England delivered a commanding performance to secure a crushing innings and 45-run victory over Zimbabwe in the three-day Test at Trent Bridge, highlighted by a career-best spell from young spinner Shoaib Bashir and a stunning slip catch by Harry Brook.
Brook’s athletic leap at second slip produced a spectacular one-handed catch off Ben Stokes' bowling, delivering a critical blow to Zimbabwe’s resistance. The visitors, following on, were dismissed for 255 runs, with Bashir dismantling their batting line-up, claiming six wickets for 81 runs.
This victory marked a memorable moment reminiscent of a decade ago at the same venue, when Stokes pulled off a remarkable Ashes catch that left teammate Stuart Broad in awe. This time, Stokes himself was left astonished as Brook’s breathtaking catch turned the tide decisively in England’s favor.
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Despite Zimbabwe’s resilient efforts, especially notable contributions from Sean Williams, who scored a fluent 88, and Sikandar Raza, who fought valiantly for 60, the outcome was never really in doubt. Bashir’s match tally of nine wickets underscored his growing stature in international cricket, especially contrasting sharply with his struggles on loan in county cricket. At 21, Bashir’s rapid progress has been fueled by the confidence instilled by his English teammates.
In contrast, the debut of pacer Sam Cook was less inspiring; his figures of one for 119 and lack of penetration highlighted a challenging introduction at the Test level.
England began the day with a commanding lead of 270 and required only seven wickets for victory, with Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava sidelined due to injury. Nevertheless, Zimbabwe showed determination in the morning session, with Williams and Ben Curran frustrating the England attack and putting together a solid 111-run partnership.
The breakthrough came when Bashir trapped Williams lbw, followed by a chance for Stokes and Josh Tongue to capitalize on half chances that went begging. The afternoon session saw England benefit from a gift when Curran gave an easy catch, allowing Bashir to continue his relentless bowling assault.
Raza and Madhevere then compiled a defiant 65-run partnership, briefly lifting Zimbabwe’s spirits and resistance. However, Cook’s final bowling spell lacked the necessary incisiveness, conceding easy runs and delivering poorly judged bouncers.
Stokes’ return to the attack proved pivotal, forcing errors that led to Brook’s sublime catch off Madhevere’s bat. Earlier, Bashir had survived a blow to the forehead but quickly regained composure to lead England’s charge.
The climax saw Bashir dismissing the tail with precision, including the wickets of Tafadzwa Tsiga, Blessing Muzarabani, and Tanaka Chivanga, sealing England’s comprehensive victory in this historic first Test between the two nations in 22 years.