Zak Crawley Takes A Sly Dig Against Australia After A Spectacular Ashes: Coming into the much-anticipated Ashes 2023, Zak Crawley, England’s opening batsman, found himself battling poor form. His less-than-stellar performances during the Pakistan and New Zealand tours put him in a challenging spot. However, as the dust of the Ashes 2023 settled, Crawley saw himself rising from the ashes, emerging as a top performer in the series.
Crawley scored an impressive 480 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the series. His score placed him ahead of renowned players like Joe Root, Steven Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne. Speaking on the Vaughany and Tuffers podcast, Crawley credited England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes for his transformation. He lauded their aggressive approach and their unwavering belief in his capabilities.
The 25-year-old demonstrated his newfound confidence during the fourth Test at Manchester. He delivered a powerful performance, hitting an audacious 189 off 182 balls. This remarkable feat underscored the shift in his mindset and strategic approach to the series.
Zak Crawley talks about his form against Australia in Ashes 2023
In his own words, Crawley stated, “I thought if I could put them under pressure a bit more, it might give me more of a chance. I was certainly braver against them, and that was on purpose. The pitches were good early in this series, and thankfully, it came off on a few occasions.”
Zak Crawley also opened up about the mental struggles he faced during his cricketing journey. “There have been times where I’ve felt badly out of nick in the game. I felt out of nick in New Zealand. More the mental block, that fear of failure. I didn’t have the right game plan against certain types of bowling, I couldn’t unlock that over a period of time,” he added.
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Zak Crawley also acknowledged that his aggressive style of play might lead to disappointments. However, he remains undeterred and committed to this approach.
His outstanding performance during the Ashes 2023 helped England mount a remarkable comeback. From trailing 2-0, they managed to draw the series 2-2. England’s next test series will take place in India in 2024, where Crawley hopes to continue his high-scoring trend, surpassing his 2021 performance.
Zak Crawley’s transformation during the Ashes 2023 serves as a testament to his determination and grit. It also highlights the crucial role of the right coaching approach and supportive leadership in unlocking a player’s potential.
