Relieved Cook bats for sporting wicket



PORT-OF-SPAIN // Alastair Cook is a relieved man after having put his century drought behind him as England head into the must-win final Test starting at Queen's Park Oval today. The opening batsman struck an unbeaten 139 in the bore draw in Barbados earlier this week, which ended hopes of a series victory for the tourists and means they need to defeat West Indies here to salvage a 1-1 stalemate.

It was his first hundred at Test level since Dec 2007 and halted a string of 11 unconverted half-centuries, including a score of 94 in the first innings at Kensington Oval. "To finally get one was certainly a relief after 14 months of not scoring a hundred, and 12 months of not scoring one in any form of cricket," Cook said. "No matter how many times you talk about it, until you actually do it the doubts are still there."

Jitters got the better of him when he reached the 80s on day one, but he was able to reach an eighth hundred at Test level on day five as the match meandered to its inevitable conclusion. "I got anxious about it in the first innings. I was that desperate to do it," Cook said. "The second innings was under slightly different circumstances, and I definitely changed the way I played leading up to the 90s and in the 90s."

England are hoping for an improvement - or, more accurately, a reduction in quality - in the pitch in Trinidad, having been presented with two batting surfaces since losing in Jamaica. "I think pitches should offer a bit of everything, whether they're flat for a couple of days and then deteriorate or start off with a bit in and become easier," Cook added. "We want to watch exciting cricket, and that's when all results are possible rather than just one."

Meanwhile, England's practice yesterday was switched away from the Queen's Park Oval to a school ground because of unsatisfactory net facilities. Hugh Morris, the England Cricket managing director, said Graeme Swann will play in the final Test while being relieved for the one-day series during which time he will undergo surgery on his right elbow. "It was clear he needed an operation - and given the amount of cricket we have got over the next six months, we feel this is the best time for him to go back and recover," he said.

* PA Sport

Tips on buying property during a pandemic

Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.

While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.

While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar. 

Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.

Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities. 

Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong. 

Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.

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Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Rating: 4/5
VERSTAPPEN'S FIRSTS

Youngest F1 driver (17 years 3 days Japan 2014)
Youngest driver to start an F1 race (17 years 166 days – Australia 2015)
Youngest F1 driver to score points (17 years 180 days - Malaysia 2015)
Youngest driver to lead an F1 race (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest driver to set an F1 fastest lap (19 years 44 days – Brazil 2016)
Youngest on F1 podium finish (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest F1 winner (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest multiple F1 race winner (Mexico 2017/18)
Youngest F1 driver to win the same race (Mexico 2017/18)

Company%20Profile
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Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

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How to donate

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

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MATCH INFO

Northern Warriors 92-1 (10 ovs)

Russell 37 no, Billings 35 no

Team Abu Dhabi 93-4 (8.3 ovs)

Wright 48, Moeen 30, Green 2-22

Team Abu Dhabi win by six wickets

Suggested picnic spots

Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
 
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes 

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

The specs

  Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now

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