The state of England’s opening partnerships has never been analysed more closely than it currently is after a horrid Ashes tour Down Under, but did they find a gem to fulfil one half of the equation for years to come.
England tried three different opening stands throughout the series which included Haseeb Hameed and Rory Burns first, before Burns was dropped for the third Test at the MCG and replaced by Zak Crawley.
The combination would again change for the final Test in Hobart when Hameed was dropped for the recalled Burns, displaying the visitor’s troubles at the selection table.
Hameed and Burns combined for just 157 runs through the entire series which provided an average between the combination of just 12.64.
The same poor form was not seen from Crawley as the opener flexed his muscles and stroke play as one of England’s only shining lights during Australia’s 4-0 series victory.
The stroke-playing right-hander attacked Australia’s bowling attack off the front and back foot like none of his compatriots could, including his captain and the No.2-ranked Test batsman in the world, Joe Root.
Through six innings Crawley hit 166 runs at an average of 27.66.
No, the numbers don’t jump off the page, but it’s the way he went about his business which intrigued many fans, experts and commentators including former Australian captain, Ricky Ponting.
During Crawley’s standout Test match at the SCG where he scored 77 runs off 100 balls in the second innings, he showed several key attributes which Ponting said should hold him in good stead to remain within the side for the near future.
Zak Crawley bats during day one of the third Ashes Test. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
“One innings like that for a struggling English team that are devoid of what looks to be a lot of batting talent, he probably locks himself in for another couple of years of Test cricket on the back of one innings,” Ponting told cricket.com.au.
“He showed the mettle, he showed the fight, he showed the intent.”
They say one hot day doesn’t make a summer and that is the case with Crawley, but the English selectors, coaches and players need to rally behind the 23-year-old opener for several reasons.
Firstly, who better for the job currently?
Hameed and Burns clearly aren’t displaying the confidence to bat at their best while the likes of Dom Sibley and Keaton Jennings have both tried with no success.
Secondly, time is on his side, at just 23 years old he is nowhere near his best form which is something English fans should be excited by.
Lastly, he solves other English woes with his ability to hold onto catches in the slip cordon on a regular basis, something even English greats like Alastair Cook and Joe Root have struggled with on occasions.
Patients is a virtue England must utilise to allow Crawley, who is already displaying his talents, the time to develop into the best cricketer and batsman he can be.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Katich and Watson were 2 others that weren't openers.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Really? Why? If you don't offer an opinion, why are you here? You're a very sad troll.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
But that technique will be exposed by anyone who is not an English county medium pacer or Edt arm orthodox spinner. That's how you get to score first class runs in England. He and Hameed are not test standard.
Dave
Guest
In seaming conditions especially. the rule of thumb is usually to select a specialist to open. Burns should be replaced but he warranted selection based on his first-class returns (up to 2018, he scored over 1000 runs in 5 successive seasons).
Dave
Guest
Or to point out an incorrect statement.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Not “manufacture”; pick your 5 best so runs are more likely. Players can adapt. If a #3 or #4 player demands selection but Joe Root bats there, put him in at 1 or 2 if there is no obvious player to bat there. Far better to select a prolific #3, 4 or 5 to open than to insult him by picking Rory Burns. You’re not going to pick someone averaging under 30 because he won’t be a top 5 batsman.
Paul
Roar Guru
The Poms need to find 5 batsmen - agreed. What they should not do, is try and manufacture batsmen and that's what you're suggesting. They've tried Bairstow and others in the opening role and all have failed, mostly because it's the hardest place in the order to bat. Yes, sometimes guys can move up but there are way more failures than successes when teams start to experiment. If the Poms don't have good enough openers right now, go back to County cricket and find some. Bunging in a bloke averaging under 30 isn't going to fix the problem.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Langer, Stackpole, Serjeant and Boon weren't openers but they became openers. I agree he looks shaky but the Poms need to find 5 batsmen. Then they can shuffle positions. Surely you don't pick Burns and Hameed just because they have no shots and therefore must be openers. Just pick your best 5 batsmen. Root could lead by going in first. I reckon Head can open (he was great a few years ago as the sheet anchor in 50 over games). Players can adapt. You can make an opener if he is half good.
Paul
Roar Guru
I don't think he's an opener Don. If others think differently fair enough, but he needs to make runs as an opener in County cricket first. As I said, I reckon he could be a good number 4, similar to a Mark Waugh type bat. He needs freedom to play his shots and opening or coming in at 2 for not many won't allow him to do that.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
So that makes 19 as an opener. Any point? When you quote a stat, it is usually to draw a conclusion. What does all that tell you, Dave?
Dave
Guest
Crawley has played 13 of his 32 innings away from the opening slot, including the one where he scored big.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He has played 18 tests as a opener already. I wouldn't be banking much yet. His Ashes average this tour is lower than his overall average so he actually went backward. It's interesting, however, that he draws praise when Marcus Harris, who did better is panbed by everyone. It's a bit patronising to the Poms.
Paul
Roar Guru
There's no doubt Crawley has talent. You don't hit 267 against a very good Pakistani attack unless you know how to bat. IMO though, he doesn't have the technique to open. He'd probably be a very good number 4, but unless Joe Root is willing to give up his spot, I'd reckon Crawley should bat 5. The only real way to know is for Crawley to go back to County cricket and open the batting for Kent - and make a swag of runs. Or maybe he goes to the West Indies and the Poms use that series to see what he can do. Thanks for an interesting article, Langy
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
I also like the look of him. I liked the look of him last time they trialed him Unfortunately having 'the look' isn't enough, you need the numbers Current test avg 28 in 32 innings. FC avg 31 in 118 innings