England are playing a one-off Test match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. The match started from May 22, 3.30 PM IST. Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first, seeing the overhead conditions at the venue.
However, the decision proved to be a wrong one from skipper Craig Ervine as the Engalnd openers took full toll of the inexperienced Zimbabwe bowling attack.
At Lunch, after the end of 26 overs, England posted 130 runs for no loss with both the openers going strong. Zak Crawley (53 runs off 86 balls) and Ben Duckett (75* runs off 71 balls) had an unbroken stand that brought the visitors bowling attack to their knees.
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England Openers Run Rampant On Day 1
The ground at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, is one of the best venues in Test cricket in England. On top of that, England's modern attacking approach, coupled with the inexperienced bowling attack of Zimbabwe, made it easier for the batters.
A total of 19 boundaries were hit in the first session with Duckett hitting 12 fours and Crawley seven. The southpaw batted with a strike rate of over 100.
The Zimbabwe bowlers were at the receiving end of some breathtaking batting from the openers. Both of them dominated and never really looked in any trouble. Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine used four bowlers in the first session, all of whom went for runs. Richard Ngarava went for 42 runs from his nine overs. Blessing Muzarabani who was roped in as a temporary replacement by RCB, went for 41 runs off his 10 overs. Tanaka Chivanga, their third pacer, went for 30 runs off his four overs. The side even used a fourth pacer in the form of Victor Nyauchi who went for 16 runs off his three overs. The side is yet to introduce a spinner in this match.
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England Second On ICC Test Rankings
England, who are placed second on the ICC Test rankings, will look to see this Test match as a preparation for their Test series against India starting from June 20.
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