England surge towards victory after enforcing follow-on against Zimbabwe, who claim century through Tom Bennett on day two of Trent Bridge Test
Published 23/05/2025 at 19:54 GMT+1
It appears to be only a matter of time before England power their way past Zimbabwe in the first Test match of the summer. Ben Stokes impressed with the ball, while it was also a memorable day for Sam Cook, who secured his first Test wicket. It a hugely difficult day for Zimbabwe, but one that will still live long in the memory for Tom Bennett after his impressive haul of 139.
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England edged closer to a comprehensive victory over Zimbabwe and hold a 270-run lead over the tourists following day two at Trent Bridge.
It was a dominant performance by the hosts, who enforced the follow-on in a Test which looks set to be wrapped up on Saturday.
England declared on 565-6, adding to their overnight total of 498-3 and putting Zimbabwe's batters back into the crease.
Ollie Pope was the first to fall on Friday morning after being dispatched for 171, before Stokes followed for nine after being caught by Ben Curran.
There was still time for another England batting highlight, as Harry Brook reached a half-century with a superb six.
However, with Brook dispatched for 58 off the bowling of Blessing Muzarabani, Stokes made the declaration.
It was a sobering day for Zimbabwe, but their star performer was undoubtedly Brian Bennett, with his 139-run haul entertaining the Trent Bridge crowd.
He reached a century after a cut off Gus Atkinson before being given his marching orders from the bowling of Josh Tongue.
After a solid enough start at 31-0, the breakthrough came when Harry Brook caught Curran off the bowling of Sam Cook for his first Test wicket.
The tourists powered on thanks to some eye-catching batting from Bennett, before Craig Ervine was next to go following Shoaib Bashir's superb delivery.
A four from Bennett saw Zimbabwe's star man move onto 50, before Sean Williams was next to go at the hands of Bashir once again.
Bennett would get his historic moment to claim the fastest Test century for a Zimbabwean with a brilliant cover drive down the ground.
From that point, Stokes claimed his first wicket with a ruthless delivery towards Sikandar Raza, which was caught by Jamie Smith.
Stokes had found his rhythm, removing Wessly Madhevere at the middle stump with another unstoppable delivery.
Bennett's day eventually came to an end after being caught by Pope off the bowling of Tongue, before the bails flew in every direction possible when Bashir removed Tafadzwa Tsiga.
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With Tanaka Chivanga and Muzarabani taken care of, the follow-on ensued, and Bennett's second innings was significantly shorter than his first.
He was dispatched lbw for one, before Craig Ervine was dismissed for two, leaving Zimbabwe at 7-2.
A creditable knock of 22 not out for Williams leaves Zimbabwe on 30-2, but this was a largely chastening day for the visitors.
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