Worshippers have been forced to flee an Australian synagogue after it was set on fire in what the prime minister has condemned as an “act of hate”.

Firefighters were called to Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue just after 04:00 local time on Friday (17:00 GMT Thursday), finding the building fully ablaze when they arrived.

Community leaders have told local media that “a few people” were inside at the time for morning prayers, and they reported seeing firebombs thrown inside. One person was injured and the fire caused extensive damage.

Police say that they believe the fire was deliberately lit but are keeping an “open mind” on a motive.

(BBC)

French President Emmanuel Macron said he will name a new prime minister “in the coming days”, after Michel Barnier resigned following a no-confidence vote in parliament.

In a 10-minute address to the nation on Thursday, he rejected opposition pressure to stand down, vowing to stay in his post “fully, until the end of the mandate” in 2027.

He thanked Barnier for his dedication during his brief term as prime minister, and accused the French far right and hard left of collaborating in an “anti-republican front” to bring down the government.

French MPs voted overwhelmingly to remove Barnier on Wednesday, just three months after he was appointed by Macron.

(BBC)

Ryan Rickelton scored first Test century in his eighth Test and became the eighth batter in the team to bring up a hundred in 2024 on an evenly shared day at St George’s Park.

After choosing to bat first in blustery conditions, South Africa teetered on 44 for 3 in the morning session but a 133-run fourth wicket stand between Rickelton and Temba Bavuma who brought up his third successive score over fifty, saw them take control. They were rocked again at 186 for 5 but Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne put on 77 for the sixth-wicket to re-steady them. Sri Lanka came back with two late wickets in the day and will eye dismissing South Africa for under 300 and making the most of what are expected to be good batting conditions on day two.

Sri Lanka, who wanted to bowl first on a surface with a significant grass covering, and got their wish despite losing the toss, will feel fairly pleased with their performance, especially as their seamers asked plenty of questions. Asitha Fernado and Vishwa Fernando found just enough movement upfront whileLahiru Kumara was used effectively in bursts and all three were threatening with the short ball. They were not helped by two chances being put down and a few others falling short but on what is usually a good batting surface on the first day, they should not be too displeased with their efforts.

Brief scores:[Stumps]
South Africa 269 for 7 in 86.3 overs (Ryan Rickelton 101, Temba Bavuma 78, Kyle Verreynne 48*; Lahiru Kumara 3-54, Asitha Fernando 2-67) vs Sri Lanka