Alright, let’s dive right into this cricket stuff. Harry Brook, right? He’s out there loudly ringing the warning bells—don’t get comfy against Zimbabwe, he says. Seems like a fair point. They’re set to play their first Test with these guys in yonks at Trent Bridge—22 years, if my math’s not lying to me. Honestly, feels like they squeezed that in two lifetimes ago.
Anyway, Zimbabwe took a walloping over the weekend. I mean, 138 runs to a county select XI that wasn’t even in full gear. Ouch. But Brook is, you know, not buying any of that underdog jazz. And maybe he’s onto something? They’ve pulled surprises before, like that little dance with Bangladesh.
Speaking of surprises, this Thomas Rew kid—just 17!—hit a century and his pal Eddie Jack, 19 years young, grabbed five wickets. It’s like they brought out the kid cops who aren’t even done with training yet, and they’re already turning heads. No idea why I find that funny. But it stayed with me.
But wait, let’s backtrack—Brook’s all about staying on their toes. His words, not mine: “Eyes on the ball, guys, eyes on the ball.” Classic sports pep, right? He’s bracing for a game full of fire. Zimbabwe might have a spring in their step after tweaking Bangladesh’s nose. Could be they’ll give England a run for their cricket gear.
Though ticket sales tell a different story. Everyone seems to think this little tussle might wrap up sooner. Sunday seats are going begging—over 10,000 spots empty as of Monday. I’m seeing a trend here.
Anyway—hang on—this isn’t just some random matchup. This trip down memory lane for Zimbabwe is their first since ’03. Back when James Anderson made his debut, wet behind the ears, and ended up grabbing 704 Test wickets. Talk about bookends, right? Even Brook had a chuckle about that.
Side note: This might be Brook’s last game before slipping into his new white-ball captain shoes. West Indies this, Indian and Aussie Tests that—lot on his plate. Also looks like he’s hunting for a sidekick. I mean, can a captain run solo? Doubt it. Names in hats everywhere, he says. But hey, he thrives on challenges—or so he claims.
Alright, think I’ve rambled enough here.
