Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the 2026 T20 World Cup Super Eights Group Two match between England and Pakistan in Pallekele. Kandy must be among England’s favourite homes from home, not just for its beauty – they have won four games on the bounce there this year in bilaterals against the hosts and then again versus Sri Lanka in their first match at this stage on Sunday. At times during that victory, in comments sections, social media, on TMS and on the ICC’s world feed used by Sky, there was something more than disquiet about England’s performance with the bat. Rage at slipshod batting during the Ashes and a general impatience with Brendon McCullum has not been diluted by the switch in formats. If anything it seems to have redoubled.
And yet England won comfortably, once again proving Sir Geoffrey Boycott’s old adage about it being foolish to judge a pitch until you have seen both sides batting on it to be as perceptive as ever. England have triumphed in a couple of nippers against Nepal and Scotland and were beaten by West Indies who have been magnificent so far and are, with South Africa, streets ahead of everyone else, including the hosts India. Given that Pakistan vs New Zealand was a washout, though, victory for England today would all but guarantee a semi-final place with a game to spare. How they then overcome one of the titans from Group One can be left for another day.
Victory over Pakistan, a team they have beaten in all three previous meetings at the T20 World Cup and in the past five bilaterals in succession, is not a given even if they will be playing on a fresh pitch today rather than Sunday’s tacky strip. The opener Sahbizada Farhan is the tournament’s leading runscorer with 220, including an unbeaten hundred in his last innings plus a 47 and 73 before that. Beneath him, however, no other batsman has accumulated a hundred runs across their four completed matches while England’s Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Sam Curran and Harry Brook have all managed that, albeit in five. England have not been able to collar finger-spinners in the tournament so far and in Usman Tariq (see below), Mohammad Nawaz, the Bertie Bassett Saim Ayub, plus the leggies Abrah Ahmed and Shadab Kahn, they have quite the battery.
Advertisement
The big worry remains England’s greatest white-ball batsman, Jos Buttler, who has scores of 26, 21, three, three and seven so far. Having said that, in Pallekele last month he made a swashbuckling 17, then 39 and 25 in England’s three victories and the left shoulder wiggle that tells us all about his intent and confidence was present on Sunday. He may not regain his swagger today and score heavily but it is far too soon to write him off. England were given the day off on Monday after their exertions in sweltering humidity the night before. But Buttler insisted on having a net and, encouragingly, found the middle of his bat.
The hospitals are trying to minimise impact to anyone affected.
Cambridgeshire hospitals have said they will need to postpone some operations due to a shortage of supplies. There is a “global shortage” of bone cement used for joint replacements such as knees and hips.
Advertisement
As a result, hospitals under the Cambridge University Hospitals Trust (CUH) – including Addenbrooke’s Hospital – and Peterborough City Hospital have had to postpone some upcoming operations.
The CUH website said: “One of the major international manufacturers temporarily paused production following a packaging fault. Although production has now restarted, supplies remain limited across the UK and are expected to be affected over the coming weeks.
“This national issue is being coordinated by NHS England, and like other NHS trusts, CUH has put immediate measures in place to ensure patient safety and continuity of urgent care. We recognise how frustrating and disappointing this disruption may feel, particularly if you are currently waiting for surgery.
“Like other NHS trusts, we are prioritising our use of bone cement to treat patients with the greatest clinical need. Unfortunately, some planned joint replacement surgeries or procedures will need to be postponed.”
Advertisement
A Peterborough City Hospital spokesperson said the hospital is trying to keep the impact to a “minimum”.
They added: “We are doing all we can to keep the impact of this issue to a minimum, but we will need to postpone some planned surgery over the coming weeks. We recognise how frustrating and disappointing this will be for patients who will have already waited a long time for their procedure.”
The pub will replaced with a restaurant, which will be the first of its kind in Cambridgeshire.
A Cambridgeshire pub is set to close soon, with a new restaurant replacing it. In November, it was announced that Mulberry Tree Farm in Hampton, Peterborough, would be closing.
Advertisement
The pub has served Hampton for more than 10 years, and it has been popular for its large cake slices it serves. In its place, Hickory’s Smokehouse will open as the first of its kind in Cambridgeshire, creating around 100 new jobs.
The closing date of Mulberry Tree has now been confirmed as Saturday, February 28. In a social media post, a Mulberry Tree spokesperson said: “Mulberry Tree Farm as you know it will be closing our doors on February 28, but if you haven’t already heard, there’s exciting news ahead!
“Hickory’s Smokehouse will be opening later this year, so keep your eyes peeled! Thank you to everyone who’s visited Mulberry Tree Farm over the years, and we hope to see you again soon as Hickory’s.”
The opening date for Hickory’s has not yet been announced. Hickory’s Smokehouse has been approached for more information.
After 20 years since its first online order in 2006, the homeware retail giant has launched a new app, and its arrival comes with a few perks too for those who wish to use it.
Available for iOS and Android phone models, the new app aims to “enhance” consumers’ shopping experiences.
Dunelm is offering incentives for downloading the app including free drinks in their in-store Pausa cafes, and 10% off a first app purchase.
Advertisement
Dunelm launches new app as part of ‘exciting’ shake-up in how customers can shop
Shoppers can use the app to check-in for Click & Collect orders, check product availability at their local store and scan products for further information as they browse the latest cushions, candles, bedding and other home accessories.
App customers also have the ability to shop particular ranges and styles, depending on their preferences.
To support the ongoing development of this new channel, Dunelm has a roadmap of new features which will further enhance the shopping experience for customers, with increased levels of personalisation and inspiration.
The retailer has said the newly launched app acts as an “easy and convenient companion for all Dunelm shopping journeys, incorporating the AI-powered search, recommendations and browse functionality which has been driving a more personalised experience on the Dunelm website”.
UK High Street Shops That No Longer Exist
It comes as last year, Dunelm introduced a generative AI-driven product discovery solution on Dunelm.com, in partnership with Google Cloud.
Advertisement
John Gahagan, chief technology & information officer at Dunelm, commented: “We’re really excited to have launched our new App.
“It’s just over 20 years since we delivered our very first online order and this is the next chapter in our digital journey.
“The App brings our customers new ways to interact with our products and services, wherever they are, ensuring an easy, convenient and inspirational shopping experience.
“Our launch is just the beginning and we look forward to bringing a range of new, innovative features over the coming months, as we continue to help customers create homes they love.”
Advertisement
The Dunelm app is available to download now from the App Store and Google Play.
Morrisons introduces ATM charges at select UK stores
Dunelm isn’t the only major UK shop that has announced a new change affecting shoppers this week.
Morrisons has also confirmed it will now be charging its customers who use ATMs at a handful of its Daily convenience stores, as part of a new pay-to-use trial.
Using ATMs at Morrisons Daily shops used to be free, but the use of cash machines has dropped significantly due to an increase in cashless payments.
Advertisement
As a result, Morrisons is looking for ways to keep an ATM service for consumers.
Recommended reading:
Morrisons said the change will allow customers to continue withdrawing cash at their local Daily site rather than losing the ATM service entirely.
Pricing decisions for ATMs are not controlled by Morrisons as they are operated by external providers.
Advertisement
Have you already downloaded the new Dunelm app? Let us know what you think of it, in the comments below.
From April 6 2026, the price of making voluntary National Insurance contributions from overseas will soar — dramatically increasing the cost of securing a full UK State Pension.
And experts say many expats still don’t realise what’s coming.
What’s changing for Class 2 voluntary National Insurance contributions?
Until now, eligible expats could pay Class 2 voluntary National Insurance contributions at just £3.50 per week – around £182 per year.
Advertisement
From April, that option effectively disappears for many, leaving only Class 3 contributions at £17.75 per week – or £923 per year.
That’s a 407% increase.
At the same time, new rules introduce a 10-year minimum UK residence or contribution requirement, up from three years, potentially locking some expats out of eligibility altogether.
Voluntary contributions can significantly increase your entitlement under the UK State Pension system.
Advertisement
If you fall short of the required 35 qualifying years, topping up missing years can boost your weekly income for life — and protect access to annual increases under the Triple Lock.
Fail to act before 5 April, and the same top-ups could cost thousands more over time.
Good morning, we’re here until 8pm to answer your general queries. No personal details please. ❎
Starting a new job? 🧑💻
You’ll need to provide your National Insurance number.
UK searches for “Class 3 National Insurance contributions” have surged 200% in the past year
Advertisement
Searches related to pension top-ups are up 40% in the past month
Searches for the CF83 form have jumped 70% in the past week
Many expats appear unsure whether they qualify — or what steps they need to take before the deadline.
“Act urgently before April 5”
William Cooper, Marketing Director at health insurance specialists William Russell, warns: “Expats need to act urgently before April 5.
Advertisement
“Paying voluntary Class 2 contributions is far cheaper than the upcoming Class 3 rate, and many people don’t realise payments can be backdated, sometimes covering several missing years at the lower cost and significantly boosting future pension income.”
He adds: “Taking action now could save hundreds or even thousands of pounds and protect entitlement to future State Pension increases.
“After April, the same top-ups will cost significantly more, and some people may no longer be eligible at all.”
Recommended reading:
Advertisement
What expats should do now
Check your National Insurance record and State Pension forecast
Confirm whether you qualify for Class 2 contributions
Consider submitting form CF83 to assess eligibility
Act before 5 April 2026
You can contact the HM Revenue and Customs International Pension Centre for guidance.
He began to turn to the dark side when he stole Ray Walters’ (Joe Absolom) bag which transpired to contain drugs and money. Instead of giving it back, he kept it and while Laurel ditched the drugs on his behalf, Arthur kept the money and started imagining himself living the high-baller life.
He flashed his new cash, buying himself a new phone and showing it off to April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), which wasn’t the smartest move as she ended up tugging at his heartstrings over how poor Ray has left her family, making Arthur thinking perhaps he should hand over the cash.
But moral-less Arthur managed to stave off that thought and held on to the money with plans to nick off to Australia.
Advertisement
Arthur’s behaviour drastically changed after the truth about Ray was revealed (Picture: ITV)
Laurel was horrified at how cold her son had become, they rowed, and she scratched him with the ring. This was the moment that cemented Arthur becoming the little devil he now is.
She is rushed to hospital with concussion with Arthur feeling somewhat sheepish. Initially, it appears she doesn’t know what had happened and Arthur feels guilty at the prospect of having damaged her memory.
But she’s hiding something.
When Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) questions her, Laurel sticks to her account that she blacked out and fell on the stairs, but Nicola is worried there is a medical explanation for her friend’s fall.
Manpreet checks Laurel over (Picture: ITV)
Arthur is sweating; no one yet knows he did this atrocious thing to his mum, but he knows it will come out soon.
After Laurel is treated, Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) is horrified to see Laurel experience a dizzy moment. It piques Arthur’s guilt as he starts to wonder if his actions have caused Laurel lasting damage.
Advertisement
Don’t miss a Soaps scoop! Add us as a Preferred Source
As a loyal Metro Soaps reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories. We have all the latest soaps news, spoilers, videos, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.
Click here and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
Now you can ensure you never miss a story from the Soaps team
He need not have worried. Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) conducts a home visit and sends Gabby and Arthur away for a moment alone with her patient. Will Laurel tell her what really happened?
The tragic dementia diagnosis was bad enough. Having a cheating, lying, drunk-driving waste of space for a brother like Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) was also a low point… especially when he turned out to be her secret son.
I really don’t want this to become yet another article where I rant about what an awful irredeemable excuse for a human the Worst Webster is, but it’s kind of hard to talk about the sorry state Debbie’s in right now without mentioning the no-good wrong’un that put her there – so buckle up.
But the cherry on top of Carl’s evil sundae was getting wasted enough to cause the Corriedale crash which killed Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) and sliding an unconscious Debbie behind the wheel to take the blame.
Feeling responsible for Carl, Debbie bravely took the rap and pled guilty to dangerous driving and manslaughter, earning her a lengthy prison sentence. This forced her to say goodbye her good(ish) brother Kevin, her friends, and her doting husband, Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan). How much punishment can one girl take?
Advertisement
Not enough apparently. There was one last surprise in store for Debbie when she was assigned a prison support buddy to offer her additional support for her dementia, and it turned out to be a familiar face for diehard Corrie Fans – Lou Michaelis (Farrel Heggarty).
First seen on the Cobbles in February 2025, Lou and her husband Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton) were billed by Coronation Street bosses as ‘nightmare neighbours’ and boy, they weren’t kidding. Not only was Mick neck-deep in crime and responsible for the murder of beloved Cobbles copper Craig Tinker (Colson Smith), but Lou’s no angel herself.
Her most infamous moment on the Street was attempting to seduce and blackmail Gary Windass (Mikey North), and when he rejected her, she struck him over the head with a blunt object, leaving him in a coma.
Advertisement
This earned her a one-way ticket to prison, leaving her kids in the care of Tim (Joe Duttine) and Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor).
Lou wants to look out for Debbie (Picture: ITV)
Of all the people to be there for Debbie in her hour of need, Lou seems like a strange choice. But maybe someone convicted of violent assault is exactly the kind of person you need onside in jail – especially if you’ve got enemies like Paula.
While Debbie may not remember Paula, Paula unfortunately remembers Debbie. She barred her from the Chariot Street Hotel, and their reunion was not a happy one.
Don’t miss a Soaps scoop! Add us as a Preferred Source
As a loyal Metro Soaps reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories. We have all the latest soaps news, spoilers, videos, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.
Click here and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
Advertisement
Now you can ensure you never miss a story from the Soaps team
When Paula barged into Debbie’s cell lamenting that her boyfriend has dumped her and he’s doing time for burglary, Deb made the fatal mistake of saying she’s better off without him. Taking offence, Paula turned nasty, prompting Lou to step in. The next time Ronnie and Kevin visited Debbie, they were shocked to see her sporting a black eye.
Now Paula’s set to strike again in upcoming scenes that push poor Debbie to the brink, causing a shocking decline in her condition.
Inmate Paula has caused a lot of trouble for vulnerable Debbie (Picture: ITV)
In the prison, Debbie helps Lou make some bracelets for her kids. When Paula tries to steal one of the bracelets, Lou stands up to her. But Debbie’s left shaken.
When Debbie enters Lou’s cell, she’s shocked to see her new prison pal has taken a beating from Paula.
Advertisement
Later, while visiting Debbie, Carl pulls on her heart strings until she agrees to give him some cash to tide him over.
Overhearing their exchange, Sally warns Debbie that Carl’s taking her for a ride. Debbie leaps to Carl’s defence but deep down she knows Sally’s right. In her cell, Debbie frets over her dysfunctional relationship with Carl. Suddenly, it all becomes too much and the stress is overwhelming.
Prison life is clearly taking its toll on Debbie. Will she survive to see freedom?
Tristan O’Keefe, 19, was remembered as a ‘bright light’ at the football club he played for
20:48, 24 Feb 2026
Advertisement
A popular young footballer drowned after falling into a river while under the influence of drugs, an inquest heard. Tristan O’Keefe, 19, was found dead in a river in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, last summer days after being reported missing.
Gwent Coroner’s Service heard the teenager was captured on CCTV on June 9, 2025, in a “highly intoxicated state” and appeared to be confused and staggering as he walked towards a nearby river. Tristan was later reported missing by his family.
His body was found by his cousin in the river adjacent to Road Mill Road, Pontnewynydd, on June 11.
Area coroner Rose Farmer said a post-mortem examination established Tristan had ingested a “significant quantity of amitriptyline” prior to his death. According to the NHS the drug is most commonly used to treat pain and prevent migraines.
The inquest heard Tristan, who was working as a labourer and lived in Griffithstown, Pontypool, at the time of his death, visited his grandfather on June 9, 2025. His grandfather formed the the impression Tristan was under the influence of an intoxicating substance and considered Tristan not to be in a fit state to accompany him to visit his grandmother.
At Tristan’s own request his grandfather drove him to The Royal Oak pub in Pontnewynydd at around 1.15pm. CCTV captured him getting out of the vehicle and he appeared to be “visibly intoxicated, stumbling and falling to the ground.”
After being dropped off Tristan walked in the direction of the nearby river. He was subsequently captured on further CCTV and doorbell footage in a “highly intoxicated state staggering, unsteady, and appearing confused as he continued towards the river”.
Advertisement
Tristan was subsequently reported missing by his family. Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
The inquest was told that following a missing person appeal a witness came forward to say she had seen Tristan being dropped at the pub, had observed him fall, and said he appeared clearly under the influence of an unknown substance. She said Tristan would not tell her what he had taken.
On June 11, 2025, Tristan’s body was discovered by his cousin in the river adjacent to Road Mill Road, Pontnewynydd. Emergency services attended and paramedics confirmed his death at 9.21am.
A post-mortem examination, including toxicological analysis, established Tristan had ingested a significant quantity of amitriptyline prior to death.
Advertisement
Examination of Tristan’s mobile phone by police also identified messages referencing consumption of a “whole bottle” and revealed a screenshot taken at 11.53am hours on the day he went missing of a Go:ogle search for “amitriptyline liquid UK”.
Ms Farmer said: “On the basis of all of the evidence I find that Tristan died from the effects of drowning in circumstances where he was profoundly intoxicated from an overdose of amitriptyline.
“His level of intoxication caused severe impairment of his coordination and awareness as evidenced by his repeated stumbling and fall. He was last seen walking towards the river in this impaired state and he was subsequently found submerged there.
“I find that, due to the significant intoxication caused by the ingestion of amitriptyline, Tristan likely fell into the river and, because of his compromised physical and cognitive state, was unable to extricate himself resulting in his drowning.
Advertisement
“There is no evidence that Tristan consumed the amitriptyline with any intention to end his life. The evidence instead supports that he was experimenting with the drug without appreciating the severe effects it would have upon him.”
The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion. The primary medical cause of death was drowning. Drug (amitriptyline) intake was recorded as a secondary cause.
Ms Farmer expressed her condolences to Tristan’s family.
A full tribute from Tristan’s football team Pontnewynydd AFC following his death read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of our own – Tristan O’Keefe.
Advertisement
“Tristan wasn’t just a talented footballer – he was a bright light in our club, a kind and humble young man who brought energy, joy, and strength to everyone around him. Loved by his teammates, respected by his coaches, and cherished by all at Pontnewynydd AFC, Tristan was an integral part of our unforgettable undefeated league campaign – a journey that led us to promotion to the Gwent Premier League.
“His presence was felt in every game, every training session, and every moment off the pitch.
“As a mark of our deepest respect and in loving memory of Tristan we are retiring the number three shirt – the number he proudly wore for this club. His jersey will be framed and placed permanently in our changing rooms – a symbol of the incredible impact he made and a reminder that he will always be with us in spirit and in heart.
“Our entire club is grieving. No words can express the pain we feel or the loss suffered by those closest to Tristan. To his family and friends we extend our deepest condolences and our unwavering support during this heartbreaking time.
Advertisement
“We will never forget you Tristan. You will always be a part of Pontnewynydd AFC.
Councillors at today’s planning committee meeting (February 24) agreed to grant permission for the change of a house at 13 Whitemoss Road into part of an enlarged dental surgery.
Plans to expand an East Kilbride dental practice have been approved despite concerns from local residents.
Councillors at today’s planning committee meeting (February 24) agreed to grant permission for the change of a house at 13 Whitemoss Road into part of an enlarged dental surgery.
Advertisement
The proposal will see the semi-detached property being incorporated into the neighbouring Avondale Dental practice at number 15, creating two additional treatment rooms and expanding specialist services in the area.
Planning officers recommended approval, noting that the development complies with local and national policy and would not have an unacceptable impact on residential amenity.
The application attracted significant opposition, with 51 objections lodged. Concerns related to increased traffic, parking pressures, noise and the loss of a residential property within the neighbourhood.
Council officials stated that road safety and drainage matters would be addressed through planning conditions, including improvements to on-site visibility and requirements to manage surface water.
Advertisement
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
DWP minister Diana Johnson has announced employment support measures for workers over 50, including 50PLUS Champions and the Midlife MOT service.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a statement about significant changes impacting people within a particular age bracket. DWP minister Diana Johnson discussed upcoming changes that could influence people’s earnings.
Advertisement
The announcement followed a written parliamentary question from Reform UK MP Lee Anderson concerning what measures are being implemented “to help improve employment opportunities for older people”. Ms Johnson delivered the Government’s reply.
She said: “Work helps everyone play active and fulfilling roles in society whilst building financial security for retirement, and we recognise the wealth of skills and experience that older workers bring both to the workplace and the economy.
“We are committed to supporting workers over the age of 50 through a wide-ranging strategy that promotes age-inclusive employment practices, flexible working, and progression and career development.” She proceeded to outline the assistance available for anyone over this age, including anyone born prior to 1976, reports the Mirror.
Ms Johnson added: “We have a dedicated offer for older workers within jobcentres, including our 50PLUS Champions who provide a critical layer of support to ensure the needs of older jobseekers are met. We also offer a Midlife MOT, which helps people to review their health, finances and skills and signpost to suitable support.”
Advertisement
The Midlife MOT is a Government service available to people aged 45 to 65. It provides resources to help you think about your career, health and finances. On the money side, the service can help you budget for your retirement and look at what benefits you may be able to claim, such as Universal Credit or the state pension.
Increasing earnings
Ms Johnson also spoke about other support on offer. She said: “Our employer and partnership teams in jobcentres work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally for customers.”
Looking ahead, the minister also spoke about what further help is being rolled out for older workers. She said: “As part of our plans to Get Britain working and create a new jobs and careers service, we are committed to reforming employment support to ensure it is inclusive and meets the needs of our customers.
“We are considering the support we offer to those aged 50 and over so that they can access support to find good, meaningful work, and help them progress in work or increase their earnings.”
Advertisement
You may wish to check what benefits you can claim using an online benefits calculator. You could try using the one on the Turn2us website.
When planning for your later life, you may wish to factor in how much you will receive with the state pension. The age at which you can access your private pensions is currently 55, though this is set to rise to 57 from April 2028.
Britons face a longer wait to claim their state pension, which becomes available when you reach 66. This access age is rising soon, increasing gradually from April 2026 to reach 67 by April 2028.
The full new state pension currently provides £230.25 a week, and you typically require 35 years of National Insurance contributions to receive this amount.
Advertisement
Payments increase each April in line with the triple lock, which will raise payments by 4.8% this April. You can check how much state pension you are on track to receive using the state pension forecast tool on the Government website.
