Latest news with #SophiaGardens
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hundred hero Root 'still got a lot to give'
England's Joe Root on his way to an ODI-best 166 not out during a three-wicket win over the West Indies in Cardiff (Paul ELLIS) Joe Root insisted he has "still got a lot to give" after yet another record-breaking display in his celebrated career guided England to a one-day series win over the West Indies. England's pursuit of 309 in Cardiff on Sunday was in dire straits at 2-2, with the hosts in fresh trouble at 133-5. Advertisement But Root's ODI best of 166 not out off 139 balls sealed a three-wicket win an an unassailable 2-0 lead with one to play at the Oval on Tuesday. His innings at Sophia Gardens also saw star batsman Root become England's highest run-scorer in ODI cricket, surpassing retired World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan's tally of 6,957 "It's a sign you're getting old, having played as many games as that," said the smiling 34-year-old after becoming the first England batsman to go past 7,000 ODI runs. But Root, also England's record Test run-scorer and the top-ranked batsman in that format, was adamant he remained as run-hungry as ever. Advertisement "I want to give as much as I can for England for as long as I can," he said. "I've still got a lot to give and a lot more runs in there and hopefully, an innings like that shows that. "Until that desire, that want to get better every day, want to add to the group and want to be not out at the end of a chase like that, when that's not a burning desire any more, it will be time to stop. "It doesn't feel like that's anywhere near the case at the moment and I'll keep just trying to do my part in helping us win games and series down the line." - Brook's 'cricket intelligence' - Advertisement Harry Brook has overseen England's first ODI series triumph since September 2023 after taking over as white-ball captain from Jos Buttler, who rarely had a full-strength squad to choose from during his time as skipper. "I've played a huge amount of cricket with Jos and almost felt guilty that I wasn't able to be there for him throughout a lot of his tenure," said Root, who played just 19 ODIs between England's 2019 World Cup triumph and their woeful 2023 title defence as priority was given to the Test side. He added: "I want to play as much as I can for England. If I'm going to make the team better, then absolutely." West Indies, capitalising on some slack England fielding, were all set for a huge total at 170-2 after 30 overs, with Keacy Carty making a fine hundred. Advertisement But they were held to 308 all out off 47.4 overs, with leg-spinner Adil Rashid taking four wickets and fast bowler Saqib Mahmood three. Root, while saying Brook is an "idiot" beyond the boundary, praised his fellow Yorkshireman's tactical nous on the field after England won with seven balls to spare. "As much as he's an idiot away from cricket –- and I can say that because I've known him forever –- he's very cricket intelligent," said Root. "He understands the game exceptionally well." jdg/pb
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Joe Root's stunning knock takes England to series win over West Indies
Joe Root starred with a majestic unbeaten 166 as England ended a run of four one-day series defeats in a row by beating West Indies by three wickets at Sophia Gardens. After a ragged display in the field with four dropped catches and two missed run-outs which allowed the Windies to post 308 all out, led by Keacy Carty's 103, England were reeling on 133 for five in reply. But Root thumped two sixes and 21 fours, putting on 143 in 121 balls alongside Will Jacks, who made a vital 49, to lift England into an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Metro Bank series. The Yorkshireman, who leapfrogged Eoin Morgan to become England's all-time leading ODI run-scorer during his 139-ball innings, helped England claim a first ODI series win since September 2023. Brandon King (59) and Shai Hope (78) backed up Carty but England fought back thanks to four for 63 from Adil Rashid and Saqib Mahmood's three for 37 as the Windies lost their last eight wickets for 103. It seemed their total would be enough to set up a decider at the Kia Oval on Tuesday but Root's 18th ODI hundred and his highest score in the format got England over the line with seven balls to spare. His efforts were all the more remarkable after England lost three of their top five for ducks, including both openers as Jamie Smith pushed hard and nicked off and Ben Duckett flashed to deep third. It capped a forgettable day for the usually reliable Duckett, who shelled two catches and botched a run-out, but Root and Harry Brook, the top two ranked Test batters, got the scoreboard moving along. Both batters had moments of fortune as Root survived a close lbw review on umpire's call alone on seven off Matthew Forde while, from the next ball, Brook was spilled on 30 by Hope off Jayden Seales. Root could also have been run-out on nought and 30 but Brook's luck ran out on 47 after top-edging to Seales off Alzarri Joseph, who then hurried Jos Buttler into dragging on to his stumps for a duck. After Jacob Bethell fell lbw to Roston Chase for 17, England were down to their last two frontline batters, but Root accumulated steadily and showed his class with a sumptuous on-drive off Seales. He brought up a wonderful 98-ball hundred with back-to-back boundaries, rocking back into his crease and slamming Gudakesh Motie for six before expertly sweeping the slow left-armer behind square for four. Root continued on his merry way, with Chase targeted relentlessly and Justin Greaves going the distance but Jacks departed with 33 required after being deceived by a Joseph off-cutter and pinned lbw. Root, though, moved past 150 for the first time in ODIs and fittingly hit the winning runs – a straight four off Seales – to give Brook his first series win since becoming full-time white-ball captain. England had won more convincingly at Edgbaston on Thursday but they were off the boil at Cardiff early on after winning the toss. Brydon Carse bowled better than figures of one for 59 suggest as edges off Carty, on one, and King, on 11, were spilled by Duckett at second slip. Carty was also dropped on 41 by Mahmood and could have been run-out twice but was allowed to regain his ground as an off-balance Bethell threw waywardly and later Duckett under-armed to the wrong end. While Carty went to three figures, he walked past a straight one off part-timer Jacks and was stumped, with the Windies failing to recover the momentum. They had been 170 for two after 30 overs but while Hope, dropped on 73 by Root, ploughed a lone furrow, they lost wickets at regular intervals – led by Rashid and Mahmood – as hopes of a 350 total vanished.
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
England strike early against West Indies in second ODI
Update: Date: 1.5 overs Title: WICKET Content: Andrew c Jacks b Carse 0 (WI 6-1) Jewel Andrew departs for a duck. Update: Date: 11:06 BST Title: Post Content: Brydon Carse joins Saqib Mahmood in the attack. He's bowling to 18-year-old Jewel Andrew, who's been promoted to opening the batting in just his third ODI. Update: Date: 11:06 BST Title: Post Content: Vic MarksFormer England spinner on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra There's quite a lot of green grass on this square and this pitch. That's usually good for generating a bit more pace. Update: Date: 1 over Title: WI 6-0 Content: It's a mixed opening over from Saqib Mahmood. There's a couple of wides and an early boundary for Brandon King but he finishes it with two beautiful deliveries which beat the bat. Update: Date: 11:03 BST Title: Post Content: Vic MarksFormer England spinner on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra You could hear that crack the middle of the bat and it raced towards the boundary from Brandon King. Update: Date: 0.3 overs Title: WI 5-0 Content: It's short and wide from Saqib Mahmood and Brandon King gives it the treatment through the off-side. An early boundary for West Indies. Update: Date: 0.1 overs Title: WI 1-0 Content: Saqib Mahmood starts with a wide. Update: Date: 10:59 BST Title: Post Content: Saqib Mahmood will open the bowling for England. Update: Date: 10:58 BST Title: Post Content: The umpires and players are making their way out to the middle at a breezy-looking Sophia Gardens. Update: Date: 10:57 BST Title: Post Content: West Indies captain Shai Hope: "It's a quick turnaround. We had little conversations about how we get better. We need to [get better], come out positive. It's a three-match series. We have to start well today. "We have one change - Amir Jangoo out for Shimron Hetmyer. [Evin Lewis' injury] is a slight concern but these things happen. Hopefully he can get better soon." Update: Date: 10:55 BST Title: Post Content: England captain Harry Brook said: "We're going to have a bowl. There's a bit of live grass, so hopefully we can get something from it early." On the change to the XI: "Potts is always banging on the door in all three formats. It's a shame Jamie's gone down but that's cricket." On what England can improve on from the first ODI: "Keep smashing away. Keep being ruthless." Update: Date: 10:54 BST Title: Get Involved Content: #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply) We always love to hear your thoughts on the action, so please do get in touch via the usual channels. Just remember to pop your name at the end of your message. Update: Date: 10:52 BST Title: England lead series 1-0 Content: England lead the series 1-0 after completing a comprehensive 238-run win at Edgbaston on Thursday. Jacob Bethell top-scored with 82 (53) while there were also half-centuries for Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook. Saqib Mahmood and Jamie Overton then took three wickets apiece as West Indies were bowled out for 162 inside 27 overs. You can read Stephan Shemilt's report from Edgbaston here. This video can not be played Brook era begins with dominant win over West Indies Update: Date: 10:50 BST Title: Team news Content: Jamie Overton has been ruled out of the remainder of the series after suffering a broken little finger in the first ODI. He has been replaced in England's bowling attack by Matthew Potts. England XI: Smith, Duckett, Root, Brook (c), Buttler, Bethell, Jacks, Carse, Rashid, Potts, Mahmood. West Indies make one change, with Shimron Hetmyer replacing Amir Jangoo. West Indies XI: King, Andrew, Carty, Hope (c), Hetmyer, Greaves, Chase, Forde, Joseph, Motie, Seales. Update: Date: 10:47 BST Title: England win the toss and bowl Content: Harry Brook has won the toss at Sophia Gardens and has elected to bowl. Update: Date: 10:45 BST Title: Hello! Content: Hello! It's time for the second ODI between England and West Indies at Sophia Gardens. Can Harry Brook seal his first series win as full-time captain with a game to spare or will West Indies hit back? There's only one way to find out.
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
All the best things to do in Pontcanna, Cardiff's most stylish neighbourhood
P ontcanna, located close to Cardiff city centre, has blossomed into a stylish neighbourhood with much to offer families and young professionals. Smart, cool with a distinct Welsh feel, it's home to leafy high streets with flourishing independent shops, cafes and restaurants. It's a great place to taste local produce, from treats in the park to Michelin-starred tasting menus – Pontcanna claims Cardiff's first. The neighbourhood's popularity dates to the Victorian period, when Sophia, widow of the second Marquess of Bute, financed the creation of Sophia Gardens. Large villas sprang up along the central Cathedral Road as well as the side streets, which in turn became an illustrious Edwardian area. These houses are now gold dust – no surprise, given their backdrop of sweeping green spaces and quirky neighbourhood gems all within a 30-minute walk to Cardiff Central train station. Here's our guide to experience the best of Pontcanna. Read more: North Wales is the perfect gateway to developing a hiking habit Do Browse the local farmer's market The Saturday market hosts local vendors and supports sustainable practices (Pontcanna Market) Every Saturday, the courtyard on King's Road becomes lively with vendors selling fresh local produce. Pick up some sourdough and mouth-watering pastries, organic fruit and vegetables, and Welsh cheese. Each month, the sellers are joined by Pontcanna Vintage Market, where you can pick up a one-off item. Catch a foreign film at Chapter Art Centre Free art exhibitions, independent film screenings and up-and-coming stand-up comedy, Chapter Art Centre is the alternative creative outlet in Pontcanna. With events including Archipelago Movement classes and a workshop exploring the ritual of communal singing as a survival mechanism, this is not your everyday community venue. The events programme and convivial cafe breathe life into the red-brick former Edwardian school building. Spend time in historic parks Pristine and atmospheric, the neighbourhood's parks – like Llandaff Fields and Pontcanna Fields – are a favoured local spots for picnics, dog walking, cycling, tennis and children's playgrounds. Enjoy a rustic pizza or a homemade sarnie from Cafe Castan – which does a roaring trade on Saturdays after Park Run – before tracing its footpath at points lined with lime trees. If Glamorgan Cricket Club is playing at home, you'll hear cheers spill out from neighbouring Sophia Gardens, Cardiff's international cricket venue. Cross over Blackweir Bridge into Bute Park, home to manicured gardens, wood sculptures and a significant arboretum as well as the modern Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and several of Cardiff University's grand buildings. Rest your legs at the Secret Garden Cafe, which serves delicious cakes and coffee and is entirely powered by solar energy. At the opposite end of this grade II-listed green space, at the entrance to the city centre, you'll find Cardiff Castle, which you can visit on a tour or admire from the grounds. Cardiff Castle is surrounded by the city's grade II-listed parklands (Getty Images) Read more: The best beaches in Pembrokeshire Go courtside at a premier sports centre Get stuck into the Welsh sporting culture with facilities fit for elite athletes. Show off your forehand at the bookable tennis, badminton, squash and even table tennis courts at Sport Wales National Centre. Located next to the Taff Trail walking route, it's easy to incorporate as you meander into Cardiff city centre. Read more: Cardiff city guide – where to stay, eat, drink and shop in the Welsh capital Eat Milkwood Neighbourhood hangout Milkwood serves up creative twists on familiar favourites (Owen Mathias) Trendy spot Milkwood has the city flocking to try its simple and delicious brunch offerings. With a menu inspired by Welsh ingredients, opt for bacon, cockles and laverbread (a type of edible seaweed) on toast, or visit after dusk for bespoke cocktails designed by award-winning local bartender Alex Taylor, and pizzettes (aka small pizzas). Bant a la Cart This sweet neighbourhood deli is a staple on Cathedral Road, Pontcanna's main road. Locals queue to pick up homemade options for lunch or dinner from their counter of daily soups, hot dishes, quiches and cakes. Read more: Cardiff city guide – where to stay, eat, drink and shop in the Welsh capital Elgano Set in a Victorian terrace house, Elgano is a quaint Italian restaurant with attentive service and a relaxed ambience. A love letter to the dishes they cooked growing up in Sicily and Calabria in Southern Italy, the chefs have crafted a menu to introduce guests to those familiar flavours. Watch them prepare everything from the open kitchen over a glass of robust chianti. Gorse The oft-changing tasting menus at Gorse showcase the finest Welsh produce available in a given week (Gorse/ Will Barker) Winner of Cardiff's first Michelin star, Gorse delivers simple but clever food in an unpretentious and intimate setting. The tasting menu showcases Welsh produce in exceptional ways, from native seaweed and Gower Salt Marsh lamb to Caws Cerwyn, a creamy Welsh cheese. With years of training under Heston Blumenthal, Welsh chef-founder Tom Walters has ditched the London pomp to bring his homeland a chilled-out fine dining experience that is a tribute to the surrounding landscapes of his beloved homeland. Drink Wardrobe Cafe Slowly sip coffee and enjoy organic treats in Wardrobe Cafe's quaint front room. With French artwork, rustic wood and an elegant piano, whisk yourself away to Provence for a couple of hours in this tucked-away spot. Organic coffee, teas and toasties are among the delights found in The Wardrobe Coffee Shop (Pontcanna Market) Pontcanna Inn On game days, this friendly neighbourhood pub rivals those on St Mary's Street, one of Cardiff's liveliest. Pontcanna Inn's large beer garden comes to life with rigby fever on summer nights. After a few pints, a slice from the pub's pizza van is well received. Crafty Devil's Cellar Set up as an alternative to large-scale breweries, Crafty Devil's Cellar quenches the city's thirst for local beers. If you want to try something new, choose from their selection of unique casks, such as coffee milk stout which boasts freshly roasted coffee from café Hard Lines as well as roasted caramel malts. Cans or pints can be enjoyed at a stool while watching the match on the pub's TV, or taken away for another time. Uisce A wine and oyster bar without pomp and ceremony, Uisce was the first venture from the team behind Heaneys, the next-door fine dining restaurant. Serving a great wine list and seasonal cocktails, bar snacks and freshly shucked oysters paired with live music on Sundays, this is an elegant spot to begin the night. Chic bar Uisce offers a happy hour every day (Heaneys) Where to stay Set in the heart of the neighbourhood, The Pontcanna Inn offers an ideal base to explore and get out to the rest of Cardiff on foot. The townhouse's spacious, modern rooms are conveniently equipped and feel inviting after a day in the lively Welsh capital. Read more: How this eco-campsite in North Wales became a haven for frazzled Londoners
The Guardian
04-04-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
County cricket opening day: Essex v Surrey, Middlesex v Lancs, and more
Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature County Championship 2025: team-by-team guide to the new season Share The County Ground: Derbyshire v Gloucestershire Sophia Gardens: Glamorgan v Leicestershire Lord's: Middlesex v Lancashire Wantage Road: Northamptonshire v Kent Share Chelmsford: Essex v Surrey Southampton: Hampshire v Yorkshire Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire v Durham Taunton: Somerset v Worcestershire Edgbaston: Warwickshire v Sussex Share Good morning! It's April 4 2025 and round the scaffolding view from my Chelmsford Premier Inn window, and the sky is blue. Yes, it's back, the County Championship, this coulntry's oldest If you're a regular to this blog– welcome back! Hope the trials and tribulations of winter haven't been too taxing. If you're new here, come on in, the water's lovely. Readers regularly chat about the cricket, and life, underneath the blog (BTL – below the line) please join in. Somewhere is a glossary of terms used by older hands which I'll link to when I find it. The players are out in the middle, footballs are being kicked, ru-uthe odd woolly hat but also shorts hat but some shorts off to try and find a filter coffee from somewhere, back soon! Share
