Zimbabwe’s fastest Test century by Brian Bennett offered a bright spark on an otherwise difficult tour as England regained control of the only Test at Trent Bridge. After a harsh opening day dominated by England’s batting prowess, Zimbabwe fought back on day two, showing resilience and determination despite being in a precarious position.
England declared their first innings at 565 for six, a towering total built on the foundations of aggressive batting and clinical execution. The visitors, having been bowled out for 265 in their first innings, were forced to follow on and found themselves 30 for two by the close of day two. Though the scoreline suggests a one-sided contest, Zimbabwe’s efforts, especially Bennett’s record-breaking century, painted a more competitive picture.
Bennett, just 21 years old, etched his name in Zimbabwean cricket history by scoring the fastest Test century ever for his country, reaching the milestone in just 97 balls. His 139 runs came from 143 deliveries and included 26 fours. His innings was characterized by a blend of attacking flair and maturity. Even when edges slipped past fielders or a tough chance went down off Joe Root’s glove, Bennett remained composed, quickly regaining focus and pressing on. His century was not only fast but came against an England attack eager to impress, adding to the significance of the achievement.
Before Bennett, only two Zimbabweans Andy Flower and Murray Goodwin had scored Test centuries against England, placing Bennett in an exclusive group. His knock was celebrated as a moment of pride for Zimbabwe on English soil, especially considering this was Zimbabwe’s first Test in England in 22 years. Despite being dismissed lbw for one in his second innings, Bennett’s impact on the match and Zimbabwean cricket history was undeniable.
England’s bowling attack was led by Shoaib Bashir, who took three wickets for 62 runs over 16.4 overs and reached the milestone of 50 Test wickets, becoming the youngest English bowler to do so at just 21 years and 222 days old. Bashir, alongside other bowlers such as Gus Atkinson and Sam Cook, applied pressure on the Zimbabwe batsmen. Cook’s disciplined bowling earned him the wicket of Ben Curran, while Atkinson’s pace claimed multiple scalps including Bennett’s.
Jos Tongue, returning after a lengthy injury break, was England’s fastest bowler in the match and brought energy and aggression. His angle and pace troubled Zimbabwe’s batsmen, contributing to the collapse after Bennett’s dismissal. Stokes, returning from a hamstring injury, made a brief but effective appearance, taking two wickets in a short spell and helping to keep the pressure on Zimbabwe’s lineup.
Despite a tough day on the field, Zimbabwe’s players showed flashes of grit and skill. Craig Ervine’s 42 and Sean Williams’ 25 offered some resistance, but England’s bowlers relentlessly chipped away at the opposition’s batting order. The hosts’ decision to enforce the follow-on underscored their dominance but also suggested a desire to bring the match to a decisive conclusion early.
While England had a commanding position, the match’s narrative was shaped by Bennett’s innings and Zimbabwe’s spirited fightback on day two. The visitors, though outmatched, demonstrated that even in challenging circumstances they could produce moments of cricketing brilliance. Bennett’s century was a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe cricket and a memorable highlight for fans witnessing their return to Test cricket in England after more than two decades.
As the Test moves forward, England will look to capitalize on their advantage and aim for a swift finish. For Zimbabwe, the challenge will be to regroup and build on the resilience shown, hoping to add further chapters of resistance to this brief but eventful tour. Bennett’s record century will remain a standout memory, symbolizing the potential and fighting spirit of Zimbabwean cricket.
