ENG vs ZIM | Twitter reacts as Bennett ton not enough for Zimbabwe to avoid follow-on on Day 2

Zimbabwe's Friday began promisingly as Tanaka Chivanga dismissed Ollie Pope for 171 in just the second over of the day. However, that only unleashed Harry Brook, who exploded from 9 off 27 balls to a 48-ball fifty, smashing back-to-back sixes off Blessing Muzarabani and multiple boundaries off Chivanga. Muzarabani hit back by removing Ben Stokes with a rising delivery, and soon after, Brook chopped on for 58, prompting England to declare at 413/6 and set Zimbabwe a steep target of 565.

Zimbabwe's reply was nervy but positive, with Brian Bennett finding the boundary regularly despite an early scare. Debutant Sam Cook got his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Ben Curran, but Craig Ervine countered with aggressive strokeplay, taking Zimbabwe to 73/1 at Lunch. Though Ervine fell early in the second session, Bennett marched to a 56-ball fifty and later a 97-ball century — Zimbabwe’s fastest in Tests. Sean Williams added a steady 36 before falling to Shoaib Bashir, and Ben Stokes then removed Raza and Madhevere in quick succession to leave Zimbabwe reeling at Tea.

Despite a dropped catch, Josh Tongue eventually dismissed Bennett for 128 as Zimbabwe collapsed from 246/5 to 265 all out to concede the follow-on. Their second innings fared no better as the early wickets of Bennett and Williams meant they ended the day on 30/2, trailing by 270 at Stumps.

Trial 270 runs!

EngvsZim

3-1!!!

Classic!

Haha!

Poor start!

Fastest hundred!

On fire!

Wha a player!

Great!