On the third day of the one-off Test between England and Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, Harry Brook pulled off a sensational one-handed catch to dismiss Wessly Madhevere. The remarkable effort came at a crucial moment when Madhevere and Sikandar Raza were building a steady fifth-wicket partnership. Ben Stokes, who brought himself into the attack, delivered a back-of-a-length ball that bounced more than expected. Madhevere edged it, and Brook, stationed at second slip, reacted instantly to take a stunning flying catch, leaving even Stokes and skipper Ben Stokes in disbelief.

The catch was far from easy, yet Brook managed to hold on cleanly with one hand, earning loud applause from teammates and commentators alike. Joe Root showed his delight as Brook’s brilliance helped break the key stand. The commentators couldn't stop praising the athleticism and sharp reflexes on display. Brook's fielding effort not only uplifted the team’s energy but also added to the excitement of an already competitive contest, highlighting how one moment of brilliance can change the game’s momentum.

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Although the catch by Brook was the highlight of the match when England was in total control. After putting up a huge 565 for 6 declared first innings total, England's bowlers, particularly Shoaib Bashir, took advantage of the scoreboard pressure. Bashir, playing only in his second Test, took 9 wickets match haul for Zimbabwe and broke down the English innings with a six-for in the second innings. In less than three days, the test match was completed, with England winning by an innings and 45 runs.

Brook's outstanding catch came in England's Test success

While Zimbabwe suffered a heavy defeat, there were a few shining moments. Veteran Brian Bennett smashed 139 off only 97 balls in the first innings, the fastest Test century by a Zimbabwean and the highest Test score by Zimbabwe away from home. Sean Williams also added a solid 88 in the second innings, but their performance with the bat was not enough to carry the match forward into a fourth day.

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You're a wizard, Harry 🧙‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/AEsn6PnwAo

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 24, 2025

The one-off test match for England was a chance to showcase bench strength and provide form going into harder assignments. The catch by Brook showed the intensive focus in the field and could prove to be useful for forging a spin in forthcoming tours, also from Bashir's bowling. This performance leaves England in high spirits as they gear up for their next series against India.

Shoaib Bashir delivered a masterclass in spin bowling during the one-off Test match between England and Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on May 23, 2025.  The young English off-spinner clean bowled Tafadzwa Tsiga with a ball that gripped on the pitch, turned sharply, and sent the off-stump cartwheeling. This was a huge moment, as Zimbabwe already trailed by 314 runs at the time, and the score was 55 for one. Bashir had already shown that he was able to get turn and bounce off a worn pitch and further enclosed England's vice-like grip on the game.

Tafadzwa's Tsiga dismissal, having made 22 off 48 balls, was an important wicket for England. The commentators declared that Bashir's delivery was an 'absolute beauty' as he began to enhance his stature and importance to the side. This wicket came at a key time, especially as Zimbabwe appeared to be stabilizing the innings. Although it was just one wicket, it again demonstrated how Bashir stayed composed having been put under pressure. This was another display that showed he was going to be able to cope with the rigors of first-class international cricket. 

England's Dominant Strategy

England felt confident by bringing in Bashir on the basis that they had conditions that favored spin. The pitch at Trent Bridge was a perfect canvas for his variations of pace and flight to cause problems against the Zimbabwean batsmen. As the match went on, England's bowlers, led by Bashir's inspired performance, continued to apply pressure and push Zimbabwe further and further on the back foot. If nothing else, this approach had allowed them to claim a crucial wicket and was helping England to secure a comprehensive victory by turning the screws on their opponents.

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An absolute beauty from Bashir! 😍 pic.twitter.com/AFzIQkHoDL

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 23, 2025

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For Zimbabwe, Tsiga's dismissal was almost like a warning of what they were up against, with a sideway-moving ball like this in front of him and an opponent that probably valued a win more than they did. Tsiga contributed resiliently; however, as Transfield had noted during the match, the turn and bounce of Bashir's deliveries had proved ultimately too much. Judging by their response to all this, England were set to push on towards a level of comprehensive victory, while Zimbabwe were left to reflect on the lessons that they had learned against this England side. In a match dominated by Bashir's pearls of crafty deliveries, he was able to provide one moment of magic that provided a turning point in proceedings and showcased what he might be able to achieve going forward, while bringing our focus back onto the shades of what awaits Test cricket in the future.

England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett produced a strong start in the new home season, as they recorded a 200+ partnership for the first wicket on the opening day of the only Test against Zimbabwe at Nottingham. 

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett recorded a 231-run opening partnership

Finally, we have come to the historic day when England and Zimbabwe have been facing each other in a Test match for the first time since May 2003. After Zimbabwe chose to field first, English openers provided a solid start for the hosts with a 231-run partnership for the first wicket. Both the English opening batters, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, scored centuries in that innings.

English openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fired up with a 231-run partnership for the first wicket in 41.3 overs. Duckett recorded a 100-ball century and scored 140 off 134 balls (20 fours and two sixes) before Wessly Madhevere took his wicket, while Crawley later completed his century in 145 balls with the help of 12 fours. 

The 231-run opening partnership was very special for England. In the following, we are going through some key records of the special partnership. 

• It was the third-highest Test opening partnership for England at home. The top two records are 290 runs between Colin Cowdrey and Geoff Pullar (vs South Africa at The Oval in 1960) and 268 runs between Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe (vs South Africa at Lord's in 1924).
• It was England's first 150+ partnership for any wicket in a Test innings against Zimbabwe. 
• It was also the fourth-highest Test opening partnership for any team against Zimbabwe. 

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Both English openers scored centuries

While both the English openers recorded centuries, it was the first time since the 1991 home season when both the English openers recorded centuries in the same innings of a home Test. Last time, it happened during the 1990 Manchester Test against India. Meanwhile, both England's opening batters scored centuries in the same Test innings previously during the 2022 Rawalpindi Test. It was the 15th time when both the English openers scored centuries in the same Test innings. 

England have announced their playing XI for the upcoming one-off four-day Test against Zimbabwe, to be played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, from May 22 to 25. The fixture will be England’s first red-ball meeting with Zimbabwe since 2003 and marks a key tune-up ahead of their five-match Test series against India later this year.

The headline from England’s announcement is the inclusion of uncapped Essex seamer Sam Cook, who will make his Test debut. The 27-year-old has been a standout performer on the county circuit, taking over 300 wickets at an average below 20. His performances this season, 10 wickets already in the 2025 County Championship, have made a compelling case for selection.

Joining Cook in the pace attack is Josh Tongue, who returns to the Test arena for the first time since the Ashes Test at Lord’s in June 2023. His comeback adds experience and potency to a bowling unit that also features Gus Atkinson and skipper Ben Stokes, now fully recovered from the hamstring injury that sidelined him during the winter.

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Stable Top Order, Bashir Trusted with Spin, Rew, and Potts Miss Out

There are no surprises at the top of the order, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett continuing their partnership. Ollie Pope remains at No. 3, with the seasoned trio of Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes forming a formidable middle order. Jamie Smith keeps the gloves for this match, having impressed in the second half of 2024. His emergence as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter gives England flexibility in team selection moving forward.

With spin duties, Shoaib Bashir has been backed again as England’s frontline option. The 21-year-old off-spinner has shown significant promise since debuting and continues to grow in stature. With no second spinner in the XI, Bashir will carry the spin load alone in Nottingham. From the wider squad, James Rew and Matthew Potts are the two players to miss out. Rew was a late addition as cover for the injured Jordan Cox, but hasn’t been selected in the final XI.

England XI for One-Off Test vs Zimbabwe:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Sam Cook, Shoaib Bashir

England will host Zimbabwe in a historic one-off Test match, which represents the first time the two teams will meet for a Test since 2003. This Test match will commence on May 22, 2025, at the home of cricket, Trent Bridge in Nottingham, and is a four-day Test match. For Indian cricket enthusiasts, here's all you need to know about how and where to watch the ENG vs ZIM Test match live on television and online.

Match Details

• Event: England vs Zimbabwe One-Off Test
  
• Date: May 22–25, 2025
  
• Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England
  
• Start Time: 3:30 PM IST (11:00 AM local time)
  

This match is a golden chance for Zimbabwe, under the captaincy of Craig Ervine, to try their strength against a strong England team which is skippered by Ben Stokes, coming back from injury. For England, it's an opportunity to get into shape for a blockbuster five-match Test series against India in the latter part of the summer.

Where to Watch in India

Indian cricket fans can watch all the action of the one-off Test England vs Zimbabwe on the following platforms:

Live Telecast on Television

• Channel: Sony Sports Network
  

The live telecast of the match will take place on Sony Sports Network so that fans can enjoy the match on TV with good-quality coverage.

Live Streaming Online

• Platforms: SonyLIV, Jio TV, and FanCode
  
• SonyLIV: SonyLIV is the primary platform to watch the Test match on live streaming. You will need the app or to go on its website. You may need to subscribe
• to SonyLIV to watch the live stream.
  
• Jio TV: Jio users can watch the match live on the Jio TV app and enjoy the convenience of live streaming to mobile.
  
• FanCode: Another reliable platform is FanCode. You will also be able to watch the match live on FanCode, which is good for the fans who prefer to watch the match live online.
  

You don't want to miss out on the action due to a poor internet service, so make sure you have a good plan. double check if you have to pay or subscribe to the service when using these platforms. 

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How to Remain Updated

For viewers who cannot catch the live broadcast or stream, live updates can be tracked through:

• Live Score Applications: Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, and the websites of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Zimbabwe Cricket.
• Social Media: Watch live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes on official accounts such as @ZimCricketv and @bbctms on X.