ENG vs WI, 2nd Test: Kavem Hodge's maiden century helps West Indies give strong retort to England with 351/5 at close of Day 2

The second day of the second Test at Trent Bridge was a captivating one, with Kavem Hodge's maiden Test century leading a West Indies fightback against England on July 19. Hodge, a relatively inexperienced player with only four Tests under his belt, was fortunate to survive a dropped catch by Joe Root at 16 runs. He capitalised on this second chance, scoring a magnificent 120 runs and injecting much-needed life into the West Indies batting and the overall series. 

Kaven Hodge's century in West Indies' fightback

Hodge, in just his fourth Test match, smashed his maiden Test century with a smooth 120 runs. Athanaze provided excellent support with a well-played 82. Together, they built a commanding 175-run partnership, taking full advantage of the good batting conditions and frustrating the English bowlers.

However, this fightback came after a shaky start for the West Indies.  Responding to England's hefty 416, they lost wickets early in the morning session. Openers Mikyle Louis (21) and Kirk McKenzie (11) fell cheaply, followed by skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (48).  But Hodge and Athanaze's partnership ensured the Windies ended the day in a strong position, 351-5 and just 65 runs behind England.

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West Indies recover from shaky start

The Windies' batting started off shaky. Opener Louis (21) attempted a risky shot against spinner Shoaib Bashir, aiming to clear the mid-on fielder. Unfortunately, Harry Brook, stationed at that very position, ran backwards and expertly snatched the catch, sending Louis back to the pavilion.

Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (48) also fell victim to a well-executed delivery. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson's short-pitched ball unsettled him, and Brathwaite offered a simple catch to Ollie Pope waiting at short leg. Just before the lunch break, another lapse in concentration cost the Windies a wicket. Opener McKenzie (11) tried to hit Bashir over the mid-off fielder but misjudged the shot. England captain Ben Stokes, positioned perfectly, gleefully accepted the gift and sent McKenzie packing.

Mark Wood, making a comeback, unleashed a fiery spell. One of his deliveries rocketed in at an astounding 97.1 miles per hour, etching a new record for the fastest over ever bowled by an English cricketer in Test matches. However, amidst these early setbacks, a glimmer of hope emerged for the West Indies. Kavem Hodge received a crucial lifeline when he was on just 16 runs. A nick off Wood's delivery flew towards first slip, but Joe Root, the former England captain, unfortunately spilled the catch, allowing Hodge a second chance. This incident proved pivotal. Hodge and his partner Alick Athanaze built a solid partnership. They displayed a well-balanced approach, cleverly combining cautious defense against tight bowling spells with aggressive strokes when the bowlers offered opportunities due to wayward deliveries.

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Alick Athanaze fell just short of his first Test century, scoring a well-rounded 82 runs with 10 boundaries and a six. He was unfortunately dismissed by Ben Stokes, chopping the ball straight to Harry Brook at gully. However, his partner Kavem Hodge cashed in on his earlier reprieve, reaching a magnificent 120 runs before Chris Woakes trapped him LBW. This marked a memorable maiden Test century for Hodge, his knock studded with 19 fours.

As stumps were drawn, Jason Holder (23*) and Joshua Da Silva (32*) remained unbeaten, leaving the West Indies in a strong position at 351-5. They trail England by just 65 runs and will be aiming to build on this momentum and potentially take a first-innings lead on Day 3. This fightback is crucial for the West Indies, especially considering their heavy defeat by an innings and 114 runs in the first Test at Lord's. They need to win this match to stay alive in the three-Test series.

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