Australia came into the fourth test of the Ashes series against England hoping to clinch the series. However, a batting masterclass from Zak Crawley and Joe Root in the first innings has put England firmly in the driving seat. Zak Crawley scored a mammoth 189 off just 182 balls, which included 21 boundaries and 3 sixes in Old Trafford.
After winning the toss, Australia was put into bat by England and was bundled out for 317 despite the fifties from Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne. In reply, Crawley came all guns blazing by belting Australian bowlers all over the park, stitching a hundred partnership with Moeen Ali and a 206-run stand with Joe Root. Former Australian cricketer Mark Taylor was deeply impressed by the knock and praised Crawley for his great inning.
When you see an innings like that, you tend to understand why England have backed him over a period of time – Mark Taylor
Mark Taylor was having an interaction with Sky Sports and complimented the team for showing faith in Zak Crawley during his lean phase with the bat.
“For a man that’s played 38 Tests and averaging 29, it is when he produces an innings like that, you stand back and say, ‘Wow.’ If he is able to be consistent with that, it will make him a really special player.” said Mark Taylor.
Taylor’s former teammate and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting seconded Taylor on his praise for Zak Crawley. He lauded the team management for picking the most talented players.
I think a lot of people around English cricket have known what he is capable of – Ricky Ponting
“Yes, it has probably been a bit lean here and there, but Stokes wants to pick people with special things ahead of them, and what Zak Crawley has produced here is very special,” said Ricky Ponting.
Indian keeper batsman and commentator Dinesh Kartik analyzed how Zak Crawley managed to unsettle the Australian bowling lineup by getting into their heads with a counter-attacking approach.
“Got inside the minds. (Australia) have been chasing him. Chasing the ball, chasing in the field. Setting different fields almost every second ball.” said Dinesh Karthik.