The most recent dismissal of opener Zak Crawley during the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground was condemned by former England skipper Michael Vaughan. While praising Crawley’s skill, Vaughan bemoaned the opener’s persistent lack of focus, which cost him his wicket at a low cost once more. Vaughan, however, defended the Three Lions’ decision to stick with Zak Crawley in spite of the criticism, stating that there is much more left in the player’s tank than his present stats indicate.
The 27-year-old smashed three boundaries against Australia seamer Michael Neser before being caught leg before wicket when playing across a straight delivery. Zak Crawley made a technical adjustment for the last Test, moving his guard across the stumps in an effort to thwart Australia’s bowling strategy, but he was still dismissed. For a player of Zak Crawley calibre, Vaughan said the shot choice was inappropriate, particularly under circumstances that call for perseverance and self-control.
Zak Crawley received yet another low score in this series when he was dismissed for 16 on Day 1 of the New Year’s Test.
“I am quite irritated with Zach Crawley. He doesn’t have the best concentration. He played the large booming drives at the beginning of the series, but those drives have since vanished. He’s not chasing the ball off the stump. On the Test Match Special podcast, Vaughan stated, “But I was watching him today, and that shouldn’t get you out as a quality opening batter.”
According to the former, the opener frequently looks certain before giving up his wicket. Although Crawley no longer chases wide deliveries outside off stump as he did at the beginning of the season, Vaughan pointed out that his dismissals still result from periods of inattention.
“He shouldn’t have been eliminated by the ball that did. He played the ball too square on the on side, and it just nibbled back a little. Something must be affecting his focus,” he continued.
It’s simply focus: Vaughan
The right-handed batsman, who has played for more than six years in international cricket and opened for more than 100 Test innings, averages just over 30, which is the lowest of players with comparable opportunities at the top of the order. But according to Vaughan, those figures don’t accurately represent Crawley’s aptitude. The legendary England player cited the current Ashes series as evidence, in which Crawley started as the team’s top run scorer and played pivotal innings, scoring 76, 44, 85, and 37 in Melbourne to help England win a rare Test match in Australia.
Zak Crawley previous success at the SCG was also mentioned by Vaughan, who recalled the 77 he hit there during the 2021–22 Ashes tour—an innings that launched his international career.
“Crawley averages 30, according to admirers worldwide, however he has a higher average than he’s now displaying. It’s simply focus. I believe England must stick with him because I am aware that he has a lot more left. Although his mobility today was amazing, he must comprehend the level of focus needed to continue at this level and average 40 to 45 over the next two to three years. If he can find that focus, I believe he could,” Vaughan said.
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