England Crush Zimbabwe on Day One of Test Return

Witness Runodada – Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe’s long-awaited return to Test cricket on English soil after more than 20 years was marred by a punishing opening day, as England amassed a formidable 498 for three at stumps at Trent Bridge.

England’s top order proved relentless, with Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope each scoring commanding centuries to leave Zimbabwe’s bowlers reeling under overcast skies. Zimbabwe had won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping for early assistance from the conditions—but the gamble backfired.

“We thought the conditions might help us early, but credit to England’s batters. They applied themselves really well,” said Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine at close of play.

The English openers seized control from the outset, reaching 50 inside the first 11 overs. Duckett was particularly aggressive, racing to a half-century off just 47 balls. Crawley followed suit, reaching his own fifty shortly afterward. By lunch, England were cruising at 130 without loss.

Duckett brought up his century off 100 balls, peppering the boundary with 20 fours and two sixes. He eventually fell for a sparkling 140, caught by Ben Curran at cover off Wessly Madhevere.

Ollie Pope continued the momentum, racing to 50 off 48 balls and later reaching his century from 109 deliveries. Crawley’s well-paced 124 ended when he was trapped lbw by Sikandar Raza while attempting a sweep. Their 127-run partnership put England firmly in command.

Joe Root chipped in with a breezy 34 before falling to a short ball from Blessing Muzarabani, who was Zimbabwe’s most successful bowler on a tough day, finishing with one for 111. Pope, however, remained unbeaten on 169, joined by Harry Brook on nine at the close.

“It was a tough day for us. We missed our lines a few times, and once you let them in, they don’t give you many chances,” Muzarabani admitted.

Zimbabwe’s woes deepened with an injury to fast bowler Richard Ngarava, who left the field mid-session with back spasms and did not return.

England’s attacking approach, shaped by the fearless ‘Bazball’ philosophy, proved too much for Zimbabwe’s inexperienced attack. With a mountain of runs on the board and only three wickets down, Zimbabwe now face an uphill battle to stay in the match and restore pride in their historic return to English Test cricket.