Brian Bennett, Zimbabwe’s 21-year-old opener, created history on Friday by scoring fastest Test century for his nation in the one-off Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
Bennett reached his century in just 97 balls as he led Zimbabwe’s charge against England’s mammoth total of 565/6.
In fact, Bennett reached the milestone during the second session of Day 2 with a hat-trick of fours against England fast bowler Gus Atkinson. Bennett was also the first Zimbabwe batter in 25 years to score a century against England. Murray Goodwin was the previous Zimbabwe batter to reach three figures in England. He scored an unbeaten 148 in 2000, incidentally at the same venue.
Ben Stokes’ sensational return
Ben Stokes, England’s Test skipper has made a memorable return after a lengthy injury layoff.
The fast-bowling all-rounder picked up two wickets in his first two overs. He put on an outswinging masterclass with the ball in the final few overs, leading up to the Tea break.
Stokes didn’t show any sign of rustiness, settling into rhythm from the onset. He first picked up the wicket of the dangerous Sikandar Raza with a brutal delivery.
Movement for Stokes
Stokes found 1.6° of swing and 0.8° of seam movement within his first 8 balls of his spell, which was comfortably the most movement in the air and off the pitch for any pace bowler in the Test match at that point of the game.
Stokes followed up Raza’s wicket with another peach of a delivery to castle Wessly Madhevere for a duck.
After facing a series of outswing deliveries, Madhe played a delivery outside the line. The ball kissed the inside edge of the bat and rattled the stumps as the Zimbabwe batsman was undone by the movement.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad, who is on commentary duty for the Test match, said Stokes promised him that he wouldn’t bowl a spell longer than five overs as he makes his way back from surgery.
He kept his promise as he bowled 3.2 overs and made a sensational impact before umpires called for Tea.
While Bennet made history for Zimbabwe with a brilliant ton, the spotlight was on Stokes, who was making his much-anticipated return to Test cricket ahead of two important series.
England host India for five Tests starting June 20 before they embark on a gruelling Ashes series down under in Australia later this year.