Second Rothesay Test (Day Two of Five), Trent Bridge
England 416: Pope 121, Duckett 71, Stokes 69; A Joseph 3-98
West Indies 351-5: Hodge 120, Athanaze 82; Bashir 2-100
West Indies trail by 65 runs
Kavem Hodge’s maiden century sparked a West Indies resurgence, defying England on a compelling second day of the second Test at Trent Bridge.
The 31-year-old, playing only his fourth Test, overcame an early drop on 16 by Joe Root to score 120, injecting life into the visitors’ innings and the series.
From a precarious 84-3 in response to England’s 416, Hodge partnered with Alick Athanaze (82) to add 175 runs for the fourth wicket. Hodge reached his century by driving Ben Stokes for four, celebrating with an exuberant leap into Jason Holder’s arms.
Hodge was eventually trapped lbw by Chris Woakes, leaving Holder and Joshua da Silva to guide West Indies to 351-5, trailing by 65 runs.
Despite England’s hard work in the field on their first day without James Anderson, Mark Wood enthralled the crowd with his lightning-fast bowling, though he left the field with what England hopes is just cramp.
A Revived Contest at Trent Bridge
The sun-drenched day at Trent Bridge brought a riveting display of Test cricket, reminiscent of the West Indies’ triumph over Australia in Brisbane earlier this year. Even England fans, who saw their team dominate in the first Test at Lord’s, would agree this was a more engaging contest, reflecting well on the health of the five-day format.
Hodge was outstanding, making the most of ideal batting conditions. Supported by Athanaze, he put the West Indies in a position to potentially level the series. England, without Anderson and Stuart Broad in a home Test for the first time in 12 years, faced challenges but learned valuable lessons.
Wood bowled impressively fast, at one point exceeding 97mph, though he later left the field. England’s efforts were undermined by some missed opportunities and lapses in control.
Hodge’s Heroic Effort
Hodge, known for his lively on-field persona, demonstrated his determination and flair with a magnificent century. The West Indies, starting the day more composed than at Lord’s, faced early setbacks but Hodge and Athanaze steadied the innings. Hodge’s cautious start paid off, despite an early scare when Root missed a catch at first slip.
England’s bowlers peppered both batsmen with aggressive deliveries. Hodge’s willingness to counterattack and Athanaze’s elegant drives kept the West Indies in the game. Athanaze, after completing his maiden Test half-century, fell short of a century, caught at gully off Stokes.
Hodge’s celebration upon reaching his century was memorable, and his dismissal, following an unsuccessful review, drew a rapturous ovation.
Wood’s Electrifying Pace
England’s desire for pace was fulfilled by Wood, whose first over averaged 94.4mph, the fastest by an England bowler in home Tests. The crowd gasped at his speeds, though he eventually left the field with cramp.
Bashir bowled a long spell, taking his first home wickets, while Atkinson supported with short bursts. Woakes, initially ineffective, found rhythm after the ball was changed multiple times and eventually took the crucial wicket of Hodge.
England delayed taking the second new ball until the final over, with Holder and Da Silva ending the day on 23 and 32, respectively.
Reactions
England assistant coach Paul Collingwood: “It was a very hard-fought day. The West Indies put a decent partnership together, it was hard toil at times. We threw everything at the West Indies today, but sometimes they have the answers.”
West Indies’ Kavem Hodge to BBC Test Match Special: “It’s been an amazing day. 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.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan on BBC Test Match Special: “We all left Lord’s dejected, there was no real competition between the two sides, we felt that the Windies with their inexperience couldn’t cope with this England attack, but what we found today is that they had much better mindsets. We have a Test match.”
Credit: BBC Sports
