Hosts ‘Lords’ over the visitors

The left-hander, who hit 90 in boundaries, dominated as the batting conditions improved before falling to a fine catch by Mark Vermeulen at short midwicket after a six-and-a-half-hour stay. He shared a fifth-wicket stand of 70 with Alec Stewart and put on 68 for the sixth with debutant Anthony McGrath (58 not out) before tiring towards the end of his innings. It was the highest Test score by an Englishman against Zimbabwe. The touring side, meanwhile, were left to kick themselves for the second day.

On Thursday, when only 59 overs were possible, they had failed to bowl the right line in helpful swinging conditions. On Friday they lost their length and failed to take wickets in clusters.

Butcher, who hit 21 fours and a six, was clearly in the mood to cash in after his two lives the previous day, when he had escaped a close lbw call on 10 before being dropped at second slip on 36.

With England resuming on 184 for three, the 30-year-old opened up with a flurry of boundaries.

Seamer Andy Blignaut, who never settled, was cut square in the first over. Heath Streak was then clattered through mid-on as he overpitched seeking extra swing in the murky morning conditions. When Blignaut also served up a half-volley, he was guided to the cover fence to bring up the England 200. The unfortunate Robert Key, however, missed out as he was given out for 18, caught behind off Streak. Television replays suggested his bat had clipped the pad. (Reuters)