It's like 2005 again… spats, niggles and flare-ups but mutual respect
As Joe Root and Zak Crawley went to commiserate with the disconsolate Siraj, it was impossible not to think back to the 2005 Ashes and the moment, seconds after the end of the Edgbaston match of that series, when Brett Lee went to his haunches in similar fashion, to be consoled by Andrew Flintoff. It became the defining image of the summer, much as, one suspects, the final moments of the Lord's Test will become for this one.
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The Independent
40 minutes ago
- The Independent
Olympian teams up with researchers to make PE kit more inclusive for teen girls
An Olympic sports star has teamed up with academic experts to help teenage girls feel more comfortable in their school PE kits. Tess Howard, who competed for Team GB in the Paris 2024 games, has joined physical activity and diet specialist Dr Alice Porter to make school sports clothing fitter for purpose. New research has shown that secondary school-aged girls would feel less self-conscious and more able to fully take part in PE lessons if they had more choice over their school sports kit. The study involved interviews and focus groups with 12 to 13-year-old girls and PE teachers from mixed-sex secondary schools in England. Its findings also revealed girls with lower self-esteem may be less likely to join in their PE lessons if compulsory items of clothing felt too tight or revealing. Dr Alice Porter, from the University of Bristol, said: 'We all have memories of our school PE kits and whether they were appealing, comfy, and warm enough or not to wear. 'Previous research has found many girls feel uncomfortable wearing their PE kits. 'Our study looked at how PE kits affect how girls feel about their bodies, how much they are involved in, and their attitude towards school sports. 'Our findings clearly evidence that when girls don't have any choice over their PE uniform, this can be a deterrent to their participation, especially for girls who feel self-conscious and are lacking in self-confidence.' By analysing pupils' lived experience and insights, the researchers also identified possible solutions to address the related issues, especially for teenage girls who may be more affected by school PE kit rules. Results showed girls want to choose the types of bottoms, such as leggings, jogging bottoms, or shorts, they wear for PE. They also want the option to wear additional layers, so they can cover up parts of their bodies they feel self-conscious about. The research recommends that PE uniforms should be offered in a range of styles to suit all pupils and should not be gender-labelled for girls or boys, so irrespectively they feel empowered to choose what suits them best. Changing rooms were also a big talking point for girls in the study, with many feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious changing for PE. A possible solution identified was for schools to allow pupils to wear their PE kit all day on the days they have PE lessons, an approach which girls and PE staff study participants widely supported. The research has been used to develop free guidance and support for schools nationally on how to develop comfortable and inclusive PE kit policies and practices. The initiative, called the Inclusive Sportswear Community Platform, has been designed by Ms Howard. 'We're delighted to be working with University of Bristol researchers to support our work because PE kit should never be the reason someone stops playing sport or feels unable to fully participate,' the hockey star said. 'Kit is a public health issue, and it's a barrier that can be lifted. Far too often, traditional sports kit policies inadequately support the diverse needs of pupils and forget the purpose of sport – to have fun. 'The research findings have provided powerful insights, which we have used to create practical advice and solutions for schools.' – The study, A qualitative study in UK secondary schools exploring how PE uniform policies influence body image attitudes, and PE engagement among adolescent girls, is published in the journal BMJ Open.
BBC News
41 minutes ago
- BBC News
A bus and a buzz - Williams on spreading Ashes word
In his BBC Sport column, England captain George Williams spreads the word about the autumn Ashes series and gives insight into the recent squad 100 days are left until this England side gets the chance to taste an Ashes series again and we face Australia for the first time since and Jack Welsby went down to London on Wednesday, driving round the city on a red bus and visiting some tourist sites for photos and trying to grow the buzz, to get people talking about the series down there and get players, you want to be involved in the biggest of games, and I don't see many bigger - if though there is still a lot of rugby to be played in Super League, to play against Australia at the end of the year is the pinnacle.I actually don't mind doing the press and promotion. I try to do it with a smile on my face and enjoy it, because it doesn't last forever and I'll soon be I've got to enjoy being in the media, growing the game and being England captain, which is something I'm really proud of. Being in Wane's world We had a meeting as an England group at a hotel near Manchester recently. I really enjoy the England camps. Any time we can get together is good. There were a couple of new faces in there as well, a reward for players that are doing nice to meet the new lads but also to catch up with the connections you've made over the past few years - I've got some good friends from other teams that you don't see too often unless you play against main purpose of the meeting was for Shaun to get his message across to us all, and point out a few things. It was very Shaun Wane-esque in that mind, the way he delivered I'm used to it because I've had him as a coach for a very long time, from my Wigan days and now as England coach. He even says in the meetings that a lot of us will have heard this before - but he knows what he wants from his doesn't go away from that. He knows what works. He's been very successful for a reason. So there were some home truths. Some of the lads already know what they need to do better but it's not nice to see it there in the room; people missing tackles or doing things he doesn't value within a team. It's not personal. He's not having a go at the individual. It's the bigger picture. He is showing us what is not acceptable - and if we continue to do those things, we won't be in the a tough school. To represent England, you've got to be at your best and that goes for all of us. Whether you're first time in or one of the seniors, there are certain standards you have to reach and he won't go away from them, so everyone knows what he are no grey areas. Sometimes you won't like what he's saying but you know where you stand.I definitely value it. It's something I took away from playing for Shaun - driving up standards. Origin a good barometer for Ashes test From the Australia side there has been a few things mentioned about what they will do now Mal Meninga has stepped down, but we saw what they could be capable of in State of Origin.I always watch Origin. It's a massive part of the game down in Australia. And a lot of those players will transfer to the Australia much as I do enjoy watching it, it's a little bit of homework as well.I'm sure they'll find someone to fill the coach role. They're the best - and have been a long time - so we're expecting the best of the number one and we're looking forward to challenging ourselves against them. We're looking to win - there's no doubt about it. 'Opportunities I have to listen to' Right now there's a lot of negotiating going on and logistics surrounding my future beyond 2025, so I'm leaving it up to my agent.I've had some great, respectful conversations with Warrington - everything's above board and there are no bad feelings between anyone involved.I'd be stupid not to listen to a great opportunity from the Australian NRL and I think the club understand that. I've stressed to them it's not the case that I hate it here and I'm wanting out - but some things arise in life and I'd hate to have any have some good, honest conversations and see what will happen. Get in the 'six', anyone's game We've won three in a row at Warrington now and given ourselves a chance to get back into the Super League's top win over Catalans down in Perpignan was a tough one, and the weather was mad. First of all we were happy to get in and out of there with a win, but it was 30C and cracking the flags on the Thursday and Friday we were there - and then come game day on the Saturday, it decided to have a storm for five or six hours. It wasn't was hot, muggy and the ball was slippy as anything. We didn't play well either, but I'd rather play rubbish and win than play well and had a rollercoaster of a year. We've lacked consistency but now we've a great chance to keep our season alive. Get in the six, and it's anybody's we beat Castleford at the weekend, it's four from four. We have to go into work with a smile on our face and work hard. Feeling sad won't do anything. We want to be better.
Daily Mail
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Penalty rebounds 'could be SCRAPPED for 2026 World Cup' in radical shake-up...as VAR powers also 'face major expansion'
Penalty rebounds could be scrapped entirely under dramatic new plans being considered by football's law-makers - potentially coming into force in time for the 2026 World Cup. The proposal, being discussed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), would see any missed penalty immediately result in a goal-kick, with no chance for the taker or others to score on the rebound, as reported by The Sun. That means iconic moments like Harry Kane 's extra-time rebound against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final or Xabi Alonso 's equaliser in Liverpool 's legendary 2005 Champions League comeback would no longer stand under the proposed rules. The idea is to treat a penalty as a single, standalone shot - much like a penalty stroke in hockey. Once the kick is taken, play would stop. If the ball goes in, it's a goal and the game restarts at the halfway line. If it doesn't, it's a goal-kick for the defending side - no corners, no second chances. Officials believe it could help eliminate disputes over encroachment and remove an unfair advantage for the attacking team. Currently, goalkeepers must have one foot on or behind the line, while attackers can pounce on rebounds, which some argue is a double punishment for defenders. The potential law change is being considered as part of a wider review aimed at modernising the game, particularly ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026. Any new rules would need to be finalised by the end of February to be introduced in time. Also on the table are plans to expand the scope of VAR. IFAB is looking at allowing video checks for second yellow cards and corners — but only when there's a 'unfair' dismissals or 'clear error' that can be reviewed quickly, without further delays to the game. Discussions over rules changed were during the recent Club World Cup in the US - with some senior figures now backing significant reform.
