Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower admitted the occasion of his team's first Test in England, at Lord's, had proved too much for them after they were beaten yesterday by an innings and 209 runs with a day to spare.

Replying to England's 415, Zimbabwe were dismissed for 123, a slight improvement on their first innings 83.

"This rates as the most disappointing Test I have played in," Fowler said. "We played such poor cricket and there were technical deficiencies in our batting. I think the occasion, particularly playing here, got to some of our guys."

But Flower added that his team would improve. "We are dejected but not so down that we can't fightback. If we score runs we can compete."

Meanwhile, England captain Nasser Hussain was delighted at overseeing England's first win at Lord's since 1995 when they beat the West Indies.

"I think this is the most professional we have played since I became captain," said Hussain. "I always thought that if we matched the Zimbabweans' professionalism our class players would shine through and they did."