England batsman Zak Crawley finds himself fighting for his Test career after a disastrous start to the Ashes series in Perth, where he was dismissed for zero in both innings.
Struggle in the Spotlight
The pressure on Zak Crawley has intensified dramatically following England's heavy defeat in the first Test. Crawley, who has now played 60 Tests for England with an average of 30.96, made a 'pair' of ducks, contributing significantly to his team's collapse after they had initially established a commanding position.
His performance was deemed so poor that Daily Mail Sport's cricket correspondent Lawrence Booth awarded him a mark of zero out of 10 in his player ratings. Booth did not hold back, stating: 'Crawley should have no more than one Test to save his career. Many believe he’s lucky to have got this far.'
A Closer Look at the Dismissals
The manner of his dismissals has drawn particular scrutiny. In the first innings, Crawley edged his sixth ball behind in the very first over of the game. In the second innings, he was caught and bowled by the same bowler, Mitchell Starc.
This dismal showing made him the first England opener to be dismissed for zero twice in a Test match this century, a feat not seen since Michael Atherton suffered the same fate in Johannesburg back in 1999.
The statistics are equally damning. Fox reporter Nick Savage revealed that Crawley has now been dismissed for single figures in a staggering 41 per cent of his Test innings.
Reaction from Pundits and Fans
The reaction from fans on social media has been brutal, with many questioning his continued selection as an opener. One supporter posted: 'How is Zak Crawley still an England opener is beyond me. Constantly gives his wicket away with poor shots.'
Another commented on the team's long-term backing of the player, writing: 'England blindly sticking with him for 60 tests because he'll "suit Australian conditions" and then him getting a pair in the first Test is equal parts mental and hilarious.'
Pundits have also weighed in. Former England captain Nasser Hussain pointed out the flawed technique, saying, 'You cant be driving at Mitchell Starc in the first over of an Ashes Test, because that will cause you problems.' Meanwhile, Geoffrey Boycott criticised the 'two shockers' of shots that led to Crawley's downfall.
Despite the overwhelming criticism, there is a belief that the England selectors will stick with him. Michael Atherton noted, 'Crawley is under pressure, but I don't think they will change... They are so invested in Crawley that I don't see them making what would be seen as a panic change after one game.'
This faith is partly due to Crawley's proven potential; he was England's top run-scorer in the last Ashes series and is known for playing match-winning, cathartic innings when in form. The England camp will be desperately hoping he can rediscover that form in the second Test, which begins on December 4 at The Gabba in Brisbane.
