13 h. ago Bennett scores Zimbabwe’s fastest Test century before England regain grip

Only Test, D2: England 565-6d; Zimbabwe 265 & 30-2Stokes shines as England toil before enforcing follow-onThere were a few sideways glances during the first day of Zimbabwe’s first Test match in England for 22 years, followed by calls for cricket’s longest format to adopt a two-division structure. After a flogging like the one their players had just suffered across three sessions, perhaps this was to be expected.But on day two, cheered on by some wonderful pockets of support, the tourists mustered a pushback. First came an improved showing with the ball, England losing three for 67 to declare on 565 for six, followed by something of a fairytale century from opener Brian Bennett. Though bowled out for 265, and closing on 30 for two following on, Zimbabwe had given their hosts a far stiffer outing. Continue reading...

Politics

24 h. ago Zak Crawley feels like ‘part of the team again’ after Trent Bridge run fest

The out-of-form opener struck 124 runs as the hosts powered to 498-3 on day one

Politics

36 h. ago ‘I’m the right man’: Zak Crawley ignores pressure with century against Zimbabwe

‘I’ve been made a better player by people around me’Crawley’s place thought to be under threat from BethellIf Zak Crawley showed little sign of the pressure he was under as he became one of three English centurions on the opening day against Zimbabwe, it is possibly because he did not know he was under any.The opener’s place in the team was presumed to be at risk after a poor run of form was followed by heavy hints that Jacob Bethell would be parachuted straight into the team on his return from the IPL, but after scoring 124 – England’s third-highest innings of the day after Ben Duckett’s 140 and Ollie Pope’s unbeaten 169 – the 27-year-old insisted he had heard no such rumours and had felt nothing from his coaches and colleagues except support. Continue reading...

Events

36 h. ago Zak Crawley feels like ‘part of the team again’ after Trent Bridge century

Crawley hit 124 as the hosts powered to 498 for three on day one.

Politics

37 h. ago Ollie Pope scores century as England set new record in dominant win over Zimbabwe

England make light-work of Zimbabwe in first meeting between the nations for 22 years

Politics

40 h. ago Ben Duckett hundred powers England into dominant position against Zimbabwe

Duckett made 140 as England reached two on 295 for one.

Politics

43 h. ago Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett get England off to solid start against Zimbabwe

The hosts reached 130 without loss at lunch on day one at Trent Bridge.

Politics

44 h. ago The 10 symptoms of 'silent killer' high blood pressure you should never ignore

Around one third of people with high blood pressure don't realise, earning it the nickname "silent killer".

Events

3 w. ago England stars stutter with the bat in County Championship action

Joe Root was dismissed for one, Yorkshire and England team-mate Harry Brook hit 33 and Zak Crawley made just six for Kent.

Politics

3 w. ago England selectors back Zak Crawley ‘to the hilt’ despite run of low scores

Pressure is building around the 27-year-old, who averaged just 8.66 in a torrid tour of New Zealand before Christmas.

Politics

3 w. ago England call up uncapped duo for Zimbabwe Test as Zak Crawley and Shoaib Bashir retained

Essex seamer Sam Cook earns his first call-up and could make his debut at Trent Bridge

Politics

3 w. ago Zak Crawley and Shoaib Bashir set to keep England spots for Zimbabwe Test

Ben Stokes is likely to return after injury.

Politics

3 w. ago Stick or twist? England’s selectors weigh up options for Zimbabwe Test

If Zak Crawley’s form is a worry the middle-order is not, but Ben Stokes’s role as an all-rounder remains unknownIt may be viewed as an amuse-bouche before the main course of India in June, but England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe is fast approaching. Selection is imminent – for the four-day match Trent Bridge that gets under way on 22 May and a training camp in Loughborough that precedes it – and after four rounds of the County Championship, the contenders are beginning to take shape. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago Six batsmen who could open for England's Test side amid Zak Crawley's poor form: The 6ft 7in youngster, County Championship top scorer and captain aiming for third call

RICHARD GIBSON: Zak Crawley's early season form - first-innings scores of 1, 0 and 1 - has reignited debate about whether the Kent batsman merits a place in England's Test team.

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