Hick, Stewart slam centuries

Even Heath Streak, who ended up with figures of 6-87, did not escape Stewart8217;s blade. He was despatched for three successive boundaries, a cover-drive, a pull and an on-drive taking Stewart to 98.

A scrambled two brought Stewart his century, adding to Graeme Hick8217;s 101 earlier century. Stewart scored briskly, facing 206 balls and hitting 19 fours for his hundred.

Hick spent nine balls on 99 before picking up two runs to bring up his century off 196 balls with 13 fours. But the next ball kept low and Hick was plumb lbw.

The Stewart-Hick stand was worth 149 8212; an England record partnerhip against Zimbabwe surpassing the 148 fifth wicket effort shared by Nasser Hussain and John Crawley at Bulawayo in 1996-97.

SCOREBOARD

Zimbabwe 1st innings 83

England 1st innings: Mike Atherton lbw Streak 55, Mark Ramprakash lbw Streak 15, Nasser Hussain c Murphy b Streak 10, Greame Hick lbw Streak 101, Alec Stewart not out 124, Nick Knight c Johnson b Guy Whittall 44, Alan Flintoff c Streak b Guy Whittall 1, C Schofield c Johnson b Guy Whittall 0, Andy Caddick c Flower b Streak 13, Darren Gough c Campbell b Murphy 5, Eddie Giddins c Strang b Streak 7. Extras b5, lb29, w1, nb5: 40. Total all out in 135.5 overs: 415

Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-49, 3-113, 4-262, 5-376, 6-378, 7-378, 8-398, 9-407

Bowling: Streak 35.5-12-87-6, Bryan Strang 27-4-86-0, Mbangwa 21-5-69-0, Johnson 20-5-55-0, Guy Whittall 7-0-27-3, Murphy 25-6-57-1