England’s batting might was on full display at Trent Bridge as the top three—Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope—each hammered brilliant centuries to leave Zimbabwe reeling in the one-off Test. Their commanding performances not only delighted the home crowd but also underlined the gulf between the two sides, with England declaring at a mammoth 565-6 and putting Zimbabwe under immediate pressure.
Relentless English Batting Dominates Day One
Duckett, Crawley, and Pope Lead the Charge
From the very first session, England’s openers set the tone. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley wasted no time, finding boundaries with ease and racing to a century stand. Duckett’s fluent strokeplay saw him notch up a well-crafted hundred, while Crawley, under some scrutiny after a challenging tour in New Zealand, responded emphatically with a sparkling 124.
Ollie Pope, England’s vice-captain, continued the onslaught. Coming in at number three, Pope played with remarkable composure and aggression, reaching 169 not out by stumps—his fourth score of over 150 in Test cricket. The trio’s centuries powered England to 498-3 on the opening day, almost 500 runs in a single day’s play.
Key Highlights from England’s Innings
Ben Duckett: Set the tone with a brisk century.
Zak Crawley: Scored 124, easing pressure on his place in the side.
Ollie Pope: Top-scored with 169*, showcasing his class and temperament.
Run Rate: England maintained a scoring rate above four runs per over, keeping Zimbabwe’s bowlers under constant pressure.
Pope and Crawley Reflect on Their Innings
Both Pope and Crawley spoke candidly about the expectations and pressures of batting in England’s top order. Pope emphasized the need to focus and settle quickly, especially after a strong opening partnership, while Crawley noted that competition for places keeps everyone sharp but doesn’t add undue pressure.
“There are always pressures when you step up to bat, but I felt confident,” Pope shared after his innings.
Zimbabwe’s Response: Bright Spots Amidst the Onslaught
Despite the daunting total, Zimbabwe’s young opener Brian Bennett showed impressive intent, reaching 36 not out at lunch on day two and later pushing on to 80, while captain Craig Ervine offered stability at the other end. However, England’s bowlers, led by debutant Sam Cook and spinner Shoaib Bashir, kept the visitors in check, picking up timely wickets and maintaining the upper hand.
Zimbabwe’s First Innings at a Glance
Brian Bennett: Aggressive start, notching up boundaries early.
Craig Ervine: Provided experience and calm in the top order.
Sam Cook: Claimed his maiden Test wicket on debut.
Shoaib Bashir: Impressed with his control and ability to take key wickets.
England’s Declaration and the Road Ahead
England declared their innings at 565-6, giving their bowlers ample time to press for victory. With a lead of nearly 500 runs, Ben Stokes and his team have put themselves in a commanding position, while Zimbabwe face an uphill battle to avoid defeat.
FAQs: England vs Zimbabwe One-Off Test
1. Who scored centuries for England against Zimbabwe?
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope all scored centuries, propelling England to a massive first-innings total.
2. What was England’s final first-innings score?
England declared at 565-6 after dominating with the bat.
3. How did Zimbabwe start their reply?
Zimbabwe reached 73-1 at lunch on day two, with Brian Bennett and Craig Ervine steadying the innings after an early wicket.
4. Who were the standout bowlers for England?
Debutant Sam Cook and spinner Shoaib Bashir were among the wicket-takers, keeping Zimbabwe under pressure.
5. When was Zimbabwe’s last Test in England before this match?
This is Zimbabwe’s first Test match in England in over 22 years, marking a significant return to English soil.
Conclusion: England’s Batting Depth Too Much for Zimbabwe
England’s top three delivered a batting masterclass at Trent Bridge, each scoring centuries and putting the game firmly in their side’s control. With a declaration at 565-6 and early wickets to their name, England look poised for a comprehensive victory, while Zimbabwe will need something extraordinary to turn the tide. As the Test progresses, all eyes will be on whether Zimbabwe can mount a resilient fightback or if England’s dominance will continue unabated.