Matt Prior hinted yesterday that England had started to lose faith in the use of technology in an Ashes  series that has contained plenty of umpiring controversy.

Australia 527-7 dec England 294-7: Tourists are still on top despite star turn's disciplined century, but with bad weather forecast England can clinch the series at Old Trafford

Major accident and emergency departments have failed to meet waiting-time targets for two weeks running, the latest figures suggest.

Australia reach 303 for 3 on the first day of the third Test at Old Trafford

The July of 2013 has been the warmest, driest and sunniest since 2006 – and today is expected to see a hot start to August too.

Calf complaint has made batsman a doubt

After a grey and rainy few days, many Britons may be pleased to hear that the weather looks set to return to temperatures close to those experienced in the heatwave - for Thursday at least.

Kevin Pietersen was put through a series of rigorous training exercises to prove his fitness for the third Test. He was accompanied for most of England's session by the team physiotherapist, Craig De Weymarn.

Usefulness of data from post-Stafford research already called into question

England are continuing their anxious wait over Kevin Pietersen’s fitness for the third Test in the Ashes series.

The 25-year-old is keen on a return to England

The thermometer breached 33C for first time in 2013, in west London and parts of Surrey

Opener becomes second-youngest Yorkshireman to score an Ashes century as England take total command

Batsman could miss third Test which gets underway on August 1 after he suffers a calf strain