Shoaib Bashir runs through Zimbabwe to set up Test win in three days for England

There were periods of resistance, some wonderful shots and supporters cheering them on from the stands but in the end Zimbabwe could not prevent the inevitable or even reach the fourth day. England, inspired by six wickets from Shoaib Bashir, wrapped up this one-off Test by an innings and 45 runs.

The winning moment came 15 minutes or so before tea on day three when Bashir sent down a grubber that pinned Tanaka Chivanga for the simplest of lbw decisions. With the injured Richard Ngarava not appearing for the second innings it meant the tourists were all out for 255 second time around.

Much has been made of the value of this Test, whether such a mismatch was even worthy of the name. But for Bashir, whose season began with a largely unsuccessful loan spell at Glamorgan and questions swirling over his Test place, it could scarcely have been more valuable.

Operating from the Radcliffe Road End and with the breeze having switched direction from day two, England’s stripling off-spinner got the ball to dip and drift to claim career-best figures of six for 81 from 18 overs. Zimbabwe enjoyed a lap of honour at the end and Bashir could have been forgiven for doing the same.

It did not go England’s way initially, Zimbabwe resuming on 30 for two and getting within touching distance of a wicketless first session. Sean Williams was purring at one end – perhaps looking to reclaim his country’s record for the fastest Test century from Brian Bennett the previous day – and with Ben Curran digging in at the other, a frustrating stand of 122 formed.

But Bashir eventually prised out Williams on the sweep, lbw for 88, and then profited from a loose drive to cover from Curran after the lunch break. Thereafter only a dashing half-century from Sikandar Raza stood in England’s way, Bashir picking off a succession of players and oozing confidence with it.

Ben Stokes gasps in awe at Harry Brook’s spectacular catch to dismiss Wessly Madhevere. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Action Images/Reuters

While Sam Cook slightly struggled for impact on his second day in the field, there was another encouraging display from Ben Stokes with the ball. The England captain sent down eight overs of heft and his arm proved golden once more, removing Wessly Madhevere for a sprightly 31.

Stokes could not quite believe the dismissal, which came courtesy of a spectacular one-handed catch from Harry Brook at slip. More satisfying, however, were the wickets for Bashir and a solid workout for his players. India, who named their squad for this summer’s marquee Test series earlier in the day, will unquestionably be a step up.

Ali Martin’s full report to follow …