ENG vs AUS: "I Much Prefer This, A Few Low Scores And Then A Big One" - Zak Crawley Reflects On Criticism Over His Consistency

England opening batter Zak Crawley admitted that he was a bit lucky, but said that he played some good shots during his knock on Day 2 of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford. Zak Crawley said that he had self-doubts about his high-risk approach and tried to stick with his strengths.

Zak Crawley scored his first Ashes hundred and second at home. The right-handed batter scored 182 runs off 189 balls, including 21 fours and three sixes, in Manchester on Thursday, July 20. His counter-attacking innings helped the team gain a dominant position in the match against Australia.

Also read: AUS vs ENG: “He Will End His Career Thinking He Could Have Got More Test Runs”- Nasser Hussain On Moeen Ali

I Do Doubt Myself At Times – Zak Crawley

Speaking to Sky Sports after the day’s play, Zak Crawley revealed that the coach and skipper told him to make an impact at the top of the order and that it paid off on this occasion.

“Today was a good day for us. We are in a good position as a team. It was good fun. I rode my luck at times but hit some good shots along the way. I do doubt myself at times but I have to say ‘keep being me’. That is the way I play,” said Crawley as quoted by ESPNCricinfo to Sky Sports.

“I am quite streaky but then I go on a run. They [coach and captain] tell me to go out and have an impact at the top of the order. Sometimes I am going to have streaks of a low scores, because I am taking a punt, but thankfully today it came off,” he added.

Also read: ENG vs AUS: “If He Is Able To Be Consistent With That, It Will Make Him A Really Special Player” – Mark Taylor On Zak Crawley

I Would Not Have A Day Like Today – Zak Crawley

Reflecting on the criticism of his consistency, the 25-year-old believes that he might not have had days like at Old Trafford if he solely focused on being consistent.

“They do not want me to lose days like today. If I try to be more consistent, maybe I would not have a day like today. I much prefer this, a few low scores and then a big one,” he further stated.

“[Criticism] is definitely fair, because I have not been consistent, but I think I have shown that, at my best, I am good enough for this level. I was pleased with how it went. That was more my template.”

Zak Crawley added crucial partnerships with Moeen Ali and Joe Root to gain a lead in the first innings. He put on a 121-run stand with Moeen Ali, followed by another 206-run partnership with Joe Root. The hosts are currently at 384-4, with Ben Stokes (24) and Harry Brook (14) at the crease.

Also read: AUS vs ENG: “Shame That He Didn’t Make 200” – Twitter Hails Zak Crawley For Brutal 189-Run Knock