The China Mail - Brook's quickfire fifty takes England to 565-6 dec against Zimbabwe

Brook, nine not out overnight, faced just 50 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, before his dismissal prompted Stokes to call a halt to England's first innings 46 minutes into the day's play.

England resumed in a commanding position of 498-3 with Ollie Pope unbeaten on 169 after openers Zak Crawley (124) and Ben Duckett (140) had also made hundreds.

It was the most runs scored in a day by one team in a Test in England since England made 503 against South Africa at Lord's in 1924.

And not since the same three batsmen all reached three figures against Pakistan at Rawalpindi in December 2022 had England's top three all made hundreds on the first day of a Test.

Zimbabwe's cause, in their first Test in England in 22 years, was not helped by the fact paceman Richard Ngarava only sent down nine overs Thursday before suffering a back spasm and did not bowl again Friday.

Play resumed beneath sunny blue skies in ideal batting conditions on a good batting pitch but Zimbabwe still managed an early breakthrough.

Pope had added just two runs to his overnight score when he drove at a pitched up delivery from Tanaka Chivanga and edged behind.

His exit brought in Stokes, making his comeback after a lengthy rehabilitation from his latest hamstring injury.

Stokes was soon into his stride with a cover-driven four off Blessing Muzarabani.

But it was Brook who punished Zimbabwe's outclassed attack most severely, hitting consecutive fours off Chivanga, a cut followed by a carving drive over mid-off.

It was Muzarabani's turn to suffer next over as Brook smashed him for successive sixes, a thumping pull preceding a remarkable pick-up shot that sailed high over fine leg.

The towering Muzarabani, however, bounced out Stokes (nine), with the all-rounder top-edging a hook to fine leg where Ben Curran held a well-judged catch.

Curran is the son of the late Zimbabwe star Kevin Curran and the brother of England internationals Sam and Tom.

Brook went to fifty with a six off Muzarabani before playing on to the persevering paceman, who finished with 3-143 in 24.3 overs.

K.Lam--ThChM