Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, has suggested that Zak Crawley, the opening batter, should focus on playing in domestic cricket to regain his form. This recommendation follows Crawley being dropped from the Test squad ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand, marking the first such decision under the current management.
Key acknowledged Crawley’s past performance, especially during the Ashes series, where he was England’s top run-scorer. He notably scored a four off the first ball bowled by Pat Cummins. Key believes that Crawley can improve further by playing for Kent in the Rothesay County Championship’s Division Two.
“I think he knew it was coming. I’d never like to think it’s the end of the road for anyone. He’s played well against some of the best bowlers in the world. He’s played four years now under intense scrutiny, so he can now go back out of the spotlight and he can try and develop his game … Hopefully, it’ll be the making of him,” Rob Key stated.
Crawley’s International career faced challenges following England’s 4-1 loss in the Ashes series in Australia. After the disappointing tour, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) planned major changes, leading to the expectation that Crawley would be dropped.
To date, Crawley has played 64 Test matches for England, scoring 3,586 runs with an average of 31.18. Emilio Gay from Durham has been chosen to replace him, expected to open alongside Ben Duckett in the series against New Zealand.
This season, Crawley’s performance in the County Championship has been below expectations, managing only 195 runs from five matches, with a highest score of 44 and an average near 20. In comparison, Gay has amassed 552 runs over the same number of games, boasting an impressive average of 92 and three centuries.
Additionally, Crawley is not the only player to lose his place; former vice-captain Ollie Pope has also been dropped, with Jacob Bethell from Warwickshire taking the number three spot after scoring a century in the final Test against Australia.