Records tumble as England plunder 498 in a day against Zimbabwe

Highlights the centuries scored by Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope, marking only the fourth time England’s top three have all scored tons in a Test innings.

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Discusses England’s 498/3, the second-most runs scored in a single day of Test cricket and the most on an opening day in England.

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Describes England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach, with Duckett and Pope scoring at strike rates above 100, overwhelming Zimbabwe’s bowlers.

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Covers Joe Root reaching 13,000 Test runs, a significant landmark achieved during the match.

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Notes Sikandar Raza as the only bowler to maintain some control, conceding under four runs per over, while others faced relentless pressure.

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Explores the discussion among fans about the quality gap between top teams like England and emerging sides like Zimbabwe, emphasizing the need for more Test opportunities for the latter.

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Focuses on Ollie Pope’s unbeaten 169, his third Test century in seven innings at Trent Bridge, solidifying his form ahead of the India series.

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