Sports

Rain can be ally for England, says Stokes

Published

3 years ago

July 18, 2023

Staff Reporter

Spread the love

[ad_1]

File Photo

The weather forecast for the fourth and decisive Ashes test hints at potential delays, but England captain Ben Stokes on Tuesday said the looming rain clouds will be an advantage as his side are ready to play an even more aggressive brand of cricket.

The fourth test begins on Wednesday at Manchester, where England must win to level the series. Australia lead the series 2-1, and even a draw would see them retain the urn.

A superb 75 from Harry Brook and some big hitting from tail-ender Mark Wood earned England a pulsating three-wicket victory in the third test, dragging the hosts back into contention.

“It helped us in the last game knowing that we had to press the game on to stay in the series,” Stokes told reporters.

“If the weather does look like it’s going to have an affect on the time in the game, it probably suits us even more because we know what we need to do.

“We can’t just go hopefully, we have to look to press this game on. Everyone understands we will potentially be looking to press this game on even more if the weather is what it’s predicted to be.”

England have made one change to their team for the fourth test, with fast bowler James Anderson replacing Ollie Robinson in the side that won at Headingley.

Stokes said if they win and the series goes down to the wire, it has got the potential to be one of the best Ashes in a long time.

“Overall, take away Australia and England, the cricket that’s been played has been absolutely brilliant. Everyone who’s watched at the ground or at home on TV has just really enjoyed the cricket that’s been played,” he said.

“There’ve been some pretty special moments out on the cricket ground, some special individual performances as well. I guess that’s what you want from sport.”

Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

Published

3 weeks ago

April 24, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

Sports

Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

Published

3 weeks ago

April 22, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

News

Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

Published

4 weeks ago

April 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.