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Olympics 2024: GB win six medals including two golds on magical Monday

Cian Cheesbrough
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Olympics 2024: GB win six medals including two golds on magical Monday

Great Britain collected their first gold medals of the 2024 Olympics as part of a rush of medals on day three at the Paris Games.

The first gold of the games came in the team eventing as Team GB retained the title they won in Tokyo three years ago.

Not long after opening their account, a second gold quickly followed as Tom Pidcock dramatically overcame a puncture to win the men’s mountain biking.

On a fruitful Monday, Tom Daley and Noah Williams also won silver in the 10m synchronised diving, as did Adam Burgess in the canoe slalom and Matt Richards in the 200m freestyle, while Laura Collett collected bronze in the individual eventing.

Pidcock wins gold in dramatic final

The most dramatic victory undoubtedly came in the men’s mountain biking as Pidcock snatched gold from the grasp of France’s Victor Koretzky.

Favourite before the action started, the INEOS Grenadiers rider looked on course to win the title he won in Tokyo before a puncture stopped him in his tracks.

The 24-year-old slipped down to ninth and 40 seconds behind the leaders before he staged a stunning comeback.

He eventually battled his way towards the front and was neck and neck with Koretzky before overtaking the heavily backed Frenchman in the woods at the final stage.

Eventing team defend their crown

Team GB continued their dominance of the equestian events as they claimed gold in the team eventing.

Tom McEwen and Collett, who played a part in GB winning five out of six equestian events at Tokyo, were joined in Paris by Ros Canter, who placed well after the dressage and cross country phases.

They led going into the jumping phase but a jumping penalty against Center on Sunday meant their lead above France was just 4.7 penalty points.

But there were no such issues on Monday as the trio held their nerve to collect gold.

The top 25 in the individual standings qualified for the jumping final, which Collett won her second medal of the day in as she claimed bronze.

Richards misses out on gold

Richards agonisingly missed the chance to become a gold medallist by two hundredths of a second but still took a stunning silver in the men’s 100m freestyle.

The Olympic debutant was narrowly beaten by Romanian David Popovic after touching the end mark by a fingertip, being beaten by the same margin Adam Peaty was 24 hours earlier.

In a closely-fought race, GB’s Duncan Scott was also beaten to bronze by Luke Hobson of the United States.

Burgess claims brilliant silver

Adam Burgess continued the slew of British medals after a brilliant ride to earn silver in the men’s canoe slalom, a day after Kimberley Woods claimed bronze in the women’s singles.

He qualified fourth before producing an excellent run of 96.84 seconds to place him at the top of the standings before the final racer took to the water.

That final racer was France’s Nicolas Gestin, who produced a stunning time nearly five seconds quicker than Burgess to take gold, but that did not stop the Brit from celebrating his silver.

Daley wins fifth Olympic medal

Tom Daley completed a full set of medals at the Olympics as he and Noah Williams took silver in the 10m synchronised diving.

The 30-year-old, who made his return after two years to compete in Paris, added a silver to with his gold and three bronzes he previously at the London, Rio and Tokyo Games.

Daley and Williams impressed in six of their dives at The Aquatics Centre but could not get past China’s flawless duo Lian Junjie and Yang Hao, who deservedly took gold.

Paris 2024: Djokovic beats Nadal in iconic Olympic showdown

Mitch Fretton
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Paris 2024: Djokovic beats Nadal in iconic Olympic showdown

Novak Djokovic breezed past long-time rival Rafael Nadal to progress into the third round of tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

It was a brilliant moment to watch two of the sport’s most iconic and successful figures take to the Roland Garros courts together for what could be the final time.

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But in the match itself, it was never really a contest.

Djokovic – representing Serbia – won 6-1 6-4 against the Spaniard, who looked tired in the second set.

Nadal is also competing in the doubles with Carlos Alcaraz and only played his second-round match against Marton Fucsovics 24 hours earlier.

It looked for a moment like the 14-time French Open champion would stage an unthinkable comeback against the No.1 seed.

Having found himself 4-1 down in the second set, Nadal pulled it back to 4-4, breaking Djokovic twice in a row.

But it was not enough as the Serb recovered to win the next two games and take the win.

Djokovic was frustrated when Nadal was fighting back and the Paris crowd were getting behind him.

It came after he dominated the opening set, taking all but one of the seven matches that were played.

And after winning the second set, he pulled out his iconic violin celebration, which he says is a tribute to his daughter.

Speaking to Discovery+, he said: “I am very relieved. Everything looked like it was going my way at 6-1, 4-0 and I was getting too comfortable out there maybe and I played a sloppy service game at 4-1 and you cannot give any chances to Nadal because he is going to use them, he is going to come back. Especially on this court. The crowd getting involved was tough.

“But the crucial game was at 4-4 in the second, last game with the old balls so try to break his serve and then serve with the wind and the new balls. It was a very close encounter especially in the second.

“Back in 2006 I don’t think either of us would have thought we would be playing here nearly 20 years later in the Olympic games. I think we will come eventually to appreciate this match very much, not just for our rivalry but for the sport.

“Unfortunate for him he was not at his best but I did everything I possibly can to make him uncomfortable.”

Nadal did not hang around after the match and exited quickly after waving to the crowd.

It was not the case for Djokovic, who soaked up the still slightly hostile atmosphere as he awaits news of his next opponent.

Hongqi’s European Expansion: From Historical Roots to High-Tech Electrics

News Desk
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Hongqi’s European Expansion: From Historical Roots to High-Tech Electrics

In recent years, as European countries have implemented increasingly strict environmental regulations requiring automakers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, European car brands have faced unprecedented challenges. These policy changes have compelled them to accelerate their transition to electric vehicles, necessitating substantial investments in developing new products. At the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, these European manufacturers proudly showcased their impressive electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Roadster, Porsche Taycan, and Mercedes-Benz EQS.

Additionally, with the rapid development of the Chinese automotive industry, many brands that were once confined to the Chinese market have recently expanded their reach to Europe and even globally. Besides the well-known BYD, other Chinese brands like NIO, Geely, and SAIC have emerged as strong competitors to European brands. This competition has prompted the EU to implement policies imposing additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers to restrain them. However, this has not diminished the enthusiasm of Chinese brands for entering the European market. One such brand, which is poised to make a significant impact in the high-end luxury car market in Europe, is HONGQI—an industry pioneer among Chinese automotive brands determined to make a mark in the European luxury vehicle segment.

Hongqi’s origins date back to 1958 when China First Automobile Works (FAW GROUP) produced the first independently manufactured Chinese car, naming it “HONGQI” and marking the beginning of its unique journey. Initially, HONGQI vehicles were used to host Chinese government officials and foreign guests. It wasn’t until the late 20th century and early 21st century, following joint ventures with Western luxury car brands such as VW and FORD, that HONGQI began to shift towards producing high-end luxury cars for the general public.

In 2018, Giles Taylor, former design chief at Rolls-Royce, joined FAW Group as Vice President of Global Design and Chief Creative Officer. This move reinforced and clarified HONGQI’s expansion plans and goals: not only to be more competitively priced but also to lead in quality and design, outpacing other European car manufacturers. At this event, Giles Taylor was present to introduce the HONGQI EHS7, a mid-to-large-sized all-electric SUV that will soon be launched in Europe.

In today’s automotive market, exterior design often becomes a key factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions, while exceptional performance ensures driving pleasure and the vehicle’s actual value. We have noticed that the HONGQI EHS7, clad in a light purple exterior, contrasts with the golden insignia on the side of the car. The petal-shaped wheel design is also eye-catching, creating an overall impression that is both grand and full of technological flair.

Hongqis European Expansion 1

Beneath its stunning exterior, the EHS7 boasts impressive technology and performance advantages. Sharing the same strengths in range, control, and safety as the EH7, it also highlights three key features: comfort, intelligence, and sound system. The EHS7 offers a driving range of up to 580 kilometers and is equipped with low-temperature cells and an integrated air-conditioning heat management system, ensuring reliable long-distance travel even in winter. With a 246kW fast-charging capability, it can gain over 100 kilometers of range with just a 5-minute charge—enough to cover the distance from Goodwood to London in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Hongqis European Expansion 2

Additionally, the EHS7 features a sophisticated audio system and advanced intelligence, enhancing the driving experience with comfort and enjoyment. Before getting into the car, users can remotely control the vehicle via their smartphones, pre-setting the air conditioning temperature. During the drive, they can use intelligent voice commands to adjust over 100 vehicle functions and enjoy a pleasant journey with a five-layer surround sound system and 19-speaker premium audio. After the drive, a light step on the ground projection can open the trunk.

Unfortunately, we did not receive specific details about the HONGQI product launch at the conference. However, according to the sales director for the European market at HONGQI, the product is expected to debut in France soon. We have noticed that information about the EH7 and EHS7 models is already available on the HONGQI websites for Norway, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Since the HONGQI EHS9 began its export to Norway in 2022, marking its entry into the European market, the HONGQI brand has continuously increased its efforts to expand its market presence and has achieved significant progress. As of now, the HONGQI brand has established a sales network with 82 offline outlets across various European countries, including Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, and the Netherlands. We have to acknowledge that this “Made in China” brand has, perhaps inadvertently, begun its expansion into the European market.

Preferred bidder selected for approved University of Manchester Fallowfield campus redevelopment

Helen Greaney
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Preferred bidder selected for approved University of Manchester Fallowfield campus redevelopment

A preferred bidder and delivery partner for the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus redevelopment has been selected under a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) model.

This selection of Viridis, a consortium of Equitix (infrastructure investor, developer and manager), GRAHAM (equity and construction) and Derwent FM (facilities management) followed a competitive tendering process and represents an important step towards a significant upgrade of the University’s student accommodation offering.

The University and Viridis consortium will now work together to further develop its DBFO delivery plans with the aim of reaching financial close by summer 2025.

The redevelopment will create modern, high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus. It forms part of a phased redevelopment to increase the supply of modern bedrooms and student socialising spaces to provide a supportive residential experience.

The University of Manchester’s proposal to redevelop the Fallowfield Campus to provide more high-quality, modern student accommodation was approved by Manchester City Council Planning and Highways Committee in January 2024.

The approved plans encompass the redevelopment of Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall to meet the demand for student bedrooms in inclusive, safe and sociable surroundings.

Located near the University’s main buildings, the site is well-connected and provides students with a wide range of support services to ensure a world-class student experience.

On completion, the wider Fallowfield campus will offer up to 5,400 student beds by replacing the existing older accommodation on-site and delivering 3,300 updated bedrooms to meet the growing demand for high-quality, modern bedrooms across the popular campus.

The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases. Demolition of Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings, which have been closed for several years, is ongoing and due to complete early in 2025.

Dr Simon Merrywest, director for the Student Experience, University of Manchester said: “We are delighted to have reached another key milestone in the progression of our plans for the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment with the selection of Viridis as preferred bidder and our delivery partner. Clearly, there remains a lot of work to do in order to reach financial close on this exciting programme by summer 2025.

“As we have said previously, these plans show our commitment to providing our new and returning students with modern, high-quality accommodation. This much needed update to one of our most popular student campuses will help us to continue to meet the needs of our student population by delivering well-connected, serviced, modern accommodation in a supportive and inclusive environment.

“‘As we progress, we will continue to work with our Fallowfield neighbours and local neighbourhood managers so that both our students and the surrounding community can benefit as much as possible from the redevelopment project.”

The University of Manchester advisors for the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment Programme are: RLB, CBRE, Student First Group, QMPF and Pinsent Masons.

The Viridis advisors are: Sheppard Robson (design), Operis (financial and accounting), Osborne Clarke (legal and tax), Howdens (insurance) and WSP (technical).

Pic credit: The University of Manchester 

First Bus completes £750,000 investment in Rochdale depot

Helen Greaney
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First Bus completes £750,000 investment in Rochdale depot

First Bus has completed a £750,000 investment programme at its Rochdale depot.

The focus of the improvements are enhanced engineering facilities, including a new double height workshop bay for vehicle repair and maintenance.

The new building also incorporates two pits for dealing with single decker buses and an external bay with lifting gear to elevate vehicles for easier access

Special equipment and diagnostics include a brake tester enabling on-site inspection and approval and new tooling.

Aaron Taylor, engineering manager said: “This allows us to take a proactive approach to planned maintenance and fleet improvement. The new facilities will also enable us to introduce new preventive maintenance processes to provide the best possible service to our customers and the community.”

He added: “This significant investment provides a springboard for our people to strive to be the best and achieve performance targets for the depot.”

Two apprentices will soon be joining the engineering team as the depot expands its technicians and skills base.

First Bus operates more than 30 routes for the Bee Network in the Rochdale and Bury area together with six school services using a fleet of over 65 buses with capacity to expand the depot to 90 vehicles.

General manager Paul Townley said: “This new depot is creating high-skilled, well paid jobs locally and regionally and as we continue to invest in the Rochdale area, First Bus is determined to help build the economy and link key communities as we support the Bee Network.”

Pic cap: Paul Townley (right) with Aaron Taylor show off the new workshop with (from left) Alain Eyre, Stores and depot assistant and mechanic Ozzy Kuzchoka, Charlton Manzini and Kyle Hewitt.

Honorary degree presented to international songwriter Mick Hucknall

Helen Greaney
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Honorary degree presented to international songwriter Mick Hucknall

Manchester Met has presented an honorary degree to internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Mick Hucknall, in recognition of his rich contribution to music, both in the UK and beyond.

Hucknall, the lead singer of soul band Simply Red, received the award at a graduation ceremony at the Bridgewater Hall.

Hucknall was presented with the honorary Doctorate of Arts (DArt) from Professor Martyn Evans, pro-vice-chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Manchester Met, for his services to music during his impressive career.

He told the ceremony: “I’m really honoured to receive this and it means a great deal to me and my family who are here today.

“Growing up in East Manchester, I didn’t know anybody who went to university. I studied Fine Art, but music was always bubbling away. It doesn’t mean to say that what you are now is what you will be in ten years time.

“You may end up taking a different path, a different subject but what you learn will always be there inside you, this experience that you had and it’s something to really treasure. I wish you all the best for your future and every success in every endeavour you take.”

Professor Evans, who presented the honorary degree, said: “As pro-vice-chancellor, I usually provide the welcome address for graduation ceremonies for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Today my role is different, and it’s a great pleasure to introduce Mick Hucknall with an honorary award.

“Mick remains a proud Mancunian and credits the city with the amazing start it gave him. The synergies between music and art are the norm for art school students and this was very much the case for Mick. His passion for art and music fed each other, but ultimately there would be only one winner.

“In 1984, Simply Red emerged out of the streets and clubs of Manchester in a post punk era and within 12 months they were riding high in the British charts. Simply Red’s career are what dreams are made of.”

Manchester-born Hucknall graduated from Manchester Met’s Manchester School of Art, then known as Manchester Polytechnic, with a BA in Fine Art in 1981.

His band has been performing internationally for almost 40 years, selling more than 50 million albums, and achieving an impressive 30 top 40 UK hits. Hucknall also has a successful solo career, and is one of the founders of the reggae label Blood and Fire.

He received an Ivor Novello Award in 1992 and was named as songwriter of the year, before winning an Outstanding Achievement award from MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin) in 1997.

Alongside his musical success, Hucknall has supported several philanthropic causes and has helped numerous charities including Amnesty International, Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, SOS Children’s Villages, St Mungo’s, and Teenage Cancer Trust.

Crowds of 50,000 flock to city for Manchester Day

Helen Greaney
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Crowds of 50,000 flock to city for Manchester Day

It was cracking the flags on Saturday as 50,000 people flocked to the city to help mark an  incredible international summer of sport, with Manchester Day: Let the Games Begin!

Families and visitors of all ages came together to take part in the special event that took place for the first time back in 2010.

In a nod to all the amazing sporting action taking place this summer both at home and abroad, this year’s event saw a massive have-a-go sports take-over of the city centre as it was turned into Manchester’s biggest-ever playground for the day.

A medal-winning programme of free family fun was on offer throughout the day, curated by the city council in partnership with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank and some of the UK’s leading sports bodies.

With everything from Taekwondo to tennis, running to rugby, hook-a-duck to darts, and Swingball to just sitting back and enjoying it, there was something on offer for sports fans of all ages and abilities.

MWjly24 713993 xlarge As well as the chance to take part throughout the day in numerous have-a-go sporting activities to suit everyone from the most energetic of Mancunians to the city’s ardent armchair sports enthusiasts, the day also featured a packed programme of fun, family-friendly pop-up theatre performances, live music, and dance.

More than 300 performers took part in more than 90 pop-up theatrical performances during the day, and another 280 community members from 18 different community groups took part in live music and dance performances.

It was a day filled with the likes of giant snails, larger than life cricketing umpires, an oversized magpie with an eye for shiny gold medals, and a hip hop wrestling ring – of course – with a dash of opera and drag. Not to mention a dancing dinosaur, giant board game and the world’s only mobile football ground.

Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “This year’s event has been absolutely sensational – without doubt one of the most spectacular and successful Manchester Days yet.

“It was simply joyous – seeing all the thousands upon thousands of children and their families laughing, smiling, and enjoying spending time with each other.

“With well over 50,000 of them coming along to celebrate and take part, Mancunians showed the world today how much they care and how much they really do love our incredible city – there really is nowhere else in the entire universe that comes anywhere near the brilliance of Manchester and every single person who lives here!”

Paris 2024: Murray delays retirement party and Nadal sets up Djokovic clash

Mitch Fretton
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Paris 2024: Murray delays retirement party and Nadal sets up Djokovic clash

Andy Murray fought back alongside Dan Evans to continue his tennis journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the doubles while Rafael Nadal progressed in the singles to set up a second-round tie with old foe Novak Djokovic.

Murray and Evans pulled off a spectacular comeback in the deciding tie-break at Roland Garros, saving five match points on the clay court.

Read our other sports news stories: 
Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton inherits Belgian Grand Prix win after Russell disqualified
Formula 1: Russell fends off Hamilton to win Belgian Grand Prix
UFC 304 results: Muhammad ‘made it look easy’ vs Edwards in Manchester

It looked like Murray’s retirement would be starting earlier than expected but for the 2-6 7-6 (7-5) 11-9 win for Team GB.

Japan’s Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori will feel hard done by after putting in an impressive performance, but there was an understandable release of emotion from Murray and Evans when they came from 9-4 down in the tie-break.

Speaking after the match, Murray said: “There was a lot of instinct and maybe we were overthinking it slightly at the beginning of the match.

“When we were behind, like at the end of the second set, we started going for it a bit more and we came out with some great stuff.

“I certainly didn’t play well so we will definitely need to play better in the next round, but I do think we will.”

Evans added: “I couldn’t believe it happened. We just played point for point and, when we were down, we just stuck to the game plan.

“Then we got back into it and it was a good return from Andy in the end which got us through.”

For the former and two-time Wimbledon champion, it is his fifth and last appearance at the Olympics and he remains the only player to have won two singles titles at the games, taking back-to-back golds at London 2012 and Rio 2016.

Murray previously said there is no perfect ending for a tennis player, but winning one final medal alongside his compatriot would be as good as it can be.

His surgery at the start of the year put his commitment to the calendar at doubt but he pulled through and now has a real shot at success in his final bow.

Battle of the Greats

Meanwhile, Nadal got through a tough singles match against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics to schedule a date with Djokovic.

The 38-year-old won 6-1 4-6 6-4 despite having worries that he might not be able to compete at the Olympics due to a recent thigh injury.

The King of Clay was playing at the scene of his previous 14 titles at Roland Garros and took to the court less than 24 hours after winning his doubles opener with Carlos Alcaraz.

After breezing through the first set, concern filled the stadium as Fucsovics fought back to win the second.

But the Hungarian was unable to keep the levels to Nadal’s standard.

With a heavily strapped thigh, he powered through the final set to book a date with Djokovic for what might be the final time.

Nadal hinted earlier in 2024 that this may be his final year on the tour and it is fitting he should face one of the greatest of all time on his favoured surface.

Between them, Nadal and Djokovic have won 46 Grand Slams, with the Serb having two more than the Spaniard.

And it is set to be a thrilling contest as both compete for the only missing title from their CV’s – an Olympic gold medal.

Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton inherits Belgian Grand Prix win after Russell disqualified

Mitch Fretton
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Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton inherits Belgian Grand Prix win after Russell disqualified

Formula 1 kicked up a storm as Lewis Hamilton was awarded the win for the Belgian Grand Prix after George Russell was disqualified.

Mercedes thought they had delivered a 1-2 finish in Spa after Russell managed his tyres to perfection and fended off his team-mate and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

Read our other sports news stories: 
Formula 1: Russell fends off Hamilton to win Belgian Grand Prix
UFC 304 results: Muhammad ‘made it look easy’ vs Edwards in Manchester
Paris 2024: Sinner pulls out of Olympics due to tonsillitis

But after the podium celebrations were finished, news broke that one of the Silver Arrows had come in under the required weight upon testing.

An FIA statement said: “The car was not fully drained according to the draining procedure submitted by the team in their legality documents as TR Article 6.5.2 is fulfilled.

“The car was weighed again on the FIA inside and outside scales and the weight was 796.5 kg. The calibration of the outside and inside scales was confirmed and witnessed by the competitor.

“As this is 1.5 kg below the minimum weight requested in TR Article 4.1, which also has to be respected at all times during the competition, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.”

And after another hour of waiting around, it was confirmed Russell had been disqualified.

A further statement was released, saying: “During the hearing the team representative confirmed that the measurement is correct and that all required procedures were performed correctly.

“The team also acknowledged that there were no mitigating circumstances and that it was a genuine error by the team.

“The stewards determine that Article 4.1 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations has been breached and therefore the standard penalty for such an infringement needs to be applied.”

Word from Mercedes

Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff released a statement following the news.

He said: “We have to take our disqualification on the chin. We have clearly made a mistake and need to ensure we learn from it.

“We will go away, evaluate what happened and understand what went wrong. To lose a 1-2 is frustrating and we can only apologise to George who drove such a strong race.

“Lewis is of course promoted to P1; he was the fastest guy ont he two-stop and is a deserving winner.

“Despite the disqualification, there are many positives we can take away from this weekend.

“We had a car that was the benchmark in today’s race across two different strategies. Only a few months ago, that would have been inconceivable.

“We head into the summer break have won three of the past four races. We will look to come back after shutdown rejuvenated and with the aim of maintaining our positive trajectory.”

History for Hamilton

Russell had already taken to social media to celebrate his victory, but has since returned to admit how gutted he is to hear about the final outcome.

For Hamilton, it is a historic 105th victory and follows on from his win in Silverstone at the start of the month.

The seven-time world champion has now won two of the last three races and seems to have regained both his confidence and form for Mercedes.

Hamilton is the only driver other than Max Verstappen to have won multiple races in a season in some time and he will return after the summer break for his final stretch with the team before he leaves for Ferrari in 2025.

Speaking after being announced as the winner of the Belgian Grand Prix, he said: “It is of course disappointing for the team to lose the 1-2 but there are lots of positives to take away from today.

“The car was feeling good, and we had much better pace than we expected. There were several cars that seemed similar in terms of performance but once we had got ahead, we were able to maintain that position.

“We committed to the two-stop strategy and covered those directly behind us. George was able to make the one-stop work and, although I got close to him in the final few laps, I was unable to get past in the dirty air.

“I feel for George, and you don’t want to win a race through a disqualification, but we have been back in the fight for victories in the past few races.

“It is incredibly competitive now, so we will need to work hard to battle for wins more consistently. Nevertheless, we can go into the summer break with momentum and positivity.”

Next up is the Dutch Grand Prix on 25 August.

England win third Test against West Indies in clean sweep for hosts

Mitch Fretton
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England win third Test against West Indies in clean sweep for hosts

England booked themselves an extra two days off after wrapping up a third Test series win against the West Indies.

Mark Wood took five wickets to help give the hosts a comfortable victory, with all 10 wickets still in hand by the end of play on Sunday afternoon.

Read our other sports news stories: 
Formula 1: Russell fends off Hamilton to win Belgian Grand Prix
UFC 304 results: Muhammad ‘made it look easy’ vs Edwards in Manchester
Paris 2024: Sinner pulls out of Olympics due to tonsillitis

The Windies put up 282 in their first innings but just 175 in their second, meaning England only needed 87 to win after opening with 376.

And Ben Stokes’ 87 – including the fastest Test half-century in England history – alongside Ben Duckett’s 30 all it took to end the series early.

Wood had the crowd on their feet across the day at Edgbaston as he put on a show in the Midlands.

He had five wickets for just nine runs from six overs after the lunch interval, giving the Windies little to no chance of mounting a comeback.

It took Stokes just 24 balls to knock up 50 and he only stepped in as an opener late on to replace the injured Zak Crawley.

It was a classic Bazball performance from the captain that included nine fours and two sixes.

7.2 overs is all it took to catch the required target, despite the best efforts of Mikyle Louis, who put up a maiden Test fifty.

The win saw England win the series 3-0 and their last victory saw them barely break a sweat.

Player of the Match Wood stepped up to the media after the game was finished and revealed he spoke to James Anderson for a bit of motivation.

He said: “I was in a bit of a bad fettle actually at lunch and I was wondering if it was something I was doing wrong or if I wasn’t quite getting the right length.

“I had a great conversation with Jimmy [Anderson] and a couple of the other backroom staff, and he just said, rather than thinking about the outcome, to start thinking about the skill element.”

For West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, he simply admitted it was a tough series in which his side never really got going.

He said: “It was a tough series. We didn’t show a lot of discipline with the ball.

“We let them off the hook a lot of times and they were scoring way too fast.

“We didn’t get enough second-innings runs in the last two Test matches.”

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