Chris Woakes has welcomed the return of some familiar aches and pains after getting back to training for the first time since March.
Woakes is one of 18 bowlers selected by the England and Wales Cricket Board to begin individual sessions this week, as the sport progresses gently towards a possible restart in July.
For the time being things will look very different for those in action, with health tracking apps to update, strict social distancing between player, coach and physio and maximum workouts of an hour with a personal allocation of balls.
But for Woakes it was good simply to get back up to speed at Edgbaston on Thursday and put his body through its paces after an extended lockdown.
"It was nice to have some form of normality by going back to some training. It was nice to be back and feel a little sore this morning," he said.
"It looks a lot different to what we're used to but, with what's everyone's been through, it was quite nice to be out there and get the ball back in hand. It's been two months since I last bowled and it was nice to be back in the middle, albeit a little different.
"Obviously not having bowled for two months, there's a few things that are sore. The sides definitely woke up this morning knowing I'd had a bowl yesterday but it was just nice to be back out there."
While the ECB's plans for the international summer are entirely beholden to factors outside of its control – governmental guidance, public health advice and the agreement of touring teams – there is a growing optimism about about getting England back in action.
On Thursday, Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts said he was still hopeful their limited-overs tour of England will go ahead.
Australia were due to contest three Twenty20s and three ODIs in England from early July – as well as a T20I in Scotland
England are also hoping to host the West Indies and Pakistan in July and August.
"First and foremost we just hope there's going to be some form of cricket. Obviously it's going to look different, with it being behind closed doors, but all sports are going to be like that for a while," said Woakes.
"We've all seen the projections, that the ECB and the game in general could be in a bit of trouble if we weren't to play any cricket this summer, so hopefully we can get some form of schedule going.
"I think for everyone it'll be a bit of a boost, and obviously it'll be a boost for the game."
The five pillars of Islam
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Super 30
Produced: Sajid Nadiadwala and Phantom Productions
Directed: Vikas Bahl
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pankaj Tripathi, Aditya Srivastav, Mrinal Thakur
Rating: 3.5 /5
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The years Ramadan fell in May
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Results
1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000
2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000
3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000
