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England Shatter Records with Monumental 498 on Day One Against Zimbabwe
Historic Opening Day at Trent Bridge
England produced a batting masterclass on the opening day of the Test match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, amassing a colossal 498/3 in just 90 overs. This incredible performance marked one of the highest-scoring single-day efforts in Test cricket history, powered by centuries from Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope.
This feat is now the second-highest score on the first day of a Test in cricket history, only behind England’s 506/4 against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2022.
Triple Centurion Triumph: Duckett, Crawley, Pope Make History
A Rare Hat-Trick of Tons
For only the fourth time in Test cricket, three or more players scored hundreds on the first day of a Test match. England now holds two of these rare records — one from Rawalpindi in 2022 and now Trent Bridge in 2025. Duckett and Crawley opened the onslaught with an unrelenting partnership of 231 runs, the third-highest opening stand for England in home Tests.
Duckett, who continues to shine in red-ball cricket, and Crawley, known for his elegant stroke play, now share two double-century opening stands, the most since Gooch and Atherton’s golden era.
Pope’s Perfect Eight
Ollie Pope followed the openers with a masterful unbeaten 169, his eighth Test century, each against a different opponent. His knock not only stamped his versatility but also surpassed Murray Goodwin’s 148* as the highest individual score in England-Zimbabwe Tests.
Joe Root Joins the 13,000 Club
In another milestone moment, Joe Root became the first Englishman to cross 13,000 Test runs, joining an elite list including Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid. Root reached this mark at 28, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in Test cricket.
For a detailed breakdown of Root’s incredible career milestones, check out our Test Cricket Records section.
Records Tumble at Trent Bridge
Top Records from Day One
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498/3: Fourth-highest runs by any team in a single day’s play in Test cricket.
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231 runs: Third-highest opening stand for England in home Tests.
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Pope’s 169*: Highest score in England vs Zimbabwe Tests.
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First time since 1990: Both England openers scored centuries in the same innings.
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Root’s 13,000+ runs: Fifth overall in Test history.
Looking Ahead: Can Zimbabwe Respond?
While England has stamped their authority early, the real test lies in how Zimbabwe will respond with the bat. Facing a mountain of runs and England’s high-quality bowling attack will be a daunting task. If Zimbabwe fails to produce a counterattack, this Test could quickly spiral into another innings defeat.
For complete Test match updates and future fixtures, visit the official ICC Test calendar.
