England – 498-3 in 88 overs (Ollie Pope 169*, Ben Duckett 140, Zak Crawley 124; Wessly Madhevere 1/34, Sikandar Raza 1/93, Blessing Muzarabani 1/111)
Day 1 – Stumps
Zimbabwe’s long-awaited return to the Test arena in England was met with a commanding performance from the hosts, who amassed 498 for three on the opening day at Trent Bridge on Thursday.
Playing their first Test against England in over two decades, the tourists showed glimpses of fight but were overwhelmed by dominant centuries from Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope.
Under overcast skies and a stiff breeze, Zimbabwe seized the opportunity to bowl first after Craig Ervine won the toss.
However, the conditions offered less assistance than expected and England’s openers quickly took charge as Crawley and Duckett launched the innings in typically aggressive ‘Bazball’ fashion.
While Blessing Muzarabani beat the bat with some quality deliveries, the pair pounced on anything off line or length with authority.
The pair brought up the team 50 in the 11th over – Tanaka Chivanga’s first – as Duckett cracked three boundaries.
England’s 100 was raised in the 21st over, with Duckett reaching his half-century off just 47 balls.
Crawley followed soon after, bringing up his fifty off 76 deliveries.
By lunch, England were cruising at 130 without loss from 26 overs, with Duckett on 75 and Crawley 53.
The onslaught continued after the break and Zimbabwe’s woes deepened when Richard Ngarava suffered back spasms while fielding and had to be carried off.
Duckett brought up his century off exactly 100 balls, taking England to 165 without loss.
The 200-mark was crossed in the 38th over and the opening stand swelled to 231 before Zimbabwe finally broke through – Duckett driving Wessly Madhevere to cover, where Ben Curran held the catch.
He fell for a brilliant 140 off 134 balls, striking 20 fours and two sixes.
Pope came in with immediate intent, racing to 17 off eight balls and then 30 off 18.
By tea, England had powered to 295 for one, with Crawley on 93 and Pope 49.
Pope reached his half-century right after the interval, off 48 balls, and followed it up with back-to-back boundaries off Victor Nyauchi.
Crawley then brought up his hundred off 145 balls.
Their partnership added 127 runs before Zimbabwe claimed their second wicket, Crawley falling lbw to Sikandar Raza while attempting a sweep.
He made 124 from 171 balls, including 14 fours.
This brought in Joe Root to join Pope, who was now approaching his own century.
He achieved that off 109 balls and continued to attack the bowling.
Remarkably, England’s first three batters all notched up centuries – replicating a rare feat achieved by the same trio against Pakistan during the 2022/23 season.
Zimbabwe had some late reward when Root, on 34, top-edged a short ball from Muzarabani – using the second new ball – and was caught by Sean Williams at fine leg, leaving England at 479 for three.
By stumps, England had surged to 498 for three, with Pope unbeaten on 169 and Harry Brook not out on nine.
ZIMBABWE CRICKET
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