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Spectator
6 days ago
- Sport
- Spectator
Will Ben Stokes be fit for the Ashes?
What a marvellous summer this has been for Test cricket, which is sadly at risk of becoming an endangered species. The dramatic world of the T20 franchise, fuelled by the outrageous success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has pushed traditional Test cricket uncomfortably close to the margins. The Test matches began with South Africa's remarkable win over Australia at Lord's in the World Test Championship final in June. This has been followed by a thrilling drawn series against India. These matches have perfectly illustrated the greater variety and more exciting possibilities the two-innings game has to offer. In two-innings cricket a side can be bowled out for 40 in the first innings and go on to win the match. If the side batting first is bowled out for 40 in a one-innings game, we all must find something else to do after lunch. These Tests have also underlined the huge importance of the delicate balance between bat and ball. With apologies to the IPL, cricket at its best is not a game of four sixes an over. The T20 franchise's decision to shorten the boundaries has effectively turned the world's best bowlers into nothing more than cannon fodder. Unfortunately, the matches with India have brought with them a murky historical legacy. To say the least, tempers have become frayed. England claim that the Indians have become unpleasantly entitled while the Indians complain that the attitude of their opponents is one of arrogant colonialism. It was as though the two sides were being captained not by Ben Stokes and Shubman Gill, but by Robert Clive and Siraj-ud-Daulah, the team captains at the battle of Plassey in 1757. India now rules the cricketing world and produces 85 per cent of the game's worldwide television income. England and Australia ruled the game for many years, so who can blame India for relishing the fact that their turn has come? Memories of patronising treatment by England in the past remain. But England also now play in a more aggressive, Bazball style, as Stokes and England's head coach, Brendon McCullum, arrange the game in their own uncompromising way. It is an explosive mix. On an altogether lighter note, my wife Valeria and I entertained that impeccably dressed doyen of The Antiques Roadshow, John Bly, to lunch the other day at the Chelsea Arts Club. Some years ago, Bly and I took our stage show to the Edinburgh Festival. It was The Antiques Roadshow vs Test Match Special: Arthur Negus bowling to John Arlott. As dapper as ever, Bly still presides with his son, James, over the family antique business in Tring that was founded in 1891. During lunch, he told me that earlier this year he had been rung up by a friend who was organising a conference at a posh London hotel. His principal speaker had pulled out with two days to go. Would John fill the gap? He said cheerfully that he would do his best, but his enthusiasm was dampened when he heard that the subject to be discussed was 'Breastfeeding in Africa'. However, he was able to pick the brains of a friend who was a nutritionist in a London children's hospital. Two days later, John arrived at the venue confident he would not let his friend down. He pushed his way through the crowd to the ballroom where he was surprised to see a big notice proclaiming: 'JOHN BLY ON PRESS FREEDOM IN AFRICA.' English cricket's main imponderable at the moment is of course Stokes's torn shoulder muscle, which kept him out of the fifth Test at the Oval. Will he be fit for the Ashes, which are up for grabs in Australia this winter? England without a fully fit Stokes brings to mind Samson after Delilah had got to work with the scissors. Will we ever bowl them out and then will we make enough runs? And all of that before it comes to bowling changes and field placings, let alone the prevailing mood in the dressing room. Stokes will go to Australia, but will he be firing on all cylinders? Finally, back to Norfolk. Our bees have enjoyed this summer's weather just as much as Test cricket's aficionados. The buddleia on our terrace, which has also thrived in the constant sun, has been full of bees. I have been reminded of the old beekeepers' proverb about the decreasing value of honeybee swarms as the summer moves on:
Scottish Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Historic seafood restaurant seen on Antiques Roadshow and Lovejoy forced to shut down after ‘terrible' rat infestation
RAT HORROR Historic seafood restaurant seen on Antiques Roadshow and Lovejoy forced to shut down after 'terrible' rat infestation Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN HISTORIC sea food restaurant has been closed down court action after a rat infestation was discovered in the building. The infestation in the grade II listed building in Maldon, Essex, was discovered by district council hygiene officers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Officers said the restaurant posed an "imminent risk to public health" Credit: Alamy 3 A scene from Lovejoy filmed at Fish on the Quay in 1992 Credit: BBC Maldon District Council took court action against Fish on the Quay which is located on Church Street. Some parts of the historic building, which is used today as a restaurant, pub and a bed and breakfast, date back to the 15th century. Hygiene officers visited the business after receiving a complaint and discovered a "horrendous" rat infestation. Rodents at the restaurant were reportedly discovered licking tubs of honey and leaving droppings in the kitchen. The infestation was said to be in the venue's kitchen, bar and cellar spaces and posed an 'imminent risk to the public." After visiting on June 13 inspectors photographed rat droppings within the condiments, on top of a fridge in a kitchen storage area, in packaging, and behind a freezer in a storage shed. The business has been closed until inspectors are satisfied that the issue has been addressed, pest control are reportedly on site on a daily basis. Staff at Fish on the Quay, which is owned and operated by The Jolly Sailor Ltd, are working with the council to fix the problem. A manager has vowed to reopen the venue in Hythe Quay, telling the BBC "everything is great." Council leader Richard Siddall said however that "incredibly serious offences" had been identified a the venue. Shocking moment pack of huge RATS swarm popular McDonald's The council took the restaurant to court to apply for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order which was granted. The order means that the business cannot reopen until health risks are removed. Council officers are reportedly working with staff to ensure the safety of visitors and neighbours following the discovery of the rodent infestation. According to Sidall an "imminent risk to public health" had been identified. The rat infestation on the premises was identified as ongoing and extensive. Fish on the Quay has won several awards including a Diners' Choice award from OpenTable in 2022. 3 The historic building dates back to the 15th century Credit: Googlemaps It also appeared on TV several times most notably when an episode of Lovejoy was filmed there in January 1992. It has also appeared on Lawless heart in 2001 and The Antiques Road show in 2007. The historic building was once a Customs house keeping an eye on boats going back and fourth up the River Blackwater. Currently there is a sign outside the historic building reading: "We are closed! Sorry for the inconvenience." Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council, said; 'Our officers took swift action against this business as soon as it became clear there was an imminent risk to public health. 'It is absolutely vital that food businesses are kept clean and in good repair in line with stringent food safety legislation. "A failure to do so could potentially result in terrible consequences for the public and we will always take action against any owners not abiding by these laws. 'Whilst these are incredibly serious offences, we will work with the operator to improve the standards of cleanliness and make sure that they comply food safety standards before they reopen.' Fish on the Quay has been contacted for comment.
