Sports Reporter
NOTTINGHAM, England \u2013 England seized control of the first Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on Friday, enforcing the follow-on after a dominant display highlighted by Ben Stokes\u2019 impactful return and a historic century from Zimbabwe\u2019s Brian Bennett. The tourists, playing their first Test in England in 22 years, crumbled to 265 all out, trailing England\u2019s mammoth first-innings 565-6 declared by 300 runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stokes, making his Test comeback after hamstring surgery, ignited Zimbabwe\u2019s collapse with two quick wickets before tea, leaving the tourists reeling at 199-5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt felt great to be back and contributing straightaway,\u201d Stokes said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe knew we had to keep applying pressure, and the lads responded brilliantly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zimbabwe had shown resilience at 187-3, but Stokes removed Sikandar Raza (7) and Wessly Madhevere (0) in a fiery spell. The spotlight, however, shifted to 24-year-old Brian Bennett, who smashed a record 139 off 143 balls, including 26 fours. His 97-ball century eclipsed Sean Williams\u2019 106-ball mark set in 2016, becoming the fastest Test ton by a Zimbabwean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a dream to score a century here, especially in such a historic Test for us,\u201d Bennett said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI rode my luck, but to do it against this attack is something I\u2019ll never forget.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bennett survived a dropped catch by Joe Root on 89 and a no-ball reprieve off Josh Tongue, who overstepped during a dismissed catch. However, Tongue later redeemed himself, with Ollie Pope snaring Bennett at short leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBrian\u2019s innings was exceptional,\u201d Zimbabwe coach Dave Houghton remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut we need to learn from these moments and show more fight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spinner Shoaib Bashir (3-77) and Stokes (2-31) spearheaded England\u2019s attack, while Gus Atkinson and Tongue chipped in. Zimbabwe\u2019s tail folded swiftly, with Richard Ngarava absent injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier, England declared at 565-6, fueled by centuries from Ollie Pope (169), Zak Crawley (124), and Ben Duckett (140). Harry Brook\u2019s blistering 58 off 50 balls, including three sixes, compounded Zimbabwe\u2019s woes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe batters set the tone,\u201d Stokes said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen you post 500, you\u2019re always in the driving seat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Zimbabwe 35-0 in their second innings at stumps, England remains poised for victory. Yet, Bennett\u2019s heroics offered a glimmer of pride for the visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll come back stronger,\u201d Bennett vowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is just the start for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As day three looms, England eyes a swift conclusion, while Zimbabwe seeks resilience in a match already etched with milestones and drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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