Postpublished at 17:03 BST 23 May 2025
Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on Test Match Special
That's the perfect off-spinner's delivery, that's the line that I like to see him bowl.
Summary
Zimbabwe close on 30-2 following on - report
Stokes finds pace, movement and bounce to pick up two wickets
Three wickets for Bashir; Cook strikes on debut
England declare on 565-5 after Brook crashes rapid 58
Postpublished at 17:03 BST 23 May 2025
WICKETpublished at 56.1 overs
Tsiga b Bashir 22 (Zim 251-7)
That's a beauty from Shoaib Bashir!
It's his first ball back in the attack, his fingers bandaged after his injury in the middle session, and he absolutely castles Tafadzwa Tsiga. Bails everywhere.
How's stat?!published at 17:00 BST 23 May 2025
Rufus Bullough
CricViz analystThe short ball ploy works well for Josh Tongue here, but it hasn't been the most successful tactic for him in his Test career to date:
Josh Tongue's Test bowling by length:
- Full (<6m): 99 balls, 3 wkts, Avg 26
- Good (6-8m): 130 balls, 5 wkts, Avg 14
- Short (8+m): 301 balls, 3 wkts, Avg 55
Postpublished at 16:59 BST 23 May 2025
Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on Test Match SpecialTafadzwa Tsiga has played a nice hand. He's come out and got on with his work quietly.
England would've thought that they'd have an opening with him but he's looked very secure.
Zim 251-6published at 56 overs
Gus Atkinson replaces Sam Cook in the attack and is immediately tonked for four by Tafadzwa Tsiga. Blessing Muzarabani finishes the over with a big swing and an even bigger miss.
England might have removed Brian Bennett but Zimbabwe's batting is not done yet.
Postpublished at 16:56 BST 23 May 2025
Grumbles, I have so many questions. Why did you decide to make a bat? Have you made one before? How long will it take?
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 16:55 BST 23 May 2025
#bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
Really is a joy listening to the BBC radio whilst working on my own self-made cricket bat!
Grumbles, Reading
Zim 246-6published at 55 overs
Trail by 319
Blessing Muzarabani, with a Test average of 16, is the first of Zimbabwe's long tail to enter.
Josh Tongue is going to have to bend his back to get the ball up towards his head.
Postpublished at 16:53 BST 23 May 2025
Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on Test Match SpecialThe crowd loves it. They've been singing and chanting for Brian Bennett all day. It looks like he was getting a bit tired of those short ones but what a fabulous innings. He made it looks so simple, he'll be absolutely delighted with that.
Postpublished at 16:52 BST 23 May 2025
Alison Mitchell
Test Match Special commentator on BBC SoundsIt's been an outstanding innings from Brian Bennett. The fastest Test hundred by a Zimbabwean, what a performance.
WICKETpublished at 54.3 overs
Bennett c Pope b Tongue 139 (Zim 246-6)
Josh Tongue has his man! He turns around to look at the umpire before beginning his celebrations but this time, he's okay.
It's a straightforward catch for Ollie Pope and finally, Brian Bennett has to depart. What an innings it's been from the 21-year-old.
Postpublished at 16:50 BST 23 May 2025
Of course, that no-ball isn't Brian Bennett's first reprieve today...
Postpublished at 16:48 BST 23 May 2025
Ollie Pope is back under the helmet...
Zim 246-5published at 54 overs
Image source, PA MediaThat Josh Tongue no-ball has certainly woken me up.
Sam Cook follows it up with a maiden over to Tafadzwa Tsiga.
How will Tongue respond to his earlier disappointment?
Postpublished at 16:45 BST 23 May 2025
Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on Test Match SpecialThat just knocks your stuffing out as a bowler, a wicket off a no ball.
Postpublished at 16:45 BST 23 May 2025
Jonathan Agnew
BBC Chief Cricket Commentator on Test Match SpecialWonderful catch, fended off the body, that one went up to the arm pit.
It's a no ball! What a shame.
Missed chance - Zim 246-5published at 53 overs
OH NO! Just as I was preparing the superlatives for Ollie Pope's brilliant diving catch to dismiss Brian Bennett, the umpire signals a no ball.
Bowler Josh Tongue looks sheepish. Bennett is handed a life on 139. Oh dear, oh dear.
Postpublished at 16:41 BST 23 May 2025
There isn't an area of the ground Brian Bennett hasn't caressed the ball to today, but it's the drives in the 'V' which have really caught the eye.
Image source, BBC/CricvizZim 245-5published at 52 overs
Brian Bennett looks serene as he strokes Sam Cook for another boundary. Surely more than one county director of cricket is watching this innings with interest.
Zim 240-5published at 51 overs
Brian Bennett will rightly dominate the headlines for his century but Tafadzwa Tsiga is batting nicely so far. He's handling everything Josh Tongue chucks his way, including a bumper which he guides through a gap in the field for four.