Summary

  • England pile up 498-3 on opening day - report

  • Duckett, Crawley and Pope all hit sparkling centuries

  • Root brings up 13,000 Test runs - only four batters have more

  • England openers put on 231 for first wicket

  • Zimbabwe win toss, One-off Test, Trent Bridge

Live Reporting

by Matthew Henry and Elizabeth Botcherby

  1. Eng 275-1

    Quite right, David. I remember really enjoying the Test match against Ireland in 2019, which was another standalone affair.

    A couple of singles from Sikandar Raza's ninth over. He's settled into this game since Duckett's departure.

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    After years of complaining that no-one is interested in playing Test cricket any more, we set up a Test against Zimbabwe and everyone complains that it's not enough of a challenge and that we're stat padding. We're batting well. Zimbabwe won't improve unless they play regular Tests, which they intend to do. It's the first day of the first Test of the summer. Enjoy it for goodness' sake.

    David Fisher, Birmingham (but following from the Dordogne)

  3. Phil Tufnell
    Former England spinner on Test Match Special

    He looks a bit out of rhythm, Blessing Muzarabani. That's what happens when you bowl at both sides of the wicket.

    Tough old day for Zimbabwe. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett realised that it was a decent pitch and they didn't go after the bowler.

    England are now reaping their rewards.

  4. Eng 273-1

    Penny for Craig Ervine's thoughts. Where do Zimbabwe go from here?

    How they'd love another wicket before tea.

  5. How's stat?!

    Rufus Bullough
    CricViz analyst

    With 31 runs scored after 20 balls, Ollie Pope has never started faster in any of his 62 20+ ball innings in Test matches.

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    ZimbabweReuters

    I hate the arrogance of the idea that only some Test countries deserve to play England. The notion that there are two unofficial tiers of Test nations is a self-fulfilling prophecy, and it's terrible for the global game. Can't we just enjoy some good England batting, rather than fretting that it's wasted on Zimbabwe?

    Ollie Randall

  7. Eng 266-1

    Crawley 82, Pope 31

    A quiet over from Sikandar Raza, with just two runs from it.

    Can Blessing Muzarabani follow suit? After conceding 41 runs from his first 10 overs, he's been very expensive after lunch.

  8. Jonathan Agnew
    BBC Chief Cricket Commentator on Test Match Special

    This is what I love about Ollie Pope. You see a beautiful cover drive one minute, then there's the improvisation of the modern game. Ramping that over slip.

  9. Eng 264-1

    Ben Duckett has his feet up, James Rew appears to be engrossed in a puzzle book, and Harry Brook looks frozen stiff under his beanie.

    Meanwhile, Ollie Pope is continuing to flay runs for fun. A Muzarabani bouncer is the latest delivery to be given the boundary treatment.

    He has 30 off 18. A Gilbert Jessop attempt in progress.

  10. After being thwacked for a couple of boundaries, Wesley Madhevere made the breakthrough for Zimbabwe.

    Duckett caught by Curran at cover to end 140 run knock

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    Why is everyone complaining about it being too easy when England are winning? Just enjoy knowing what it’s like to be an early 2000s Australian cricket fan for the day.

    Bertrand, in London

  12. Eng 255-1

    Another four for Ollie Pope. And the sun has come out at Trent Bridge.

  13. Just an update on Richard Ngarava, who has back spasms and the medical team is still assessing him.

  14. Eng 248-1

    Well, he's not mucking about. Ollie Pope takes Blessing Muzarabani for 12 runs, including two boundaries. He's raced to 17 (9).

  15. This is a huge day for Ollie Pope. With Jacob Bethell, currently playing in the IPL, expected to slot back into the side for the India series, he's one of the players looking over his shoulder.

    Would you choose Bethell over Pope or is someone else in the firing line?

  16. Eng 236-1

    Well, that over had a little bit everything, didn't it?

    A six, a wicket, an lbw shout, and an early boundary for Ollie Pope. Wesley Madhevere is bringing the entertainment with the ball.

  17. Michael Vaughan
    Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    Ben Duckett decided it was time and that was a bit fuller - he went to smash it through cover.

    A brilliant innings comes to an end. The way he plays and the simplicity he plays the game.

    I don't think it will be the last time we see Ben Duckett raise his bat this summer.

  18. wicket

    WICKET

    Duckett c Curran b Madhevere 140 (Eng 231-1)

    Duckett caught by Curran at cover to end 140 run knock

    I spoke too soon... an inspired bowling change by Craig Ervine.

    I only take partial responsibility for that wicket. Michael Vaughan did his fair share of commentator's cursing there.

    Duckett holes out to Ben Curran at cover and has to depart for 140 (134).

    Enter Ollie Pope.

  19. Eng 231-0

    And it's not a fantastic start...

    A four for through the covers and a big pull into the stands for six. Ben Duckett has his number.

  20. Eng 221-0

    A trio of singles off Muzarabani's 11th over.

    Captain Craig Ervine is ringing the changes, with Wesley Madhevere entering the bowling attack for his first over of the day.