"Frenetic" Crawley "not sure of his game" as England opener's struggles continue

27 February 2023 , 07:41

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Zak Crawley scored just 58 runs at an average of 14.50 against New Zealand (Image: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

England legends Sir Alastair Cook and David Gower have criticised Zak Crawley as the opener's poor run of form continues.

England had hoped Crawley had turned a corner after his unbeaten 69 in the final Test of the summer against South Africa was followed up by a century and a half-century against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

However, he has failed to make a score of any real note since then and ends the tour of New Zealand having struck just 58 runs at an average of 14.50, having been the only wicket to fall so far as England look to chase down 258 and win the series.

He was bowled through the gate by New Zealand captain Tim Southee for 24 and Cook, England's all-time leading run scorer, believes Crawley is "not quite sure of his game" at the moment.

Speaking on BT Sport, the former England skipper said: "Frenetic is a good way to describe Zak Crawley's innings. He is trying to hit himself out of form and it could have ended any time.

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"He looks like a guy not quite sure of his game." Gower agreed with Cook's assessment and also branded Crawley "frenetic" while comparing him to opening partner Ben Duckett, who has impressed since being recalled to the side last year.

Crawley was described as "frenetic" by both Sir Alastair Cook and David Gower (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

"The last session, Duckett looks good, but Crawley, it's frenetic," Gower said on BT Sport. "Every time you see the dismissals, it's frenetic.

"When he plays his shots, the shots are great. When they bowl at his legs, Crawley is unbeatable but when they bowl it away from him, there is a gap."

With Jonny Bairstow expected to return from injury in time for next summer's Ashes, there have been suggestions he could replace Crawley at the top of the order and with only a one-off Test against Ireland in June before the series starts, Crawley is running out of time to find form.

Matthew Cooper