England Dominate Zimbabwe with Triple Centuries on Day One

NOTTINGHAM: England amassed a formidable 498 for three on the opening day of their test match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on Thursday, propelled by centuries from Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope.

After overwhelming the Zimbabwean seam attack, Pope is set to continue his innings on the second day at 169 not out from 163 deliveries, accompanied by Harry Brook, who remains unbeaten on 10. The English side maintained an impressive scoring rate of 5.66 runs per over, marking a dominant performance in Zimbabwe’s first test appearance in England in 22 years.

Duckett aggressively struck 140 runs from 134 balls before being caught by Ben Curran off Wessly Madhevere’s delivery. He had earlier established an opening partnership of 231 runs with Crawley in 41.3 overs.

Crawley, adopting a more calculated approach, achieved his first test century in almost two years, scoring 124 runs from 171 balls before being dismissed leg before wicket by spinner Sikandar Raza while attempting a sweep.

Crawley and Pope combined for a 137-run partnership off 142 balls for the second wicket. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to maintain consistency, frequently delivering hittable balls that were easily capitalized on.

“Achieving a test hundred is a superb feeling, and it was also a great day for the team,” Crawley mentioned. “With Ben playing exceptionally well, I didn’t feel significant pressure. Ollie replicated the same approach when he came in.”

Joe Root surpassed 13,000 test runs before being caught at deep fine leg by Sean Williams off Blessing Muzarabani for 34 after attempting a hook shot.

Pope will be aiming for his highest test score of 205. England are expected to bat only once in the four-day match as part of their preparations for the upcoming series against India and later, the Ashes in Australia.

Both Pope and Crawley have faced a run of low scores recently. With Jacob Bethell potentially joining the team, their timely centuries, though against a weakened bowling attack, were crucial.

“You feel like a contributing member of the team once more, avoiding the feeling of being on the fringes,” Crawley commented. “There are times when you feel you are playing for your spot, a sentiment I’ve frequently experienced. The team is full of talented players, and you strive to match and keep pace with them.”