Duckett and Crawley lead England with unbeaten stand in Zimbabwe Test
Duckett and Crawley post century stand as England dominate day one of the four-day Zimbabwe Test at Trent Bridge.
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| Ben Duckett (left) and Zak Crawley (right) of England run between the wickets on day one of the Rothesay Test match between England and Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on May 22, 2025, in Nottingham, England. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images |
By Yuni Utomo and Widya Putri
Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley ushered in England’s 2025 home Test season in dominant fashion on Thursday, producing an unbroken century partnership to seize control of the opening day of the one-off four-day Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. The opening duo remained unbeaten as England cruised to 130 without loss by lunch, defying overcast skies and a green-tinged pitch in Nottingham.
The early momentum in this historic match — Zimbabwe’s first Test in England in 22 years — belonged wholly to the hosts, as Duckett powered his way to 75 not out and Crawley, returning from a lean run in New Zealand, contributed a composed 53 not out. Their partnership marked a resounding statement of intent at the start of what promises to be a packed summer of red-ball cricket, with England set to host India in a five-match series and later tour Australia for the Ashes.
Duckett and Crawley defy Zimbabwe’s seam attack
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine opted to bowl first after winning the toss in ideal conditions for his seamers. With heavy clouds overhead and a fresh green surface underfoot, the decision aligned with tradition at Trent Bridge, a venue where swing and seam have often dictated terms. But while there were early signs of movement, Zimbabwe’s attack failed to maintain consistent discipline.
Blessing Muzarabani came close to a breakthrough when Crawley, on 10, mistimed a drive just beyond the reach of mid-off. However, the Kent batter responded with confident strokeplay, pulling Muzarabani for four and repeatedly finding the boundary with flowing cover drives.
Duckett, relishing the chance to impress on his home ground, played in typically aggressive fashion. He reached his half-century in just 47 balls, albeit with some fortune — a thick edge off Tanaka Chivanga flew over the slips for his ninth boundary. His innings grew more authoritative with each over, exploiting Zimbabwe’s lapses in line and length.
Crawley followed suit, reaching his own fifty in 76 balls. For a player who managed an average of just 8.90 during England’s series in New Zealand, this innings came as a much-needed return to form. His footwork against both pace and movement demonstrated increased assurance, and together with Duckett, he kept the scoreboard ticking with fluency.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers waste ideal conditions
Zimbabwe’s fast bowling quartet, though lively at times, could not capitalise on the early assistance. Ervine's bowlers too frequently pitched too full or too short, giving Duckett and Crawley ample scoring opportunities. Muzarabani, who posed the greatest threat, was let down by an inconsistent supporting cast.
Tanaka Chivanga showed promise with the occasional ball that zipped off the surface, but Duckett in particular countered him with ease. Donald Tiripano and Richard Ngarava offered little penetration, and as the session wore on, England’s openers began to dominate entirely.
Fielding errors compounded Zimbabwe’s problems. Misfields in the deep and failed dives in the ring allowed England to collect boundaries with minimal risk. A fierce drive from Duckett in the 24th over split two cover fielders and summed up Zimbabwe’s growing frustration.
England’s strong start sets the tone for summer
For England, this match is more than just a standalone Test. It serves as the precursor to their summer campaign, which includes a marquee home series against India and a highly anticipated Ashes tour at the end of the year. In that context, Duckett and Crawley’s performance on day one sends a strong message.
Ben Stokes’ return to the XI adds further intrigue. Although the England captain was not required to bat in the morning session, his presence on the team sheet marks a significant milestone following a protracted recovery from a hamstring injury. Stokes’ workload and fitness levels are under close scrutiny as the summer progresses.
This match also provides opportunities for England’s younger bowlers and fringe players to press their claims ahead of the India series. While the focus on Thursday was largely on the batting exploits of Duckett and Crawley, the remainder of the Test may offer a platform for others to shine, particularly if England continue to dominate.
Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket in England falls flat
Zimbabwe’s last Test match on English soil dates back to 2003, and the team’s return had been greeted with cautious optimism. But after suffering a heavy 138-run defeat against a County Select XI in their only warm-up match, the signs have not been promising.
The lack of preparation was evident as the bowlers toiled fruitlessly in helpful conditions. While Zimbabwe’s lineup includes experienced figures like Craig Ervine and Muzarabani, they are still a team in transition. Thursday’s showing, particularly in the field, underscored the gulf between the sides.
Ervine’s decision to bowl first was logical, but the execution from his bowlers was lacking. With three more days to play, Zimbabwe must regroup quickly if they are to make a meaningful contest of this Test. Otherwise, they risk another one-sided result.
Crawley and Duckett eye big scores
With the platform laid, England’s openers will aim to build on their unbeaten start in the afternoon session. Both players are well-positioned to convert their half-centuries into three figures, and the prospect of a mammoth total looms if Zimbabwe fail to tighten their lines.
The pitch, though green, has played evenly, and the weather forecast suggests little interruption. England will look to bat deep, applying pressure on a fragile Zimbabwean batting lineup expected to struggle against the home side’s pace battery.
As the Test unfolds, attention will also turn to the impact of Stokes and the potential emergence of England’s next generation of bowlers. But for now, Duckett and Crawley have set the tone — dominant, controlled, and ruthless — as England’s summer begins with purpose.
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