England Batters Dominate Zimbabwe With Record Totals

England closed the opening day of their one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on 498-3, with Ben Duckett (140), Zak Crawley (124), and Ollie Pope (169*) all scoring centuries. Their opening partnership was England’s highest in a home Test since 1965 and contributed to the most runs ever on a first day of a Test in England. Both Crawley and Pope responded to selection pressure amid speculation about Jacob Bethell's return from IPL duties. Zimbabwe's bowling attack struggled, further weakened by an injury to seamer Richard Ngarava. Captain Ben Stokes has indicated Bethell will return for the India series, highlighting upcoming selection challenges. England’s inexperienced bowling lineup, featuring debutant Sam Cook, will be tested as the match progresses.