NOTTINGHAM, England (Reuters) -England were closing in on a crushing victory over Zimbabwe at the close on the second day of the one-off test on Friday, despite opener Brian Bennett scoring the fastest test century for the African side.

Zimbabwe put up a spirited fight against England at Trent Bridge, stretching the match to three days. Despite being the underdogs and facing setbacks, including Richard Ngarava's injury, Zimbabwe displayed resilience with standout performances from Brian Bennett and Sean Williams,

England secured an innings and 45-run victory over Zimbabwe in their one-off test match at Trent Bridge on Saturday, completing the win within three days despite facing strong resistance from the underdogs.

NOTTINGHAM, England (Reuters) -Opener Brian Bennett scored an unbeaten century to help Zimbabwe reduce the deficit to 355 runs as they reached 210 for five wickets at tea on the second day of the one-off test on Friday in reply to England’s imposing first-innings score.

England defeated Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs in a one-off test at Trent Bridge. Despite being underdogs, Zimbabwe showed resilience, notably through Sean Williams and Brian Bennett. England's Shoaib Bashir was pivotal with nine wickets.

I t is as rare for a team that loses by an innings and 45 runs to go on a celebratory lap around the ground as it is for Zimbabwe to play in England, which may be why they did it.

Meanwhile, England's Test skipper made a memorable return to Test cricket after a lengthy injury layoff by picking up two wickets in three overs. The fast-bowling all-rounder put on an outswinging masterclass with the ball in the final few overs leading up to the Tea break.

England declared on 565-6 before lunch on Day 2 of the one-off test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on Friday. Resuming on 498-3 after a dominant opening day in Nottingham, England quickly lost Ollie Pope for 171 after he added just two runs to his overnight unbeaten score.