The Ashes 2025: When is the next Test, full schedule and how to watch England vs Australia
TNT Sports has exclusive live coverage in the UK, and their broadcast teams is split between these shores and Australia. You can watch TNT Sports channels on EE TV, Sky and Virgin Media. AustraliaAustralia opener Usman Khawaja failed to recover from the back spasms he suffered in Perth, ruling him out of the second Test. Khawaja’s absence means Travis Head will continue to open the batting after smashing an unforgettable hundred to take Australia to an eight-wicket victory in the first Test. Australia’s Ashes squad (second Test)
Source:The Times
December 04, 2025 08:50 UTC
Putin and Modi to meet amid politically treacherous times for Russia and India
When Vladimir Putin last set foot in India almost exactly four years ago, the world order looked materially different. That visit – lasting just five hours due to the covid pandemic – saw Putin and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi discuss economic and military cooperation and reaffirm their special relationship. Over the past three years, the US and Europe turned a blind eye as India became one of the largest buyers of cheap Russian oil, despite sanctions in the west. He publicly put pressure on Delhi to halt its Russian oil purchases, which culminated in a punishing additional 25% punitive US tariff on Indian imports. It has also prompted India to try to move away from its dependence on Russia, particularly on defence.
Source:The Times
December 04, 2025 07:34 UTC
ACTIVE OUTDOORS: ‘We’d stick them up in bars’ – How the Highland avalanche service has moved with the times
Picture: Max HunterAvalanche forecasts start before next weekend, from December 11, and there is a new coordinator in place at the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS). “People need to be really aware of the source and if it’s a reliable source,” he suggests. The main message is that conditions can change quickly in the mountains, and in winter conditions that can have a much more serious impact than at other times of year. He is keen that the sport does not become exclusive, with only those who can afford formal training taking part. Information is given on wind slab, wet snow, cornices, and other real-life dangers that walkers should be aware of.
Source:The Times
December 04, 2025 06:36 UTC
My stay in London’s fanciest new hotel — in a surprising location
Play a word association game with the phrase “football stadium hotel” and you are unlikely to come up with “boutique”, “beautifully designed” or “mesmerising river views” — but these are exactly the terms you need for Fulham Pier Hotel. The stadium is Fulham FC’s, while the 13-room hotel is part of the major redevelopment led by Shahid Khan, the billionaire who bought the club from Mohamed Al Fayed in 2013. Out went the old west stand that sat with its back to the river, blocking the Thames Path. In — this year — came a swish new public-access waterside boardwalk running in front of a multi-floor complex combining dining, entertainment, a members’ club and, since October, a hotel. Overall 8/10RoomsScore 9/10It’s easy to forget the football connection — there are no framed shirts on the wall and the sound insulation is chant-proof.
Source:The Times
December 04, 2025 05:02 UTC
The underrated Croatian city on a charm offensive
Day three in Rovinj, Croatia’s pocket-sized Venice (albeit without the canals), and I have found genius-level gelato. Being the best gelateria in Rovinj is no small feat. On my final morning, I take another sea trip, on a larger boat this time — the Quo Vadis — buying my ticket from the kiosk on the small harbour (90-minute tour; £13.50). Everyone I met wanted to tell stories of the town: what their parents remembered, their grandparents before them. AdvertisementAnnabelle Thorpe was a guest of the Istria Tourist Board (istra.hr), and the Villa Tuttorotto, which has B&B doubles from £195 (villatuttorotto.com).
Source:The Times
December 04, 2025 05:02 UTC
What’s really happening with Andrew, Fergie and Royal Lodge
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Source:The Times
December 03, 2025 20:36 UTC
Households under new flight paths ‘should not be compensated’
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Source:The Times
December 03, 2025 19:28 UTC
Kimberly Wyatt launches new urgent care centre Mill Hill
Singer Kimberly Wyatt cut the ribbon at Chase Lodge Hospital in Mill Hill on November 13. The centre, which aims to offer rapid, expert medical care for patients who need urgent attention, will operate as an alternative to long waiting times in A&E departments. Kimberly Wyatt cuts ribbon to officially launch Chase Lodge urgent care (Image: Alan Walter)Ms Wyatt said: "As a mum, I know how stressful it can be when someone you love suddenly gets sick or hurt. "At Chase Lodge Hospital, you’re triaged quickly — within about 20 minutes — and can get instant diagnostics on-site. "We built the London Urgent Care Centre at Chase Lodge Hospital to give patients what they need most in an emergency — calm, confidence, and care from senior doctors who can act fast and provide answers when every minute matters."
Source:The Times
December 03, 2025 18:16 UTC
Helen Shaw Named New York Times Chief Theatre Critic
There is a new New York Times chief theatre critic: Helen Shaw. That list of fill-ins notably did not include Shaw, who joins the Times after a stint as theatre critic and staff writer for The New Yorker, and a tenure as chief theatre critic at New York Magazine prior. Green had headed the paper's theatre criticism since 2017, previously reviewing shows for New York Magazine. The appointment is a heady one for the Broadway industry, which often looks to Times reviews as a significant influencer on ticket sales. Following the departure of Ben Brantley in 2020, the outlet kept only Green full-time, with additional reviews being penned by freelancers.
Source:The Times
December 03, 2025 17:31 UTC
Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury create festive story
Poet and author Michael Rosen and Hampstead-based illustrator Helen Oxenbury will publish their timely story exclusively in next week's The Big Issue. Helen Oxenbury's illustration for Pax: A Festive Tale, a story exclusively written by Michael Rosen for The Big Issue magazine. To have him and Helen team up again to create something so unique for Big Issue is a wonderful Christmas gift. You can read Pax: A Festive Tale by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury exclusively in next week’s Big Issue, out Monday December 8. by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury is out now, published by Walker Books £12.99.
Source:The Times
December 03, 2025 17:03 UTC
UAE to introduce revised VAT rules from January 2026
The UAE ’s Ministry of Finance has announced updates to the country’s VAT law, effective from January 1, 2026. According to a Gulf News report, the new rules aim to simplify tax procedures, improve transparency, and align the UAE’s system with international standards.“The move comes as part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to develop its tax system and enhance administrative and regulatory efficiency. The amendments aim to simplify tax procedures for taxpayers while ensuring transparency and compliance with international standards,” the Ministry said in a statement.One major change removes the need for businesses to issue self-invoices under the reverse charge mechanism. This approach reinforces shared responsibility, strengthens governance across the supply chain, and safeguards public revenue,” the Ministry said.The Ministry highlighted that the changes will improve fairness among taxpayers, strengthen transparency, and support efficient public revenue management. The reforms also aim to maintain the UAE’s competitive business environment and ensure the long-term sustainability of the economy.
Source:The Times
December 03, 2025 16:00 UTC
Labour isn’t ‘fixing a black hole’, it’s growing the welfare state
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Source:The Times
December 03, 2025 15:36 UTC
Changes to green scheme will push up energy bills, says Greencoat UK Wind
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Source:The Times
December 03, 2025 15:31 UTC
England v Australia Second Test LIVE: UK times, team news, scorecard and where to watch Gabba clash
England v Australia Second Test LIVE: UK times, team news, scorecard and where to watch Gabba clashEngland are already staring down the barrel of another Ashes Series defeat following their dismal performance in the first Test against Australia. It was the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test has ended within two days of play. England know they have to drastically improve in the Second Test to level the series and keep their support onside. England v Australia: Date and how to follow second TestThe Second Test in this edition of The Ashes will run from Thursday, December 4 to Monday, December 8. Brisbane Cricket Ground, also known as The Gabba, hosts the second Test in the Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba.
Source:The Times
December 03, 2025 14:54 UTC
When are the IBA World Championships? Dates and start times for £6m amateur boxing tournament
THE IBA amateur boxing world championships return this year in Dubai with a never-before-seen prize pot up for grabs. Staged over 12 days, the world’s best talent from the amateur code compete for medals and money while representing their countries. SunSport has all the details below…When are the IBA World Championships? Recognisable names from the amateur code include:Julio La Cruz (CUB) – Two-time Olympic champion(CUB) – Two-time Olympic champion Hasanboy Dusmatov (UZB) – Two-time Olympic champion(UZB) – Two-time Olympic champion Abdumalik Khalokov (UZB) – Olympic champion(UZB) – Olympic champion Loren Alfonso Dominguez (AZE) – Paris 2024 Olympic finalist(AZE) – Paris 2024 Olympic finalist Nurbek Oralbay (KAZ) – Paris 2024 Olympic finalist(KAZ) – Paris 2024 Olympic finalist Aibek Oralbay (KAZ) – Two-time Asian championWho is involved? Roberts told SunSport ahead of the World Championships: “The world championships is the pinnacle of an amateur boxers’ career.
Source:The Times
December 03, 2025 13:35 UTC