Latest news with #GraemeSwann
Daily Mail
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Liam Dawson primed to win his fourth Test cap eight years after his third - having revealed he thought his red-ball career was 'probably done'
Liam Dawson will win his fourth Test cap against India this week, 14 months on from admitting, 'I'm probably done' with an England career. Dawson, 35, has not appeared at Test level for eight years, and told Mail Sport last May that he was prioritising winning trophies with Hampshire rather than settling for being the oldest drinks waiter on cricket's international circuit. However, Shoaib Bashir's broken little finger has presented an opportunity for the slow left-armer to back up the belief of his county peers that he is in the form of his life, and is a far superior bowler to the one selected between December 2016 and July 2017. Back then, he was yet to take 30 first-class wickets in a season, and could only dream of the kind of County Championship returns — 49 in 2023 and 53 in 2024 — that contributed to him being named domestic cricket's most valuable player two years in a row. Last October, after also averaging 60 with the bat, he was voted the Professional Cricketers' Association's player of the year. Even though this three-year-old England regime have placed little value on domestic statistics, it was hard to ignore Dawson's improvement in performance. It is commonplace for spinners to hit career peaks in their 30s, as Graeme Swann, England's best of the modern era, did earlier this century, but Dawson's surge has also been influenced by another Graeme. His involvement comes after Shoaib Bashir broke his finger during the third Test at Lord's Since Graeme Welch arrived as Hampshire's bowling coach in 2022, Dawson has taken 148 first-class wickets at an average of 26.1. Up until the age of 32, his 223 victims had come at 35.2. Ten of his 14 five-wicket hauls have come since the start of the 2023 season. So, what has changed? Primarily, his wrist position. It is now cocked back further, which allows him to impart a greater amount of spin on the ball, and coincides with a change of mindset. Previously, Hampshire used him in a holding role, but he has been transformed into an attacking weapon. It aligns with England captain Ben Stokes' belief that bowlers should always be looking to get opposition batsmen out. 'When Pop Welch came to Hampshire, Daws had his own way of bowling,' said team-mate Keith Barker. 'He was always our frontline spinner, but he probably didn't get the wickets he wanted. He's got a wicket-taking mentality now. He gives a little bit more flight on the ball which obviously helps in that regard. 'When I arrived six years ago, I think he saw his job as trying to keep the run-rate down. Whereas now, he's disappointed if he doesn't bowl as well or take as many wickets as he would like.' Although it was in a different format of the game, Dawson's willingness to give the ball air and deceive opponents in the flight stood out on his recall for the Twenty20 series against West Indies earlier this summer. England appear welded to Bashir as their No 1 spinner, and at 35 Dawson is not a long-term threat, suggesting that his best hope of going to Australia this winter is as one of the reserves. Under Brendon McCullum and Stokes, however, a frontline spinner has always been selected in Test XIs, meaning that he should feature in Manchester from Wednesday and at The Oval later this month. One alternative selection would be to gamble on Jacob Bethell's left-arm spin and lengthen the batting, but that would go against McCullum's recent assertion that Bethell was in the squad as a top-order player. Not that he is in any touch, after trekking around the first three Test venues. In the 40 days since slamming an unbeaten 36 off 16 deliveries sent down by West Indies' bowlers in Southampton on June 10, Bethell has played just one first-class match — a Kookaburra-ball bore draw with Somerset at Edgbaston — plus three Twenty20 fixtures. Dawson will join a series that became increasingly tetchy last week as England went 2-1 up at Lord's, but which nevertheless remains cordial away from the heat of the battle. On-field relations turned sour when the Indians converged on Zak Crawley, following delaying tactics at the end of day three. Opening partner Ben Duckett stepped in amid a flurry of abuse and finger-wagging led by India captain Shubman Gill. Later that evening, in the home dressing room, it was decided that England would not stand for individuals being targeted in such a manner and adopted a pack mentality in response, leading to various send-offs to India's batsmen on the final morning, including one from Jofra Archer to Rishabh Pant after cart-wheeling his off stump.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Snooker legend's grandson gets England cricket call-up and receives first cap from icon Graeme Swann
CRICKET icon Graeme Swann handed a debut England Test cap to young cricketer Ralphie Albert on Sunday - the grandson of Snooker legend Jimmy White. White took to X to celebrate the moment with an image of the cap's exchange taking place. 5 5 He was delighted for his grandson, who received the cap following his appearance for England U19s on Sunday. The six-time world championship runner-up captioned the post: "Proud day as my grandson Ralphie gets his first England cap for the under 21's from Graeme Swann." Albert took 3/95 on the first day of his squad's first Test against India U19s in Beckenham. Just 17 years old, Albert plays his county cricket as part of Surrey's academy. The left-arm spinner received his cap from Swann, an England cricket icon with 255 wickets to his name in 60 Test appearances. Swann bowled a right-arm off-break for England, Nottinghamshire and his native Northamptonshire between 1998-2013 A big character, Swann was more recently seen on the national stage on Strictly Come Dancing, where he finished seventh. 5 5 Snooker star White is also branching out from his day job. The much-loved potter still plays and has been given a tour card for another year by snooker supremo Barry Hearn JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS But the Londoner is also set to go up against old rival Steve Davis in a completely different field. The pair are set to go head to head in a DJ clash next month at a music festival where an England football legend will also be on the bill. 5 The 63-year-old, nicknamed 'the whirlwind,' still plays professional snooker, but was relegated from the World Snooker Tour earlier this year due to his results.
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Celeb SAS line up huge Brit TikTok star with 4 million followers – despite backlash over ‘ableism' row
CELEBRITY SAS: Who Dares Wins bosses have signed up a huge British TikTok star with 4 million followers - despite backlash over past comments in an 'ableism' row. Comedian Jack Joseph, 25, is set to take part in the hit Channel 4 show, which puts celebs through gruelling military-style challenges. 4 A source said: "Channel 4 is keen to attract a younger audience and a content creator like Jack has a huge following with that demographic. "But his past comments on disability were controversial and it's not a good look for a station that prides itself on inclusivity." Jack faced criticism after posting a comedic sketch where he mimicked someone using a wheelchair - using stereotyped behavior and language that disabled viewers and advocates described as offensive. TikTok users flagged it as ableist, accusing him of mocking disabilities rather than satirizing broader issue. The backlash prompted conversations and response videos from disability advocates on the platform. While Jack appears to have deleted the post, it didn't come with a public apology or explanation - leaving fans unsatisfied. Recently, TikTok's search results show his name still trending with phrases like 'Jack Joseph apology ableism' and 'Jack Joseph ableism reaction,' suggesting that viewers are still calling for clarity or accountability. This latest news comes after The Sun revealed how former Love Island star Dani Dyer would also be part of the line-up for the new series. England cricketing hero Graeme Swann is being lined to appear on the next series too. SHOW SHAKE-UP We exclusively revealed how Celebrity SAS is set for a major shake-up too, with the new series set to take place in a new location. A show insider said: 'Last series, there was a bit of a cash crisis at Channel 4 so the series shunned exotic locales and filmed in Wales. "Bosses made it work but it felt like it wasn't on as big a scale as when they have filmed in foreign climes, so for the next series, execs are blowing the budget and pushing the boat out to film in Marrakech instead. "It's more expensive but will look amazing on camera.' The Sun has contacted Channel 4 for comment. Who is Jack Joseph? Jack Joseph is a British TikTok content creator who has amassed over 4million followers. Born on April 6, 2000, in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, the TikTok sensation now lives in the seaside resort of Brighton. Who is Jack Joseph on TikTok The content creator is best known for his hilarious point-of-view styled videos, in which he plays characters like American Bully and Undercover Fed. Jack often collaborates with his friends to create relatable characters in online comedic sketches. Although American Bully and Undercover Fed are characters that appear regularly in his posts, other comedy themes include football fanatics, relationships and the funny side of being a kid. Speaking on the What's Good? podcast, Jack admitted where and who he derives the inspiration to create his online characters: He said: "All of my characters are based on people from my school. "The Undercover Fed, Brighton is full of people like that," he confessed. 4 4 His daily video's are posted to his TikTok page @jackjos3ph and Instagram using the same username. Does Jack Joseph have a girlfriend? Jack's girlfriend is Annabel Parker. He has been dating the former Sussex university student since around 2020. The couple regularly share loved up selfies on Instagram, as well as feature in each others point-of-view video's on TikTok. On his birthday in 2024, Annabel shared a lift selfie of them both wearing matching trainers and captioned it: "Happy Birthday to the other half of me. You have the kindest heart. "I love you always xx." You can follow Annabel on Instagram @annabelparker_. Does Jack Joseph have a YouTube channel? Jack also has a YouTube channel alongside his TikTok account but has admitted in the past that he's not as active on there as he'd like to be. Speaking again as a guest on the What's Good? podcast in 2021 he admitted: "For the past year I've been thinking I need to get on YouTube. "I don't know what to do. YouTube 's difficult. "I want to get into YouTube because, well, there's money in it. There's no money in TikTok." Jack used his YouTube channel to announce he has started a 90 Day Transformation Challenge, as a response to some experience of fat-shaming online. He admits: "I haven't been looking after myself over the past couple of years. "Mainly due to adopting bad habits. "I've been vaping, eating bad food, not exercising and procrastinating on work. "Although these things might seem minor in moderation, when you let it snowball it does have a massive mental and physical health. "However, the best part is it's never too late to change. "So I've had an idea. I'm going to do a 90-day transformation." Jack urges his followers to join him in taking on the health challenge, while posting regular updates on his process to inspire others. 4
Scottish Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Celeb SAS sign up England cricket legend to take on TV's toughest test
It comes after The Sun exclusively revealed how the Channel 4 show is set for a major shake-up TOUGH TALK Celeb SAS sign up England cricket legend to take on TV's toughest test Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELEBRITY SAS: Who Dares Wins has signed up an England cricket legend, The Sun can reveal. The hit Channel 4 show - which launched in 2015 - puts a group of ordinary people through a tough quasi military training course. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 The Sun can reveal the latest star to be put through their paces by the tough instructors on Celebrity SAS Credit: PA 5 England cricket hero Graeme Swann has signed up to the show Credit: Getty 5 Swann kisses the Ashes trophy as England win in 2009 Credit: AFP - Getty The civilian series of SAS: Who Dares Wins ended in 2023, but the star version lives on. The Sun can now reveal that England cricketing hero Graeme Swann is being lined to appear on the next series. The retired sports star, 46, who also previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing, is set to be part of the star-studded line-up. A source told us: 'Sports stars always do well in the Celeb SAS line-up, and bosses are chuffed they've got Graeme to sign on the dotted line. "Not only is he familiar to cricket fans, he's also a reality TV favourite too after his stint on Strictly in 2018, where he finished in seventh place. 'Graeme is used to the pressure of international sporting events, and the acid tongues of the Strictly panel, but nothing will prepare him for his toughest TV show yet.' During his time in the England Test team, Graeme became a key factor as the team rose to No1 in the world. Swanny played a key role in historic wins in both Australia and India. Among his closest friends in cricket are the record-breaking duo Jimmy Anderson and Alastair Cook. Graeme, who retired from the sport in 2013, was part of the 2009 team who won the Ashes. Celeb SAS Who Dares Wins winners revealed This latest news comes after The Sun revealed earlier today how former Love Island star Dani Dyer would also be part of the line-up for the new series. SHOW SHAKE-UP The Sun's latest revelations come after we exclusively revealed how Celebrity SAS is set for a major shake-up. It came after we revealed how the new series will take place in a new location. A show insider said: 'Last series, there was a bit of a cash crisis at Channel 4 so the series shunned exotic locales and filmed in Wales. "Bosses made it work but it felt like it wasn't on as big a scale as when they have filmed in foreign climes, so for the next series, execs are blowing the budget and pushing the boat out to film in Marrakech instead. "It's more expensive but will look amazing on camera.' 5 Mark "Billy" Billingham is the current Chief Instructor and puts the stars through their paces Credit: Getty 5 The show puts famous faces through their paces Credit: PA Earlier this year, The Sun revealed how Celebrity SAS had been saved from the axe - after bosses had considered quietly ending the series. But after seeing footage of the upcoming series, execs couldn't let it go. A TV insider revealed: 'Channel 4 never officially announced that Celebrity SAS had been dropped, but behind closed doors, they had decided not to bring it back — at least for the time being. 'It's an expensive show to make, as far as reality shows go, and budgets have been tightened.' The hit series originally featured Ant Middleton as Head Instructor from 2015 to 2021. Since his departure, Mark "Billy" Billingham has taken over that position. Other Directing Staff (DS) includes Jason "Foxy" Fox, Rudy Reyes and Chris Oliver. Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins airs on Channel 4.
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Celeb SAS sign up England cricket legend to take on TV's toughest test
CELEBRITY SAS: Who Dares Wins has signed up an England cricket legend, The Sun can reveal. The hit Channel 4 show - which launched in 2015 - puts a group of ordinary people through a tough quasi military training course. 5 The Sun can reveal the latest star to be put through their paces by the tough instructors on Celebrity SAS Credit: PA 5 England cricket hero Graeme Swann has signed up to the show Credit: Getty 5 Swann kisses the Ashes trophy as England win in 2009 Credit: AFP - Getty The civilian series of SAS: Who Dares Wins ended in 2023, but the star version lives on. The Sun can now reveal that England cricketing hero Graeme Swann is being lined to appear on the next series. The retired sports star, 46, who also previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing, is set to be part of the star-studded line-up. A source told us: 'Sports stars always do well in the Celeb SAS line-up, and bosses are chuffed they've got Graeme to sign on the dotted line. Read more on Celeb SAS "Not only is he familiar to cricket fans, he's also a reality TV favourite too after his stint on Strictly in 2018, where he finished in seventh place. 'Graeme is used to the pressure of international sporting events, and the acid tongues of the Strictly panel, but nothing will prepare him for his toughest TV show yet.' During his time in the England Test team, Swanny played a key role in historic wins in both Australia and India. Most read in Reality Among his closest friends in cricket are the record-breaking duo Jimmy Anderson and Alastair Cook. Graeme, who retired from the sport in 2013, was part of the 2009 team who won the Ashes. Celeb SAS Who Dares Wins winners revealed This latest news comes after The Sun revealed earlier today how former Love Island star SHOW SHAKE-UP The Sun's latest revelations come after we exclusively revealed how It came after we revealed how the new series will take place in a new location. A show insider said: 'Last series, there was a bit of a cash crisis at Channel 4 so the series shunned exotic locales and filmed in Wales. "Bosses made it work but it felt like it wasn't on as big a scale as when they have filmed in foreign climes, so for the next series, execs are blowing the budget and pushing the boat out to film in Marrakech instead. "It's more expensive but will look amazing on camera.' 5 Mark "Billy" Billingham is the current Chief Instructor and puts the stars through their paces Credit: Getty 5 The show puts famous faces through their paces Credit: PA Earlier this year, The Sun revealed how But after seeing footage of the A TV insider revealed: 'Channel 4 never officially announced that Celebrity SAS had been dropped, but behind closed doors, they had decided not to bring it back — at least for the time being. 'It's an expensive show to make, as far as reality shows go, and budgets have been tightened.' The hit series Since his departure, Mark "Billy" Billingham has taken over that position. Other Directing Staff (DS) includes Jason "Foxy" Fox, Rudy Reyes and Chris Oliver. Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins airs on Channel 4. Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins winners Many celebrities have attempted the infamous Channel 4 quasi military training course - but only a select few have successfully passed. Series 1 (2019) - Wayne Bridge Series 2 (2020) - Locksmith and Lauren Steadman Series 3 (2021) - Alexandra Burke, Aled Davies and Wes Nelson Series 4 (2022) - AJ Pritchard, Calum Best, Ferne McCann and Maisie Smith Series 5 (2023) - Gareth Gates
