West Indies batter Kavem Hodge admitted his century in the second Test against England at Trent Bridge was made “much more satisfying” by withstanding a “brutal” spell of fast-bowling from Mark Wood.
Hodge cracked 120 on Day 2 in Nottingham as the tourists finished on 351-5 at stumps, just 65 runs behind England's first innings total of 416 and very much in the game.
What made Hodge's knock even more impressive was the fact he came up against the fastest spell of bowling by an England player on home soil since detailed records began in 2006, overtaking Wood's own mark at Lord's in 2021 and Headingley during last summer's Ashes.
During a four-over spell, he clocked 97.1mph while the 34-year-old paceman remained around the 93mph mark for most of the day's play. Wood also hit Alick Athanaze flush on the helmet on 48, although the left-hander went on to 82 during a crucial fourth-wicket stand of 175 with Hodge.
“There was one point I was joking with him [Wood], I said 'hey, I have a wife and kids at home!',” said Hodge after stumps. “He started to laugh and I think it made the century much more satisfying.
“Test cricket is brutal, it is challenging, it is mentally draining. To experience that, facing guys like Mark Wood, it was tough but it was satisfying.
“Some guys got hit but it's part of Test cricket. Kudos to Alick. He bounced back and was able to stand his ground and push on even further. I flinched, I thought I was going to get hit before that.
“Batting with Alick is always good because he is so aggressive. The attention goes away from me and I can bat under the radar.”
It was a vastly-improved batting performance from the West Indies who were bowled out for just 121 and 136 in the 114-run first test thrashing at Lord's which also saw record wicket-taker James Anderson's final appearance for England. Jason Holder (23) and Joshua Da Silva (32) finished the day unbeaten with the host's total very much in sight.
“It's been an amazing day,” added Hodge. “You always want to contribute, it was really good for the guys coming off Lord's, coming back as a batting unit it's always sweeter from behind.
“We're in a good position, I think we want to keep grinding on, take it as deep as possible.”
Wood was called into the team as a replacement for Anderson but left the field before Friday's close with suspected cramp following a wicketless return of 0-51 in 14.1 overs that was no reward for a determined and skilful display.
“Surprisingly, he said he's never had cramp before. I'm hoping it's just a bit of fatigue,” said England assistant coach Paul Collingwood.
“He certainly was stretching his hamstring so I presume it's in there somewhere. It's been a hot day, he's put all his effort into every ball. But he had a smile on his face at the end.
“Woody is always a little bit wary of injuries and niggles, so I think he’ll be fine. If he was worried it’s something serious he’d be pretty distraught but he seems pretty chipper.
“Everyone watching Woody throw himself 100 per cent at every single spell was exceptional and getting up to speeds of 97mph is everything you want to see in Test cricket.”
This is England's first home Test since 2012 without either Anderson or his longtime new-ball partner Stuart Broad, who retired after last year's Ashes. Between them, the pair took 1,308 Test wickets.
Instead, Chris Woakes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, fresh from a 12-wicket haul on Test debut at Lord's shared the new ball on Friday with the opening pair finishing the day with figures of 1-59 and 1-77, respectively.
Captain ben Stokes also chipped in with a wicket while Shoaib Bashir took 2-100 with both Mikyle Louis (21) and Kirk McKenzie (11) out to rash shots as the 20-year-old off-spinner took his first Test wickets on home soil.
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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
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The years Ramadan fell in May
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
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Which products are to be taxed?
To be taxed:
Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
Not taxed
Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.
Products excluded from the ‘sweetened drink’ category would contain at least 75 per cent milk in a ready-to-drink form or as a milk substitute, baby formula, follow-up formula or baby food, beverages consumed for medicinal use and special dietary needs determined as per GCC Standardisation Organisation rules
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
THE SPECS
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Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
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Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
