ZIMBABWE BASHED BY SHO OF STRENGTH

HOAIB BASHIR gave another sizzling bowling display to help England crush Zimbabwe but admitted he still needs to be more consistent.

- By Gary Fitzgerald

The off-spinner proved he is in red-hot form and ready to ramp up the performances when India arrive to do battle next month.

Stand-out performer Bashir, 21, became the youngest Englishman to take 50 wickets earlier in this one-off Test and went on to celebrate his fourth five-fer - he finished with 6-81.

On a day when Zimbabwe's batsmen showed some real spirit and defiance, Bashir kept his cool to ensure this victory by an innings and 45 runs gave England the start to the summer they wanted.

And he was quick to praise his team-mates, saying: "When you are so well backed, you can go out and express yourself. It makes you feel at ease.

"I felt really good out there. It was a first-class performance from the boys and to beat any team by an innings is very pleasing.