Latest news with #Baz
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Stokes sends five-word message to England cricket bosses as summer target set
England have a clear goal this summer following the release of the ICC's new world rankings, with Ben Stokes' side currently sitting at No.2 behind old rivals Australia Ben Stokes will happily fall off the wagon if England take the first steps towards reclaiming No.1 in the Test charts at Trent Bridge. When the International Cricket Council's rankings, based loosely on the science of a lottery tombola, were revised earlier this month, England surfaced at No.2 behind Australia. But with a marquee series against India later this summer, and the legacy-defining Ashes tour in November, Stokes fancies planting the Cross of St George back at the summit. After the updated rankings were published, the England captain sent coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key his mission statement in a five-word text message: 'One more place to go.' England have not been at No.1 in Test cricket since August 2012, when Sir Andrew Strauss was skipper. And while the one-off, four-day Test against Zimbabwe is expected to be target practice ahead of an Indian summer and glory-or-bust assignment in Australia, Stokes admitted he has his eyes on the top spot. He stopped drinking alcohol in January to help his recovery from surgery to repair a torn hamstring, but will permit himself a celebratory snifter if England get their international summer off to a winning start. Stokes said: 'When the rankings came out, I did send Baz and Keys a text saying we've got one more place to go. 'If we're able to accomplish the things that I believe we're able to accomplish, and if we win (the series) we've got coming up, the likelihood is that we will be at the top of the leaderboard. There's no doubt in my mind that we have the ability to be able to be that team. 'We're trying to take all the good things we've built over the last three years, adding to all the good stuff that we've managed to achieve and all the good things that we've created in that dressing room, and we thought this was the absolute perfect time to do that. 'Have we got another level to go in terms of our development? Absolutely - Baz uses this phrase a lot, but we're starting from a position of strength. Everyone understands we have definitely got another level or two to go to.' Stokes looks chiselled after his rehab programme and booze ban. He is fit to bowl against Zimbabwe, although his workload will be finite. He explained: 'When I got injured, I just decided I'm not gonna have a drink until my rehab's done and I'm back on the field. There's no benefit to having alcohol in your body so, yeah, it was a decision that I just made for myself. 'And I'm being a bit more mindful of it when it comes to my preparation and recovery, especially with the big summer and everything we've got coming up. 'Obviously I've had a few injuries over the last couple of years - the left leg's gone through a bit trauma with the surgeries it's had in a short period of time, so I'm just making sure that I'm giving myself the best possible chance when I'm out there competing. 'I've not stopped drinking - I just decided not to. But if we win, I'll have a drink. Definitely.' After McCullum's pointed memo to his players to 'show some humility' after claims they paid too much attention to golf and not enough to net practice, there is no danger of England's Bazball cavaliers suddenly converting to shrinking violets. Stokes expects more of the same - assertive, audacious cricket - and he said: 'I always want to win every single time I walk on that field, but there's a few things that we felt we needed to change. "Hopefully it becomes very clear to our fans and everyone that everything that we do is about winning. 'I want this team to to dominate series, to dominate days, dominate every session. It's not always going to happen like that, but that's the mindset that I want us to go out with every single day, so everything is is aimed towards winning.' Zimbabwe, playing their first Test in England since 2000, are 25-1 virtual no-hopers with the bookies, but their pace attack will be led by 6ft 8in Blessing Muzarabani, who warned: 'We believe in ourselves. We believe we can win.'
Herald Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Backroom Baz: Dan Andrews' team throws city gath without him
Time flies when you're having fun. It's already been a year since the mighty team behind Daniel Andrews joined forces to start a new consultancy, and what a party they threw to celebrate. Andrews' former chief of staff Lissie Ratcliffe, her deputy Jessie McCrone, ex strategy guru Ben Foster, and one longtime spin doctor formed FMRS Advisory last year to flog their corporate and government knowledge to cashed up clients. After what Baz is told was a slow start to get up and running they must be doing OK, given the swish party at QV's No Vacancy Gallery on Wednesday. It was a who's who of Labor-aligned politicos from Lord Mayor Nick Reece to MPs Danny Pearson, Michaela Settle and Belinda Wilson. VCCI boss Paul Guerra was there as were a slew of former advisers to top ministers including Lisa Neville, Tim Pallas and Martin Pakula. Royal Children's Hospital comms boss Kog Ravindran was among the crowd as was current staffers from Jactina Allan's office. One person noticeably absent from the do? Dan himself. Which made Baz feel better for not getting an invite. Maybe next year. Jaclyn goes green for maiden budget When she delivers her first budget this week, Jaclyn Symes will be only the second of our top bean counters to be granted permission of the lower house to appear in its glorious green chamber to do so. Symes is just the second upper house MP to hold the position, following Brumby government treasurer John Lenders. Manager of government business, Mary-Anne Thomas, said she was looking forward to welcoming Symes. 'I will reflect that I am a person that normally does not really welcome those from the other house into this place,' she said. 'I think that this is the people's house and that we are the engine of government here in the Legislative Assembly. 'The house of review does its job, but seriously we are the people on the ground every day responding to the needs of our constituents. However, in this case, I want to make an exception because I do very much look forward to welcoming our Treasurer.' Baz is told it's still to be decided whether Jac will be allowed to bring her knife in, or be forced to leave it at the door. Watch this space. Unearthing the past The federal election might be over, but Baz couldn't let this one go. First-time Labor candidate Tully Fletcher ran a troubled campaign in the Bass Coast seat of Monash, which led to a rare swing towards successful Liberal candidate, Mary Aldred. But why? Could it have been locals unearthed some of his controversial statements: like publicly describing Hillary Clinton's personality as being akin to a mythical creature renowned for its unpleasant stench, comparing Julia Gillard to a character from TV show Yes Minister and sternly criticising the party's factional system? The comments were made in newspaper editorials he co-authored when he was a law student and co-editor of the Australian National University student newspaper, Woroni. Mr Fletcher declined to comment this week, including on whether his comments about Ms Clinton were sexist. 'It's a no comment from me,' he said. Mr Fletcher and his co-editor also called for Australia to dump the Royal Family, calling the Monarchy 'patently ridiculous'. Mr Fletcher's view on the monarchy was in stark contrast to the people he sought to represent on the Bass Coast, who in 1999 voted overwhelmingly in favour of retaining the monarchy. Mr Fletcher was, until the campaign, working as a director at consultancy firm Deloitte. Before that he worked as a staffer to Andrews government minister Martin Pakula. He declined to comment on his future plans. $600k annual pay salary up for grabs It's been a couple of weeks since Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry boss, Paul Guerra, announced he was moving on to greener pasture with Melbourne Football Club. So it begs the question, who will fill the big shoes and flash jackets he'll leave at VCCI's Collins St headquarters? Former Property Council head turned podcaster Danni Hunter's name keeps getting mentioned, as does that of Committee for Melbourne boss Scott Veenker. Long running VCCI chief of staff, and sometime acting boss, Chanelle Pearson, is also considered a contender, if only an outside chance. Baz is told the field of candidates is growing slowly, but among the small grouping there is some fierce competition for the coveted job which boasts access to Melbourne's top movers and shakers, and a $600,000 annual pay packet to boot. Nice work if you can get it. Great debate back for more Spring St's newest and greatest annual event is back. After the huge success of the inaugural Great Debate between pollies and journalists last year, it's back for a second go in what has become one of the Victorian Parliament's most anticipated nights. Baz can hardly think of a better way to raise money for charity. Last year more than $15,000 was raised for the Lions V District Skin Cancer van which provides a free skin testing service across the state. This year all funds will go to Need for Feed to support drought-stricken farmers. The question? That AI politicians would be better than real politicians. The Australian Financial Review's Sumeyya Ilanbey, ABC's Raf Epstein and 3AW's Tom Elliott will take on minister Gabrielle Williams, the Liberal Party's David Hodgett and Jade Benham from the Nationals. Baz reckons the debate is fast on its way to becoming Spring St's own entertainment and networking opportunity with charity the big winner. Tickets here. Credlin: Why didn't the Libs call out Labor's super tax? Read related topics: Daniel Andrews
Irish Independent
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
TV star spotted enjoying a 99 cone in rural Kilkenny during a break from filming
Bazil Ashmawy, also known as Baz, is no stranger to our TV screens as host of DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland, the show that rebuilds people's lives by rebuilding their homes. While in Co Kilkenny, Baz made the trip to Croke's Shop in Mooncoin to sample some of their ice cream. A picture of Baz's visit to shop was posted on social media by Croke's Shop as they wrote 'when the Croke's shop crew met the big build crew. Lovely to meet Baz and the lads, thanks for calling in to try out the cones'. Baz and the big build crew have been filming in Mooncoin for the past week as they build a dream home for the O'Hanlon family who are in desperate need of an adapted house for their little girl, Aoibhínn (9), who has a severe type of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Along with DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland, Baz is known for the TV show, 50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy, which won the international Emmy Award for Best Non-Scripted Entertainment. Baz has also hosted radio shows on both RTÉ 1 and RTÉ 2fm, among other things.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Baz Luhrmann, 62, looks worlds away from his former self as he displays wrinkle-free complexion and plump cheeks at 2025 Met Gala
Baz Luhrmann has been at the centre of cosmetic surgery accusations for years. And the award-winning filmmaker, 62, did little to dispel rumours as he attended the 2025 Met Gala in New York City on Monday. The iconic Australian director looked very different from when he shot to fame in 1992 with his hit film Strictly Ballroom. Lurhmann displayed a wrinkle-free complexion and very plump cheeks as he walked the red carpet with his wife Catherine Martin. His visage appeared shiny, while his jawline seemed noticeably more pronounced than they did during his former years in the spotlight. Earlier in his career, Lurhmann sported a rugged appearance with natural wrinkles. The director made a style statement at the Met Gala with his wife Catherine. The award-winning filmmaker channelled German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld as he arrived in a striped suit jacket, a white vest and matching coloured pants. He completed his eccentric look with a colourful tie, round glasses and wore a pair of black dress shoes. Baz was joined by his wife Catherine, who looked glamorous in a long black and navy gown which featured sheer sleeves. She accessorised with a large green and white necklace, patterned shoes and large framed blue glasses. The couple, who've been married for almost three decades, proved their relationship is stronger than ever as they put on a loved-up display on the red carpet. Their red carpet appearance comes after it was recently reported that Baz and Catherine appear to be living separate lives. Award-winning filmmaker Baz was spotted at Taylor Swift 's Sydney concert in February last year in the singer's star-studded box alongside her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce, Katy Perry and fellow filmmaker Taika Waititi and his wife Rita Ora. The Romeo + Juliet director was seen dancing like no one was watching, his wife notably missing despite the fact they were living on Gold Coast at the time, a short one hour and 20 minute flight from Sydney. The couple also recently moved into 'a shack' in the Miami beach area, downsizing from a larger home they were residing in after they relocated to the glitter strip in 2020 to make their sixth film Elvis. In an interview with The Australian's Wish magazine, Martin spoke about doing long distance with her husband. The Academy Award-winning Costume Designer said the pair speak regularly on the phone when he is in New York and she stays at their seaside Gold Coast shack. Martin said she was enjoying the 'work/life balance' on the Gold Coast, where she goes for daily long morning walks on the beach and classes at her local Pilates studio. 'I called Baz this morning, I was walking on the way to Pilates and he was marvelling at the weather, because he's in New York,' she said in the interview at the time. Meanwhile, Baz was forced to put split rumours to rest after fans noted eerie similarities with Aussie actor Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness' failed marriage. The director confirmed the pair were still very much in love. Baz and Martin have been married for 28 years and just saw their own children Lilly, 20, and William, 18, move out of home.
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Baz Luhrmann channels Karl Lagerfeld as he attends the Met Gala with his wife Catherine Martin after speculation about their 'separate lives'
Baz Luhrmann made a style statement as he attended the 2025 Met Gala with his wife Catherine Martin on Monday. The award-winning filmmaker channelled German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld as he arrived in a striped suit jacket, a white vest and matching coloured pants. He completed his eccentric look with a colourful tie, round glasses and wore a pair of black dress shoes. Baz was joined by his wife Catherine, who looked glamorous in a long black and navy gown which featured sheer sleeves. She accessorised with a large green and white necklace, patterned shoes and large framed blue glasses. The couple, who've been married for almost three decades, proved their relationship is stronger than ever as they put on a loved-up display on the red carpet. It was recently reported that Baz and Catherine appear to be living separate lives. Award-winning filmmaker Baz was spotted at Taylor Swift 's Sydney concert in February last year in the singer's star-studded box alongside her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce, Katy Perry and fellow filmmaker Taika Waititi and his wife Rita Ora. The Romeo + Juliet director was seen dancing like no one was watching, his wife notably missing despite the fact they live on Gold Coast, a short one hour and 20 minute flight from Sydney. The couple also recently moved into 'a shack' in the Miami beach area, downsizing from a larger home they were residing in after they relocated to the glitter strip in 2020 to make their sixth film Elvis. In an recent interview with The Australian's Wish magazine, Martin spoke about doing long distance with her husband. The Academy Award-winning Costume Designer said the pair speak regularly on the phone when he is in New York and she stays at their seaside Gold Coast shack. Martin says she enjoys the 'work/life balance' on the Gold Coast, where she goes for daily long morning walks on the beach and classes at her local Pilates studio. Baz and Catherine, who've been married for almost three decades, proved their relationship is stronger than ever as they put on a loved-up display on the red carpet 'I called Baz this morning, I was walking on the way to Pilates and he was marvelling at the weather, because he's in New York,' she said in the interview. Meanwhile, Baz was forced to put split rumours to rest after fans noted eerie similarities with Aussie actor Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness' failed marriage. The director confirmed the pair were still very much in love. Baz and Martin have been married for 28 years and just saw their own children Lilly, 20, and William, 18, move out of home.
