Nasser Hussain
Nasser Hussain. Image-Getty.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain lavished praise on England opener, Zak Crawley, after the latter’s knock in the second innings of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia in Sydney.

Crawley played a fast-paced counter-attacking intent-filled knock on Day 4 despite England playing for a draw. While Haseeb Hameed at the other end was struggling, Crawley looked fluent and took the pressure off his partner.

I think Crawley has been the highlight of the Test match for me. To watch him play with such fluency and a simple technique, put away the bad ball, and put the pressure back on the Australia bowlers [was fantastic]. It’s something that has not been there at the top of the order.

Zak Crawley
Zak Crawley (Image Source: Twitter)

Crawley had an awful 2021 but he reminded everyone what a class act he can be and that he is someone worth sticking with. Zak now has to bat like that virtually every time he goes out to bat. He will know his returns last year weren’t good enough. The 267 he got at The Ageas Bowl a couple of years was phenomenal,” Hussain told Sky Sports.

“It was Test cricket at its best” – Nasser Hussain

The fourth Ashes Test ended in a thrilling draw with England No.10 and 11 managing to play out the final three overs to keep the Aussies at bay. The final session turned intense as Australia pushed hard for the win but some lower-order resistance ensured England doesn’t get whitewashed.

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“It’s not just celebrating a draw but celebrating Test cricket. Five days of hard grind and hard work. You had two veterans in Anderson and Broad with over 300 Tests between them trying to keep out a part-time spinner in Steve Smith. It was Test cricket at its best.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad
James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Credits: England Cricket/Twitter.

With everything England have been through – Silverwood and various other coaches hit by Covid, the injuries to Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Bairstow – I thought England showed a lot of character. You often take too much from draws where you are hanging on nine down but out of this one, I think England can take a lot of credit,” Hussain mentioned.

Going into the fifth Test, England may be missing a few of their main players. Jos Buttler has already been ruled out due to a thumb injury.

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