Today's best photos: from balancing firefighters to cricket in the rain

The National picks the most striking images from around the world

A member of the Edo Firemanship Preservation Association displays his balancing skills atop a bamboo ladder during Tokyo Fire Department's New Year's Fire review in Tokyo, Japan January 6, 2023. REUTERS / Issei Kato TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A rally in support of the eighth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang. AFP

A resident behind a broken window at her home in Chasiv Yar, eastern Ukraine. AFP

Men sing and dance in the waters of the Tundzha river to celebrate Epiphany Day in Kalofer, Bulgaria. Reuters

Flooding in Aptos after 'atmospheric river' rainstorms hit northern California. Reuters

A destroyed apartment block and feline survivor in Bakhmut, Ukraine after a Russian missile strike. Reuters

People wait to participate in the traditional Epiphany parade, in Ronda, Spain. Reuters

Monster Energy Honda Team rider Jose Ignacio Cornejo on stage five of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. Reuters

Bill Drummond after high winds caused a tree to crash through two of his upstairs bedrooms in Hazel Dell, Washington. AP

New legislators with National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, centre, at the start of the legislative year in Venezuela. AP

Protesters block a road in Sicuani-Canchis, Cusco province, Peru, in a demonstration against the government. EPA

Republican Kevin McCarthy in the US Capitol after another failed vote to become Speaker of the House. EPA

Actor Jason Statham meets fans at Reel Cinema, Dubai Mall, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An impromptu game of cricket during a rain delay in the third Test between Australia and South Africa in Sydney. Getty Images

The National

More from The National:

Thursday's best photos: from bluefin tuna to a ride on the Elvis Express train

Wednesday's best photos: from a viewing deck in Dubai to beams of light in Russia

Tuesday's best photos: from snow-free meadows in Austria to sunset at Al Hudayriat Island

Monday's best photos: from Benedict XVI's wake to return of Green Sarcophagus

Sunday's best photos: from the sunrise in Seoul to blackouts in Bakhmut

Saturday's best photos: from a fusilier in Switzerland to a landslide in Japan

Updated: January 06, 2023, 10:29 AM