England notched up 498/3 in 88 overs on Day 1 of the only Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. Electing to field first, Zimbabwe tasted minimal success in what was a day thoroughly dominated by the hosts.
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett started off proceedings quite proactively as they got to 47/0 at the end of 10 overs. Duckett scored three boundaries off Tanaka Chivanga’s first over. The southpaw brought up his half-century on the final ball of the 17th over. Crawley got to his first half-century in Tests after 11 innings as England posted 130 for the loss of no wickets by Lunch.
Sikandar Raza was introduced at the start of the second session. Richard Ngarava had to be driven off the field in the 29th over after he was seen clutching his back and knee. Duckett brought up a run-a-ball ton, his fifth in Tests. The opening duo of Crawley and Duckett brought up their second double-ton opening partnership since 2022. Wessly Madhevere provided the first breakthrough of the day with Duckett’s (140 off 134) wicket.
England marched to 282/1 at the 50-over mark. Tea was called with Crawley and Ollie Pope on 93* and 49*, respectively. Crawley posted his first century in Tests after almost two years since his previous one. Sikandar Raza dismissed Crawley (124 off 171) on the first delivery of the 66th over. Pope brought up his own ton a few overs later with England’s score going past 400.
Overs 79 to 81 yielded 39 runs in aggregate, with England firmly in control of proceedings. Root was the third wicket to fall. Some extra bounce from Blessing Muzarabani meant Root top-edged the pull to Sean Williams at fine leg. That was the final wicket Zimbabwe scalped during the opening day’s play. Pope and Harry Brook will resume on Day 2 at 169* (163) and 9* (18), respectively.
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