ASHLEY DUBE
Stumps, Day 2: Zimbabwe 265 (Bennett 139, Ervine 42, Bashir 3-62) and 30 for 2 (Williams 22*, Curran 4*) trail England 565 for 6 dec (Pope 171, Duckett 140, Crawley 124, Brook 58) by 270 runs
It’s been a tough couple of days for the Chevrons in Nottingham, with England flexing their muscles and posting a massive 565 for 6 declared. Even so, Day 2 belonged—at least in spirit—to Zimbabwe’s young opener, Brian Bennett, who lit up Trent Bridge with a sensational 139 off just 143balls. His century is now the fastest Test century ever by a Zimbabwean, coming off 97 balls.
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| Brian Bennett in action as his century lit up Trent Bridge. [Image: Zimbabwe Cricket] |
The 21-year-old, playing only his seventh Test, showed the world his prowess on the world stage, smashing 19 boundaries and treating English quicks to some proper shots, especially against Atkinson whom he dispatched to the ropes three times in a row to reach his hundred.
He was eventually dismissed by Josh Tongue following some brilliant captaincy by Ben Stokes who unsettlled him with some short-pitch deliveries before being caught out Ollie Pope fielding at short leg,
In a match otherwise dominated by England’s star-studded lineup—Pope (171), Duckett (140), and Crawley (124) all piling on the runs—Bennett’s fearless counterattack gave Zimbabweans in the stands something to cheer for. The small but passionate pockets of Zim supporters made themselves heard, celebrating every boundary with real pride.He struggled for partnerships however with only who was thr second highest run scorer with 42.
Zimbabwe’s first innings ended on 265 still trailing the hosts by 300 runs. Forced to follow on, the Chevrons lost two early wickets and will resume Day 3 on 30/2, still 270 behind.
Brian Bennett failed to replicate his first innings exploits after being dismissed for just a single run, trapped leg before wicket by Gus Atkinson. Craig Ervine was caught out the bowling off the bowling of Josh Tongue.
Sean Williams provided a late flurry of boundaries as stumps were called with the Chevrons on 30-2.
The Three Lions are firmly poised to clinch victory requiring eight wickets from the remaining two days.
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