England opener Zak Crawley produced a masterclass in patience and technique to steer his side to a position of relative strength on a rain-affected opening day of the 2025 Ashes series in Brisbane.
A Composed Start at the Gabba
Facing the formidable Australian pace attack on a green-tinged Gabba pitch, Crawley batted through the entire day to finish unbeaten on 73 runs from 189 deliveries. His innings, punctuated by 11 boundaries, provided the crucial backbone for an England total of 179 for 3 when bad light and rain forced an early close. Partnering first with Ben Duckett and then with Ollie Pope, Crawley displayed the temperament often required in Australian conditions, seeing off the new ball and blunting the hosts' early momentum.
Weather and Wickets Interrupt Flow
The day's play was fragmented, with multiple interruptions. Australia struck early, with captain Pat Cummins removing Duckett for 27. Josh Hazlewood then claimed the prized wicket of Joe Root for just 12, caught brilliantly by a diving Marnus Labuschagne at short midwicket. Pope contributed a brisk 41 before falling to Mitchell Starc, leaving Harry Brook to join Crawley at the crease until the weather intervened.
Despite the wickets, England's approach, led by Crawley, was notably steady. The pitch offered some assistance to the bowlers, but no significant demons emerged, suggesting a good contest between bat and ball over the coming days. Crawley's ability to leave the ball well and capitalise on scoring opportunities was the standout feature of the day's cricket.
Setting the Stage for a Crucial Second Day
The first day's play sets up a fascinating second morning. England will rely on Crawley to convert his start into a major century, while the in-form Harry Brook, who is 23 not out, will look to attack. For Australia, taking the new ball, which is due after two more overs, will be key to breaking this burgeoning partnership and restricting England to a manageable first-innings total.
The performance of Crawley, often a player of dazzling but fleeting strokeplay, was defined by its uncharacteristic restraint. On the biggest stage in Test cricket, he demonstrated a matured game plan that could prove vital to England's hopes of retaining the Ashes urn. The battle at the Gabba is finely poised.
