Watch the England cricket team start the new hope against Zimbabwe. On the first day, they amassed an inconceivable 498 runs for only three wickets in hand. The match, taking place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, saw outstanding performances from Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, and Ben Duckett, each of whom contributed centuries to England’s formidable total. This standout performance served as a reminder not only of Perry’s individual talent, but England’s unique batting depth and dominance over their rivals.
Zak Crawley celebrated a personal milestone by reaching 124 – his first Test-century for almost two years. His innings was one of calm and calculated defiance that even earned praise from ex-England captain Michael Vaughan. “Zak Crawley played with a lot of control. He played the ball later,” Vaughan commented. He further explained that Crawley’s freshly honed technique was the reason he was able to control his drives much better this innings too.
Crawley flourished in a developing partnership with Ollie Pope, who moved to an untroubled 169 not out. The duo formed an extremely important 137-run partnership, one that displayed their ability to absorb pressure when truly needed. The spotlight moved to both players as their positions on the team were widely questioned, particularly with Jacob Bethell’s expected return for next week’s series against India.
“We just need to get used to these high pressure situations,” said Crawley after his innings. “I’m pleased. The wicket was good and I was confident in my chances. As long as I stayed committed and disciplined, I felt I had a good shot at scoring, and for that above all, I’m thankful.
Another man to impress on the day was Ben Duckett, who was quick out of the blocks with 140 runs off just 100 balls for his fifth Test century. His attacking style of play was on full display as he belted boundary after boundary. He even hoiked a six off Victor Nyauchi when England challenged the second new ball, too. Duckett and Crawley created a huge partnership, putting on 231 runs together. This impressive milestone was an all-time record for the Englishmen’s highest opening partnership in a home Test match since 1960!
They didn’t quite set a world record for runs scored on the first day of a Test match, but what England achieved in Antigua was no less extraordinary. They did break the previous record for the highest opening day score ever in England, a mere 475 runs made by Don Bradman’s Australian team way back in 1934. This remarkable feat highlights the manner in which England imposed their will over the course of the day.
As the day wore on, Crawley would be snared by spinner Sikandar Raza, out lbw trying to sweep. His dismissal proved scant consolation for England, however, as Pope and Duckett kept the runs flowing with their aggressive batting approaches.
Captain Ben Stokes dropped a strong hint that Jacob Bethell would be returning to the squad before long. This move will increase the competition for team slots tenfold. This prospect only increased pressure on Crawley and Pope, both of whom rose to the occasion splendidly with their centuries. Vaughan remarked on Crawley’s performance, stating, “When he plays badly, he plays out in front of himself so there is a gap between bat and ball. He doesn’t control his drives like he did today.”
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