England's Zak Crawley under the microscope: is sticking with the opener the right call?

England’s debate over Zak Crawley’s position at the top of the order is back in the spotlight after another pair of ducks in Perth. With no obvious replacement in the touring squad, England appears prepared to back his long-term potential despite a wobbly start to the series.

A specialist in and against Australia?

The case for Crawley rests on two pillars: a productive opening pairing with Ben Duckett since 2022 and a track record against Australia that has often tilted in his favour. The right-hander has flourished in that milieu, including a career-highlight 189 at Old Trafford in 2023, which remains one of England’s marquee Ashes innings in years. Against Pat Cummins, Crawley averages well, and he has rarely been dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in Test cricket.

England have long believed Crawley is well suited to touring Australia. He tends to thrive on the bounce and has posted strong figures when facing high-pace quicks, a trait that underpins the faith of England’s hierarchy. Former observers have described him as a potential long-term pillar of England’s batting setup, a view that has helped him weather tougher patches.

A worrying downward turn

Reality bit back in Perth, where Crawley opened with two ducks. That felt like a hard setback after the time and trust invested in him. With no obvious alternative opener in the squad, England face a difficult balancing act: persist with Crawley or gamble on a debutant from the Lions or an untested 21-year-old stepping up for the first time.

There are genuine concerns about Crawley’s form against high-pace bowling. Before this summer’s India series, he averaged 48.25 against pace deliveries of 87 mph and above; since then, that figure has slid dramatically, with multiple dismissals to the quicks of Starc, Bumrah, Siraj and Krishna in a short span. The flaw is most evident in his preferred stroke—drives heavy on the front foot—where he’s been exposed on quicker Australian decks. While Crawley is comfortable driving shorter, bouncier balls at home, his numbers in Australia have dropped to around the low double digits per innings, underscoring the challenge of the conditions.

England’s management remains hopeful that Crawley’s value to the top order—particularly in Australia—outweighs the current dip. The tests ahead will be crucial in determining whether the faith is rewarded or eroded by continued inconsistency.

What this means for England's lineup

With no clear alternative ready to take Crawley’s place, England are betting on his ability to recalibrate his method for Australian wickets. The coming matches will test whether his strengths—tempo, movement off the front foot, and comfort against quality pace—translate into consistent contributions on the bounce-filled surfaces Down Under.

Key Takeaways

• England’s selection process remains tied to Crawley’s track record and his partnership with Duckett rather than current form alone.
• Concerns about Crawley’s vulnerability to high-pace bowling in Australia continue to surface after Perth.
• There is limited back-up in the squad, making a change at the top a high-stakes gamble.
• Upcoming Tests will determine whether Crawley can regain form or if a rethink becomes necessary.

Expert comment

Expert view: Crawley’s talent is undeniable, but England’s long-term plan hinges on his ability to adapt to Australia’s pace and bounce. If his returns don’t improve soon, the debate around his place will intensify.

Summary

Zak Crawley remains a polarising figure for England—a top-order option with a proven past against Australia, but recent form has raised serious questions. England’s choice to persist reflects confidence in his adaptability and in the pair with Duckett, yet the immediate challenge is to translate potential into reliable runs on Australian pitches. The next few Tests will be decisive for Crawley’s place and for England’s unsettled opening combination.

Key insight: England’s decision to persist with Zak Crawley is a long-term bet on his ability to adapt to Australian pace, even as his current form wavers. For more context, see BBC Sport.