive use of the sweep shot, which he has waged to take the attack to the Sri Lanka bowlers. England resumed the day on 98 for two having lost their openers cheaply for the third time in as many innings this series. But Jonny Bairstow never looked settled and fell on 28, an inside edge onto his pad off the dangerous home spinner Lasith Embuldeniya (5-99) looping to Oshida Fernando at short leg. Dan Lawrence was impressive on his debut in England’s seven-wicket win in the first test but made just three as he edged Embuldeniya to Lahiru Thirimanne at slip. At 132 for four, England were teetering, but Root and Jos Buttler (55) steadied the ship with a fifth-wicket stand of 97 before the latter tried a reverse sweep that went straight into his boot and bounced to short leg, providing a first test wicket for debutant spinner Ramesh Mendis. Curran was out in the final over of the session, Embuldeniya taking his fifth wicket, caught at slip. Root failed to score a test century in 2020, the first time in his career he went a calendar year without a ton, and his return to form will be welcome as England head into four tests in India right after this series.

England's Root notches another ton after trial by spin v Sri Lanka

More than 100 British musicians, from pop and rock idols including Ed Sheeran, Sting and Pink Floyd's Roger Waters to classical stars such as conductor Simon Rattle, have said tours of Europe by British artists are in danger because of Brexit.

UK stars from Ed Sheeran to Elton John raise alarm over post-Brexit music tours

More people (3.5 million) have now received a Covid vaccination in the UK than have tested positive (3.3 million) for the virus.

England's Cathedrals turned into makeshit vaccination centres

Spinner Jack Leach bowled England to the brink of victory in the first test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Sunday, but is still taking things one day at a time after a horror 15 months with illness and misfortune that threatened his test career. 
 
Leach took 5-122 and was England’s most dangerous bowler as he helped dismiss Sri Lanka for 359 in their second innings to set a modest victory target of 74 for the touring side. 
 
"I expect quite a lot of myself," the 29-year-old told reporters. "Today was nice to get the five wickets, but at times I didn’t bowl as well as I would have liked in this game. Things got better as the match went on which is a good sign. 
 
"It is a slow wicket, so I felt my pace needed to be a bit quicker. I wanted to be faster and more direct at the areas I want to bowl." 
 
England were teetering at 14 for three in their chase, but made it to 38 at stumps on day four with seven wickets still remaining. 
 
"It was always going to be a tricky period with the new ball against the Sri Lanka spinners and we have consolidated well. We feel we can come back and get the winning runs tomorrow," Leach said. 
 
Leach will always be remembered for his role with the bat as a number 11 partner of Ben Stokes in the near miraculous test victory over Australia at Headingley in 2019, but has endured a series of set-backs since. 
 
He suffered with sepsis on a tour of New Zealand and had to leave England’s winter tour of South Africa because of illness. 
 
Just as he was gearing up for a test return in Sri Lanka last March, the series was postponed due to COVID-19, to which he is more susceptible than most having been diagnosed with Crohn`s disease as a teenager. 
 
"If I’m healthy and fit and able to play, then that is a great thing and I don’t take it for granted. I’m just taking it a day at a time and a game at a time," Leach said. 
 
"You never know what is around the corner, so I’m just trying to enjoy each day and see what happens."

Spinner Jack Leach bowled England to the brink of victory in the first test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Sunday, but is still taking things one day at a time after a horror 15 months with illness and misfortune that threatened his test career.

Spinner Jack Leach bowled England to the brink of victory in the first test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Sunday, but is still taking things one day at a time after a horror 15 months with illness and misfortune that threatened his test career. Leach took 5-122 and was England’s most dangerous bowler as he helped dismiss Sri Lanka for 359 in their second innings to set a modest victory target of 74 for the touring side. "I expect quite a lot of myself," the 29-year-old told reporters. "Today was nice to get the five wickets, but at times I didn’t bowl as well as I would have liked in this game. Things got better as the match went on which is a good sign. "It is a slow wicket, so I felt my pace needed to be a bit quicker. I wanted to be faster and more direct at the areas I want to bowl." England were teetering at 14 for three in their chase, but made it to 38 at stumps on day four with seven wickets still remaining. "It was always going to be a tricky period with the new ball against the Sri Lanka spinners and we have consolidated well. We feel we can come back and get the winning runs tomorrow," Leach said. Leach will always be remembered for his role with the bat as a number 11 partner of Ben Stokes in the near miraculous test victory over Australia at Headingley in 2019, but has endured a series of set-backs since. He suffered with sepsis on a tour of New Zealand and had to leave England’s winter tour of South Africa because of illness. Just as he was gearing up for a test return in Sri Lanka last March, the series was postponed due to COVID-19, to which he is more susceptible than most having been diagnosed with Crohn`s disease as a teenager. "If I’m healthy and fit and able to play, then that is a great thing and I don’t take it for granted. I’m just taking it a day at a time and a game at a time," Leach said. "You never know what is around the corner, so I’m just trying to enjoy each day and see what happens."

Five-wicket hero Leach happy for change in fortunes

Jan 11 in history: From first lottery in England to emergency in Bangladesh

Staff at the UK's largest zoo kicked off the biggest task of the year in the snow Thursday (7 JANUARY 2021): their annual stocktake. The keepers at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo near Dunstable in Bedfordshire, England, must count every invertebrate, bird, fish, mammal, reptile and amphibian, as required as part of the zoo's license.

UK's largest zoo pauses for stocktake; highlights the positives of conservation efforts during pandemic lockdown

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-imposes-lockdown-similar-to-march-last-year-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-354457">Also read | Scotland imposes lockdown 'similar to March last year' amid surge in coronavirus cases</a> 
 
The measures, which include the closure of primary and secondary schools, will come into effect Wednesday, he said in a televised address, after Scotland announced similar measures would come into force from midnight (0000 GMT) on Tuesday.

Some 44 million people or three-quarters of the population of England are already living under the toughest restrictions, as Britain grapples with one of the worst mortality rates from coronavirus in the world.

But they have failed to halt an upward trend in positive cases, which have been blamed on a more infectious new variant.

Johnson said that as of Monday, almost 27,000 people with Covid were in hospital -- 40 percent more than at the peak of first wave of the outbreak on April last year.

Last Tuesday, more than 80,000 people tested positive in just 24 hours.

"With most of the country already under extreme measures, it's clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out," he said.

"In England, we must therefore go into a national lockdown."

The new measures are similar to those during the first, three-month lockdown from late March to June last year.

They include the closure of schools, working from home wherever possible, limits on leaving home, except for exercise, essential shopping and for medical supplies, and no household mixing.

A decision on whether to hold annual national exams for 16- and 18-year-olds will be made after consultations between the education secretary and qualifications bodies, said Johnson.

Shortly before Johnson's announcement, the four chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the country had moved to the highest coronavirus level five.

That means the state-run National Health Service is at risk of being overwhelmed within 21 days if no action is taken.

Johnson said he hoped the restrictions could start to be lifted after the next school holidays in mid-February, and acknowledged the weeks ahead "will be the hardest yet".

But he said he was encouraged by the roll-out of two Covid vaccines, including one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which could see the four most vulnerable groups inoculated in the next six weeks.

"With every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people," he added.

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. Also read | Scotland imposes lockdown 'similar to March last year' amid surge in coronavirus cases The measures, which include the closure of primary and secondary schools, will come into effect Wednesday, he said in a televised address, after Scotland announced similar measures would come into force from midnight (0000 GMT) on Tuesday. Some 44 million people or three-quarters of the population of England are already living under the toughest restrictions, as Britain grapples with one of the worst mortality rates from coronavirus in the world. But they have failed to halt an upward trend in positive cases, which have been blamed on a more infectious new variant. Johnson said that as of Monday, almost 27,000 people with Covid were in hospital -- 40 percent more than at the peak of first wave of the outbreak on April last year. Last Tuesday, more than 80,000 people tested positive in just 24 hours. "With most of the country already under extreme measures, it's clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out," he said. "In England, we must therefore go into a national lockdown." The new measures are similar to those during the first, three-month lockdown from late March to June last year. They include the closure of schools, working from home wherever possible, limits on leaving home, except for exercise, essential shopping and for medical supplies, and no household mixing. A decision on whether to hold annual national exams for 16- and 18-year-olds will be made after consultations between the education secretary and qualifications bodies, said Johnson. Shortly before Johnson's announcement, the four chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the country had moved to the highest coronavirus level five. That means the state-run National Health Service is at risk of being overwhelmed within 21 days if no action is taken. Johnson said he hoped the restrictions could start to be lifted after the next school holidays in mid-February, and acknowledged the weeks ahead "will be the hardest yet". But he said he was encouraged by the roll-out of two Covid vaccines, including one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which could see the four most vulnerable groups inoculated in the next six weeks. "With every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people," he added.

England goes into lockdown again as new coronavirus strain cases surge

England's cricket team will be allowed to travel to Sri Lanka despite suspending all the flights from Britain due to new strain of coronavirus, as per island's cricket authorities said Wednesday.

The English squad is set to arrive in the island country on January 3 to play two Tests that will be played behind closed doors in Galle that will kick off on January 14.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive Ashley de Silva told AFP the visitors would be tested for coronavirus before departure and on arrival, and would also have to undergo quarantine for 10-days in a "bio-secure bubble".

The team would travel to Sri Lanka on a chartered flight, he said.

"Our doctors have been talking to the England team's doctors and they are quite satisfied with the arrangements," de Silva said.

"Both teams are looking forward to the tournament."

On Tuesday, Sri Lankan civil aviation authorities suspended all direct flights from Britain and anyone who had visited Britain in the previous two weeks was also barred from entry.

Sri Lanka has seen a recent spike in coronavirus cases, but has still officially recorded a relatively low 38,000 cases with 183 deaths.

(Inputs from AFP)

England's cricket team will be allowed to travel to Sri Lanka despite suspending all the flights from Britain due to new strain of coronavirus, as per island's cricket authorities said Wednesday.

England's cricket team will be allowed to travel to Sri Lanka despite suspending all the flights from Britain due to new strain of coronavirus, as per island's cricket authorities said Wednesday. The English squad is set to arrive in the island country on January 3 to play two Tests that will be played behind closed doors in Galle that will kick off on January 14. Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive Ashley de Silva told AFP the visitors would be tested for coronavirus before departure and on arrival, and would also have to undergo quarantine for 10-days in a "bio-secure bubble". The team would travel to Sri Lanka on a chartered flight, he said. "Our doctors have been talking to the England team's doctors and they are quite satisfied with the arrangements," de Silva said. "Both teams are looking forward to the tournament." On Tuesday, Sri Lankan civil aviation authorities suspended all direct flights from Britain and anyone who had visited Britain in the previous two weeks was also barred from entry. Sri Lanka has seen a recent spike in coronavirus cases, but has still officially recorded a relatively low 38,000 cases with 183 deaths. (Inputs from AFP)

England cricket team to fly to Sri Lanka to play Test series despite travel ban

British PM Boris Johnson has reverses the plan to ease curbs over Christmas because of rising COVID cases fuelled by this new variant of COVID 19. Johnson has announced a stay at home order for London and south east England

UK confirmed cases of a new mutation of the virus

The UK government is set to bring in a new higher tier of COVID-19 restrictions and put London and southeast England into those measures. PM Boris Johnson announces relaxation rules for Christmas.

News Alert: England to be under world's most stringent restrictions

Large areas of England will be added to the 'very high alert' COVID-19 category this weekend, placing residents under the most stringent set of restrictions to tackle a rising number of infections.

Two-thirds of England to be under toughest COVID-19 measures

The number of COVID-19 cases in London has increased significantly over the past two weeks and we continue to experience the highest case rates of anywhere in the country.

WION Dispatch: England to be under world's most stringent COVID restrictions

While kids around the world might not be able to meet Santa Claus in person this year, many companies have embraced technology as a way to bring festive cheer to children while maintaining coronavirus-safe social distancing.

How Santa Claus is keeping COVID-safe this Christmas

The curtain will fall on London's theatres again on Wednesday (December 16) as the British capital moves into the toughest level of coronavirus restrictions, with some forced to close Christmas shows just days after they opened in a hammer blow for the industry.

Curtain falls on London's theatres again due to Covid-19

In the United Kingdom, a new variant of COVID-19 has been identified. According to the British health secretary, at least 60 different local authorities in England have recorded COVID-19 cases of this new variant.

United Kingdom: New variant of COVID-19 identified amid soaring cases

U.K.: Exponential rise on COVID-19 cases, new variant of COVID-19 identified

The message from the newly discovered monolith on top of Glastonbury Tor in England is clear, it's "not Banksy" behind this mystery.&nbsp;

On Wednesday morning, people passing by this area found this object lying with "Not Banksy" written on it.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-after-utah-romania-monolith-disappears-too-347034/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Michelle Cowbourne was on her morning walk when she first spotted this structure and couldn't believe what she had seen.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-monolith-alert-in-poland-on-vistula-riverbank-in-warsaw-348975">New monolith alert: In Poland, on Vistula riverbank in Warsaw</a>

"I walked up the long slope side and this was on the other side and when I saw it I couldn't believe my eyes," Cowbourne was quoted as saying by BBC.&nbsp;

"I just thought what on earth is that."

After last month's discovery in Utah, similar structures are appearing from around the world.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-monolith-pops-up-in-texas-this-time-348451">Another monolith pops up, in Texas this time</a>

The artwork in the monolith on the Glastonbury Tor has a stencil drawing of a rat, a style similar to what is practised by British street artist Banksy.&nbsp;

Cowbourne saw the monolith lying horizontally and she along with other people, placed it vertically with a lot of effort.&nbsp;

"There were two big metal bolts but they hadn't been fixed to the ground properly. It's a big chunk of metal and it was really heavy," she said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, another metal monolith has popped up in the Polish capital Warsaw on a riverbank.

The message from the newly discovered monolith on top of Glastonbury Tor in England is clear, it's "not Banksy" behind this mystery. On Wednesday morning, people passing by this area found this object lying with "Not Banksy" written on it.

The message from the newly discovered monolith on top of Glastonbury Tor in England is clear, it's "not Banksy" behind this mystery. On Wednesday morning, people passing by this area found this object lying with "Not Banksy" written on it. Watch | Michelle Cowbourne was on her morning walk when she first spotted this structure and couldn't believe what she had seen. Also Read | New monolith alert: In Poland, on Vistula riverbank in Warsaw "I walked up the long slope side and this was on the other side and when I saw it I couldn't believe my eyes," Cowbourne was quoted as saying by BBC. "I just thought what on earth is that." After last month's discovery in Utah, similar structures are appearing from around the world. Also Read | Another monolith pops up, in Texas this time The artwork in the monolith on the Glastonbury Tor has a stencil drawing of a rat, a style similar to what is practised by British street artist Banksy. Cowbourne saw the monolith lying horizontally and she along with other people, placed it vertically with a lot of effort. "There were two big metal bolts but they hadn't been fixed to the ground properly. It's a big chunk of metal and it was really heavy," she said. Meanwhile, another metal monolith has popped up in the Polish capital Warsaw on a riverbank.

Latest monolith in England has a message: don't consider it a work of Banksy

Judge Zak Yacoob, the chair of Cricket South Africa`s (CSA) interim board, said that England abandoning the tour is not "in any way" their fault and went on to add that the protocols that they laid down have been "very good".

"What I want to negate is an idea that our provision of services was substandard and that there is any justification for the English saying they did not want to participate and go home. The facts are that ultimately, they were negative. We have gone into or protocols and we think that our protocols have been very good," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Yacoob as saying during a virtual press conference on Thursday.

"There may have been an issue of psychological troubles. People may have felt nervous about false positives. Our position is that we do not wish to blame the English, but we wish to say absolutely and completely that any notion that they went away because it was in any way our fault, is completely wrong," he added.

Earlier this week, England`s ODI series against South Africa was called off due to concerns regarding the coronavirus. The first match of the ODI series was initially postponed ahead of the game after a home team player tested positive for coronavirus.

On Sunday, the rearranged first ODI between England and South Africa was cancelled too as two members of the hotel staff tested positive for COVID-19.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday said that the team would depart from Cape Town on Thursday. Both boards will work together to determine when the three-match series, which forms part of the ICC Cricket Men`s Super League, can take place in the future. Yacoob even went on to say that they have been "managing the virus much better than England".

"There is an awkward narrative coming out that third world countries can`t manage these things properly. I can say we have been managing the virus much better than England. There was some attempt to ensure that in relation with what happened with England, Sri Lanka should not come here. They are coming next week, I hope," he said.

Sri Lanka Cricket and CSA later on Thursday confirmed that the two-match Test Series scheduled to be played in Centurion and Johannesburg from December 26 will continue as planned.&nbsp;

Judge Zak Yacoob, the chair of Cricket South Africa`s (CSA) interim board, said that England abandoning the tour is not "in any way" their fault and went on to add that the protocols that they laid down have been "very good".

Judge Zak Yacoob, the chair of Cricket South Africa`s (CSA) interim board, said that England abandoning the tour is not "in any way" their fault and went on to add that the protocols that they laid down have been "very good". "What I want to negate is an idea that our provision of services was substandard and that there is any justification for the English saying they did not want to participate and go home. The facts are that ultimately, they were negative. We have gone into or protocols and we think that our protocols have been very good," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Yacoob as saying during a virtual press conference on Thursday. "There may have been an issue of psychological troubles. People may have felt nervous about false positives. Our position is that we do not wish to blame the English, but we wish to say absolutely and completely that any notion that they went away because it was in any way our fault, is completely wrong," he added. Earlier this week, England`s ODI series against South Africa was called off due to concerns regarding the coronavirus. The first match of the ODI series was initially postponed ahead of the game after a home team player tested positive for coronavirus. On Sunday, the rearranged first ODI between England and South Africa was cancelled too as two members of the hotel staff tested positive for COVID-19. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday said that the team would depart from Cape Town on Thursday. Both boards will work together to determine when the three-match series, which forms part of the ICC Cricket Men`s Super League, can take place in the future. Yacoob even went on to say that they have been "managing the virus much better than England". "There is an awkward narrative coming out that third world countries can`t manage these things properly. I can say we have been managing the virus much better than England. There was some attempt to ensure that in relation with what happened with England, Sri Lanka should not come here. They are coming next week, I hope," he said. Sri Lanka Cricket and CSA later on Thursday confirmed that the two-match Test Series scheduled to be played in Centurion and Johannesburg from December 26 will continue as planned.

England abandoning tour not 'in any way our fault', says CSA

A handgun used by the late Sean Connery in the first James Bond film sold for $256,000 at auction in Beverly Hills on Thursday (December 3), topping earlier estimates for the piece of Hollywood history.

Sean Connery's 007 pistol from 'Dr.No' sells for $256,000

It's hoped a new exhibition at the Queen's Gallery in London will help restore the finances of The Royal Collection Trust, after venues around the UK had to close to the general public for several months this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Old Master paintings on display at The Queen's Gallery

London Zoo reopened its gates on Wednesday (December 2) as England emerged from a month-long coronavirus lockdown.

London Zoo brings festive cheer as it reopens after lockdown

A group of artists has created an immense portrait of a young child in a field in Yorkshire, England, to highlight the plight of children in Yemen. The portrait created by the Sand In Your Eye group is made up of 6,000 real-sized figures of playing children, symbolising the 6,000 UNICEF warned could die a day because of the dire situation in Yemen.

Huge image in UK highlights Yemen children's plight

ODI series between England and Netherlands that was scheduled to be held in 2021 has been postponed for a year due to coronavirus pandemic, it was announced on Friday.

ODI series between England and Netherlands that was scheduled to be held in 2021 has been postponed for a year due to coronavirus pandemic, it was announced on Friday. Also read: Virat Kohli says the new WTC pointing system is 'difficult' to comprehend According to the Royal Dutch Cricket Association, it was not viable to play the games with few or no fans. Ashley Giles, managing director of England men's cricket, said: "It is disappointing that we are unable to play the Netherlands in May in what would be England's first visit to Holland. "Hopefully, with the prospect of crowds returning to sport soon, we can rearrange the three matches in 2022 and showcase international cricket to capacity crowds." Also read: Neesham, Ferguson power New Zealand to 5-wicket win vs West Indies in 1st T20I Dutch high-performance manager Roland Lefebvre said: "The prospect of playing the world champions in a full house is exciting, and we look forward to welcoming the team back in 2022." The World Cup champions were set to play the three-match series as part of the International Cricket Council's (ICC's) World Cup Super League. World Cup Super League will determine qualification for the 2023 World Cup in India. The Netherlands, an associate member, is taking part along with the 12 full members of the ICC. (Inputs from AFP)

ODI series between England and Netherlands postponed over coronavirus

England's limited over captain Eoin Morgan on Thursday said that he is still unaware of best XI going into the three-match T20I series against hosts South Africa that commences at Newlands on Friday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-vs-india-odi-series-preview-schedule-head-to-head-stats-and-more-345560" hreflang="en">Australia vs India, ODI series: Preview, schedule, head-to-head stats and more</a>

For the first time in 2020, England gets to choose from a full-strength squad. However, Morgan admits there is plenty to ponder in both the batting and bowling line-ups, as well as the balance of the side in the shortest format.

"We don’t know our best XI yet," he told reporters on Thursday. "There are probably seven or eight guys who are strong candidates to be in the first XI. But with a full-strength squad here there is so much to discuss around team selection.

"To start with, you need to try and figure out who your best six or seven batsmen are, then try and get them in the roles that best suit them and the team, and that gives you the best chance of winning the games."

England will include in-form star all-rounder Ben Stokes. However, England is still unclear about the number seven batting position.&nbsp;

"Looking ahead to the World Cup we will probably need the option of two spinners. Then again, if we have the luxury of two all-rounders in the side (in these conditions) in Ben and Sam, that is also huge.

"Winning at the moment would be great, but it is more important that we get the players’ roles right and they get comfortable in them. Then the results will look after themselves."

England's limited over captain Eoin Morgan on Thursday said that he is still unaware of best XI going into the three-match T20I series against hosts South Africa that commences at Newlands on Friday.

England's limited over captain Eoin Morgan on Thursday said that he is still unaware of best XI going into the three-match T20I series against hosts South Africa that commences at Newlands on Friday. Also read: Australia vs India, ODI series: Preview, schedule, head-to-head stats and more For the first time in 2020, England gets to choose from a full-strength squad. However, Morgan admits there is plenty to ponder in both the batting and bowling line-ups, as well as the balance of the side in the shortest format. "We don’t know our best XI yet," he told reporters on Thursday. "There are probably seven or eight guys who are strong candidates to be in the first XI. But with a full-strength squad here there is so much to discuss around team selection. "To start with, you need to try and figure out who your best six or seven batsmen are, then try and get them in the roles that best suit them and the team, and that gives you the best chance of winning the games." England will include in-form star all-rounder Ben Stokes. However, England is still unclear about the number seven batting position. "Looking ahead to the World Cup we will probably need the option of two spinners. Then again, if we have the luxury of two all-rounders in the side (in these conditions) in Ben and Sam, that is also huge. "Winning at the moment would be great, but it is more important that we get the players’ roles right and they get comfortable in them. Then the results will look after themselves."

Eoin Morgan puzzled about England's best T20 side against Proteas

Four British athletes have been the victims of cyber attack where their intimate photographs and videos were posted online. This attack has affected hundreds of female sports stars and celebrities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cybercriminals-target-manchester-uniteds-it-systems-in-sophisticated-hacking-operation-344483">Cybercriminals target Man Utd's IT system in 'sophisticated' hacking operation</a>

The latest attack was on England's female sports stars. One of British athlete had almost 100 private images stolen in the iCloud leak.&nbsp;

These athletes, who have been the victim of this attack, will be taking steps to have the content removed from the dark web.&nbsp;

"It really is difficult to know what to do next," the agent of one victim told The Times. "The people who do this are sick. We have seen some very unpleasant cases, even where people have been blackmailed over [stolen] material."

'But it's not easy to get a grip on the situation and go after them. It can take years to pursue, just to get it taken down from the internet. As a victim you have to decide if you want to go through it.'

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/borussia-dortmund-striker-erling-haaland-2020-golden-boy-award-344705" hreflang="en">Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland 2020 Golden Boy award</a>

According to a spokesman for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said: "Accessing and then leaking people's personal data is utterly reprehensible, and we would urge everyone to take steps to secure their online accounts."

"The NCSC recommends people turn on two-factor authentication where it's available. We also recommend a strong password made up of three random words to reduce the likelihood of being hacked, and important accounts should use a unique password. The NCSC's Cyber Aware website has actionable steps to stay secure."

The cybercriminals have targetted iCloud, which is owned by Apple. The tech giant is yet to comment on the issue. This news comes when English club Manchester United confirmed they had been targeted in a cyberattack in what the club described as "a sophisticated operation by organised cyber criminals".

Four British athletes have been the victims of cyber attack where their intimate photographs and videos were posted online. This attack has affected hundreds of female sports stars and celebrities.

Four British athletes have been the victims of cyber attack where their intimate photographs and videos were posted online. This attack has affected hundreds of female sports stars and celebrities. Also read: Cybercriminals target Man Utd's IT system in 'sophisticated' hacking operation The latest attack was on England's female sports stars. One of British athlete had almost 100 private images stolen in the iCloud leak. These athletes, who have been the victim of this attack, will be taking steps to have the content removed from the dark web. "It really is difficult to know what to do next," the agent of one victim told The Times. "The people who do this are sick. We have seen some very unpleasant cases, even where people have been blackmailed over [stolen] material." 'But it's not easy to get a grip on the situation and go after them. It can take years to pursue, just to get it taken down from the internet. As a victim you have to decide if you want to go through it.' Also read: Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland 2020 Golden Boy award According to a spokesman for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said: "Accessing and then leaking people's personal data is utterly reprehensible, and we would urge everyone to take steps to secure their online accounts." "The NCSC recommends people turn on two-factor authentication where it's available. We also recommend a strong password made up of three random words to reduce the likelihood of being hacked, and important accounts should use a unique password. The NCSC's Cyber Aware website has actionable steps to stay secure." The cybercriminals have targetted iCloud, which is owned by Apple. The tech giant is yet to comment on the issue. This news comes when English club Manchester United confirmed they had been targeted in a cyberattack in what the club described as "a sophisticated operation by organised cyber criminals".

Private pictures of four female British athletes posted online in widespread cyberattack

English player Jos Buttler lauded South African skipper Quinton de Kock as one of his "favourite players in the world" ahead of their series.&nbsp;

Respective opening batsmen have been in good form and will play vital role for their teams in this series.&nbsp;

"I'm a huge fan of his," Buttler told reporters on Monday before the squad left for Cape Town. "He is a fantastic player with an excellent cricket brain. I really enjoy how he views the game and looks to take it on.

"He is one of my favourite players in the world at the moment, and is brilliant with the bat and as a wicketkeeper."

Buttler is a wicketkeeper for the English side.&nbsp;

England will play six limited-overs matches in South Africa between November 27 and December 9, including three ODIs, but it is the shortest format that will carry the most interest with looming Twenty20 World Cups next year and in 2022.

Buttler also said that the T20 series will help Englnd work through their selection permutations.

"To win the series is the ultimate aim, but also building towards the World Cups. In 50-over cricket we did that, winning and learning at the same time ahead of the (2019) tournament.

"Winning gives you confidence and clarity about your side. The 50-over team (that won the World Cup) nearly picked itself towards the end of that cycle.

"That gives you a lot of confidence, you are familiar with your own role and what to expect from your team mates."

English player Jos Buttler lauded South African skipper Quinton de Kock as one of his "favourite players in the world" ahead of their series. Respective opening batsmen have been in good form and will play vital role for their teams in this series.

English player Jos Buttler lauded South African skipper Quinton de Kock as one of his "favourite players in the world" ahead of their series. Respective opening batsmen have been in good form and will play vital role for their teams in this series. "I'm a huge fan of his," Buttler told reporters on Monday before the squad left for Cape Town. "He is a fantastic player with an excellent cricket brain. I really enjoy how he views the game and looks to take it on. "He is one of my favourite players in the world at the moment, and is brilliant with the bat and as a wicketkeeper." Buttler is a wicketkeeper for the English side. England will play six limited-overs matches in South Africa between November 27 and December 9, including three ODIs, but it is the shortest format that will carry the most interest with looming Twenty20 World Cups next year and in 2022. Buttler also said that the T20 series will help Englnd work through their selection permutations. "To win the series is the ultimate aim, but also building towards the World Cups. In 50-over cricket we did that, winning and learning at the same time ahead of the (2019) tournament. "Winning gives you confidence and clarity about your side. The 50-over team (that won the World Cup) nearly picked itself towards the end of that cycle. "That gives you a lot of confidence, you are familiar with your own role and what to expect from your team mates."

Buttler lauds this South African batsman and calls him 'favourite player in the world'

Booksellers across England have joined independent online website in order to support smaller businesses and rival retail giants like Amazon.

Bookshops in England take to alternative online platforms

Gareth Southgate has backed midfielders Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, and defender Michael Keane to have successful England careers after switching their allegiance from Ireland.

West Ham United's Rice was capped three times by Ireland, while Aston Villa's Grealish and Everton's Keane both played for Ireland's youth teams before committing their future to England.

The trio will now prepare to face Ireland for the first time since their switch after being named in England's squad for the upcoming friendly.

"...I think the three boys we have with us, they look as if they can have good international careers and we're just focusing on that part of it, really," Southgate told British media.

"We've got a lot of these situations. We played Wales last month and they had a couple of players who were with us as youngsters: Tyler Roberts and Ethan Ampadu. We didn't want to lose them.

"I think everybody is facing these challenges with dual nationality players. We've always got to get the balance right of not capping them too early and just to stop them going somewhere else."

England face Ireland on Nov. 12 before playing Nations League A Group 2 games against Belgium on November&nbsp;15 and Iceland on November&nbsp;18.

&nbsp;

Gareth Southgate has backed midfielders Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, and defender Michael Keane to have successful England careers after switching their allegiance from Ireland.

Gareth Southgate has backed midfielders Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, and defender Michael Keane to have successful England careers after switching their allegiance from Ireland. West Ham United's Rice was capped three times by Ireland, while Aston Villa's Grealish and Everton's Keane both played for Ireland's youth teams before committing their future to England. The trio will now prepare to face Ireland for the first time since their switch after being named in England's squad for the upcoming friendly. "...I think the three boys we have with us, they look as if they can have good international careers and we're just focusing on that part of it, really," Southgate told British media. "We've got a lot of these situations. We played Wales last month and they had a couple of players who were with us as youngsters: Tyler Roberts and Ethan Ampadu. We didn't want to lose them. "I think everybody is facing these challenges with dual nationality players. We've always got to get the balance right of not capping them too early and just to stop them going somewhere else." England face Ireland on Nov. 12 before playing Nations League A Group 2 games against Belgium on November 15 and Iceland on November 18.

Southgate backs England trio to shine after switch from Ireland

Christmas came early on London's iconic Oxford Street on Monday (November 2) as the festive lights were switched on for 2020, despite the coronavirus pandemic overshadowing the countdown to the holiday season.

London Christmas lights celebrate 2020 heroes

In a plan to step up UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's "Operation Moonshot", &nbsp;a report claimed the region's planning to test up to 10 per cent of England's population every week.

In a letter accessed by the Guardian, UK's National Health Services (NHS) said it is embarking on an "important new front in our fight against coronavirus" and asked all public health directors to sign up to procure rapid Covid-19 test kits for testing up to a tenth of their population every week to contain outbreaks and restore freedoms.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anthony-fauci-lauds-australias-covid-19-response-says-people-ridiculed-in-us-for-wearing-masks-338731">Anthony Fauci lauds Australia's Covid-19 response, says people 'ridiculed' in US for wearing masks</a>

If the plan gets implemented successfully, it would result in about 5 million tests each week, which is significantly more than nearly 300,000 PCR daily tests that are carried out.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-antibodies-among-recovered-patients-drop-rapidly-british-scientists-find-338622">Coronavirus antibodies among recovered patients drop rapidly, British scientists find</a>

Saliva tests, known as lateral flow tests, will contribute to this boost in testing as they are known to give results faster than PCR tests, which in many cases are taking longer than 48 hours to process.&nbsp;

These tests will target asymptomatic people to "protect those at higher risk, find the virus, break transmission and enable wider social and economic activity," NHS test and trace informed public health directors.

A few weeks ago, the British PM said the saliva tests would become "to help control localised outbreaks".&nbsp;

Matt Hancock, the health secretary, told parliament a week ago the government had purchased "many millions" of saliva test kits produced by the company Innova.&nbsp;

Alex Cooper, director of rapid testing at NHS test and trace, wrote in the leaked letter: "Each director of public health will be eligible to receive on a weekly basis the number of tests equivalent to 10% of their population."

In a plan to step up UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's "Operation Moonshot", a report claimed the region's planning to test up to 10 per cent of England's population every week.

In a plan to step up UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's "Operation Moonshot", a report claimed the region's planning to test up to 10 per cent of England's population every week. In a letter accessed by the Guardian, UK's National Health Services (NHS) said it is embarking on an "important new front in our fight against coronavirus" and asked all public health directors to sign up to procure rapid Covid-19 test kits for testing up to a tenth of their population every week to contain outbreaks and restore freedoms. Also read | Anthony Fauci lauds Australia's Covid-19 response, says people 'ridiculed' in US for wearing masks If the plan gets implemented successfully, it would result in about 5 million tests each week, which is significantly more than nearly 300,000 PCR daily tests that are carried out. Also read | Coronavirus antibodies among recovered patients drop rapidly, British scientists find Saliva tests, known as lateral flow tests, will contribute to this boost in testing as they are known to give results faster than PCR tests, which in many cases are taking longer than 48 hours to process. These tests will target asymptomatic people to "protect those at higher risk, find the virus, break transmission and enable wider social and economic activity," NHS test and trace informed public health directors. A few weeks ago, the British PM said the saliva tests would become "to help control localised outbreaks". Matt Hancock, the health secretary, told parliament a week ago the government had purchased "many millions" of saliva test kits produced by the company Innova. Alex Cooper, director of rapid testing at NHS test and trace, wrote in the leaked letter: "Each director of public health will be eligible to receive on a weekly basis the number of tests equivalent to 10% of their population."

England could test 10% of their population every week: Report

The accessory of 2020 - the face mask - was combined with 1920s themed fineries by guests forming a socially distanced queue for the relaunch of the London show "The Great Gatsby" on Thursday (October 22) evening.

'The Great Gatsby' back on stage in London

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