History shows that surprisingly random factors can have an impact on whether England or Australia lift the urn Contrary to what you may have read in some other publications, Josh Hazlewood’s hamstring injury is a massive boost to Australia’s hopes of victory in the first Test in Perth. The 34-year-old, you see, has proven beyond all doubt over an 11-year international career that he is a terrible hindrance to his team. Since the Tamworth-born terror made his Test debut in December 2014 he has played in 76 of Australia’s 107 Tests, of which they have won 39 (51%), while losing 24 (32%). Decent numbers, but it’s when you strip him from the side that they really thrive, with 22 wins (71%) and just five defeats (16%) in 31 games. His impact in the Ashes, if anything, is even more damaging: they have won 50% and lost 33% of their 18 games with him, but won 71% and lost just 14%, a single rogue game, of their seven without his malign presence. Continue reading...

Several people reported feeling dizzy and unwell after eating from a 1kg pack of Haribo Happy Cola F!ZZ Space cake, weed cookies and hash brownies may be familiar fare in the Netherlands, but cannabis in bags of children’s candy is not and Haribo has recalled its Happy Cola F!ZZ sweets after traces of the drug were found inside. Several people, including children, suffered “health complaints, such as dizziness” after eating sweets from three 1kg packs, the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) in the Netherlands said, adding that a full recall had been undertaken as a precaution. Continue reading...