England opener Zak Crawley likes the idea of sweeping and reverse sweeping the spinners, only to kill their zeal on rank turners in India. After successfully displaying their sweep shots in the first Test in Hyderabad, which England shockingly won by 28 runs despite trailing by 190 runs in the first innings, the visiting side will continue playing with the same template in the remainder of the five-match series.

Ahead of the second Test in Vizag that starts on Friday, Crawley revealed England’s plans for tackling the threatening spin trio of Jadeja, Ashwin and Axar.

Detailing further on their approach in their quest to take a 2-0 lead in this series, Crawley said the ‘Bazball’ style of cricket comes naturally to most players in the side.

"I suppose it ('Bazball') comes naturally, as a lot of our teams are playing more aggressively. The mindset when I first came to England was to take your time and build a long innings. I didn't think that came naturally to me and a few of the others. A lot of us play a bit better under this regime," Crawley said ahead of the second Test.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-ben-stokes-turns-attention-to-shoaib-bashir-as-leachs-replacement-for-vizag-test-685752">IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes turns attention to Shoaib Bashir as Leach’s replacement for Vizag Test</a>

Although the travelling England side reached India just three days before the start of the first Test (in Hyderabad), they trained for nearly two weeks in the UAE on the pitches that turned from ball one – something they expected on this India tour.

Crawley said England practised on dry pitches in Abu Dhabi and came in prepared for the marquee Test series.

"There are four games left. We have got to stick to what we do well. The wickets in Abu Dhabi (where they trained) turned a lot because we wanted them, and we made them turn," the right-handed batter added.

<h2>‘Sweep takes spin out of the plan’</h2>

After Ollie Pope’s heroics in the second innings, wherein he scored 196 runs, with most of the scoring shots coming off sweeps and reverse sweeps, Crawley said this tactic has kept the Indian spin attack silent, something they are willing to continue with.

"Sweeping and reverse sweeping when it's spinning is a good option. It takes spin out of the plan. I think the reverse sweep is more common for us because there's just less fielders in the deep. The reverse sweep comes probably just as naturally to us as the normal sweep," Crawley added.

England lead&nbsp;the five-match series 1-0, with the second Test starting on Friday (Feb 2).&nbsp;

England opener Zak Crawley likes the idea of sweeping and reverse sweeping the spinners, only to kill their zeal on rank turners in India. After successfully displaying their sweep shots in the first Test in Hyderabad, which England shockingly won by 28 runs despite trailing by 190 runs in the first innings, the visiting side will continue playing with the same template in the remainder of the five-match series.

England opener Zak Crawley likes the idea of sweeping and reverse sweeping the spinners, only to kill their zeal on rank turners in India. After successfully displaying their sweep shots in the first Test in Hyderabad, which England shockingly won by 28 runs despite trailing by 190 runs in the first innings, the visiting side will continue playing with the same template in the remainder of the five-match series. Ahead of the second Test in Vizag that starts on Friday, Crawley revealed England’s plans for tackling the threatening spin trio of Jadeja, Ashwin and Axar. Detailing further on their approach in their quest to take a 2-0 lead in this series, Crawley said the ‘Bazball’ style of cricket comes naturally to most players in the side. "I suppose it ('Bazball') comes naturally, as a lot of our teams are playing more aggressively. The mindset when I first came to England was to take your time and build a long innings. I didn't think that came naturally to me and a few of the others. A lot of us play a bit better under this regime," Crawley said ahead of the second Test. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes turns attention to Shoaib Bashir as Leach’s replacement for Vizag Test Although the travelling England side reached India just three days before the start of the first Test (in Hyderabad), they trained for nearly two weeks in the UAE on the pitches that turned from ball one – something they expected on this India tour. Crawley said England practised on dry pitches in Abu Dhabi and came in prepared for the marquee Test series. "There are four games left. We have got to stick to what we do well. The wickets in Abu Dhabi (where they trained) turned a lot because we wanted them, and we made them turn," the right-handed batter added. ‘Sweep takes spin out of the plan’ After Ollie Pope’s heroics in the second innings, wherein he scored 196 runs, with most of the scoring shots coming off sweeps and reverse sweeps, Crawley said this tactic has kept the Indian spin attack silent, something they are willing to continue with. "Sweeping and reverse sweeping when it's spinning is a good option. It takes spin out of the plan. I think the reverse sweep is more common for us because there's just less fielders in the deep. The reverse sweep comes probably just as naturally to us as the normal sweep," Crawley added. England lead the five-match series 1-0, with the second Test starting on Friday (Feb 2).

IND vs ENG: Zak Crawley reveals mantra of ‘tackling spin’ in second Test in Vizag

England’s Ashes 2023 hero Zak Crawley is eyeing a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season as he continues his purple patch. The English opener had stellar Ashes where he was England’s top scorer in the series and also played the best individual innings with 189 runs in the Manchester Test. He now eyes a long run in the white-ball format while also trying to attract a host of teams in the IPL for his signature.

<h2>Crawley eyes white-ball breakthrough</h2>

"I'd love to go on that tour. We'll have to see how selection goes but the Caribbean is an awesome place to play - and I haven't had the chance to go on a white ball tour for England yet, so any opportunity I get would be awesome. If they want me for that tour, I'd absolutely love to go," Crawley told ESPNcricinfo.

The star England batter, now 25, has been capped three times in the ODI format for the national side with no caps in T20Is. However, he has been part of the team furniture in the red-ball format and has amassed more than 2000 runs for the national side.

<h2>Crawley opens up on IPL stint</h2>

Speaking on a possible stint in the IPL, he thinks the experience could be awesome and something he would like to cherish. He thinks it is a big league where he can play his best cricket in the white-ball format.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-should-be-more-mature-former-pak-wicketkeeper-schools-indian-star-amid-struggles-in-wi-t20is-623449">'He should be more mature': Former Pak wicketkeeper offers advice to Indian star amid struggles in WI T20Is</a>

"It's the biggest franchise tournament in the world. It's the only place to see all the best playing against each other. It's great cricket and to be able to test yourself in that tournament would be awesome.

"We'll see how I go. If I score some runs and it looks like I've half a chance then, then potentially I will [put my name forward]. I'm a realistic guy though, so if I feel like there's no chance then I won't… If I was good enough one day to play in the IPL and someone wanted me, then I'd absolutely love to go."

Crawley is currently engaged in The Hundred’s third season and was seen taking part for Manchester Originals five days after the conclusion of the Ashes 2023. England will soon announce their squad for the ODI World Cup, but there remains a very remote chance of him making the squad of the defending World Champions.

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England’s Ashes 2023 hero Zak Crawley is eyeing a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season as he continues his purple patch. The English opener had stellar Ashes where he was England’s top scorer in the series and also played the best individual innings with 189 runs in the Manchester Test.

England’s Ashes 2023 hero Zak Crawley is eyeing a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season as he continues his purple patch. The English opener had stellar Ashes where he was England’s top scorer in the series and also played the best individual innings with 189 runs in the Manchester Test. He now eyes a long run in the white-ball format while also trying to attract a host of teams in the IPL for his signature. Crawley eyes white-ball breakthrough "I'd love to go on that tour. We'll have to see how selection goes but the Caribbean is an awesome place to play - and I haven't had the chance to go on a white ball tour for England yet, so any opportunity I get would be awesome. If they want me for that tour, I'd absolutely love to go," Crawley told ESPNcricinfo. The star England batter, now 25, has been capped three times in the ODI format for the national side with no caps in T20Is. However, he has been part of the team furniture in the red-ball format and has amassed more than 2000 runs for the national side. Crawley opens up on IPL stint Speaking on a possible stint in the IPL, he thinks the experience could be awesome and something he would like to cherish. He thinks it is a big league where he can play his best cricket in the white-ball format. ALSO READ | 'He should be more mature': Former Pak wicketkeeper offers advice to Indian star amid struggles in WI T20Is "It's the biggest franchise tournament in the world. It's the only place to see all the best playing against each other. It's great cricket and to be able to test yourself in that tournament would be awesome. "We'll see how I go. If I score some runs and it looks like I've half a chance then, then potentially I will [put my name forward]. I'm a realistic guy though, so if I feel like there's no chance then I won't… If I was good enough one day to play in the IPL and someone wanted me, then I'd absolutely love to go." Crawley is currently engaged in The Hundred’s third season and was seen taking part for Manchester Originals five days after the conclusion of the Ashes 2023. England will soon announce their squad for the ODI World Cup, but there remains a very remote chance of him making the squad of the defending World Champions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zak Crawley targets IPL 2024 after resounding Ashes for England - I'd love to go on that tour

Zak Crawley, England’s leading run-scorer in the recently-concluded Ashes 2023, is ready to bring the Bazball to India for five-match Test series scheduled for the January-February window next year. The right-handed batter, who amassed 480 runs, striking at over 88 and averaging 53.33, feels despite the spin threat, England can stand tall with their approach though they need to adapt to conditions first.

As England’s next Test is scheduled to get underway after around six months, Crawley, who toured India in 2021 – hitting 67 in two Tests – thinks with newer venues added to the itinerary this time, England is ready to weather any challenge – be it spin, seam and even swing (if any).

"I don't really know much about their grounds," Crawley said after the Oval Test win.

"Sometimes in India, it seams and swings a bit - and they've got unbelievable seamers - so hopefully there are a couple of pitches there that are like that as well, that will suit us a bit more.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-rcb-appoints-andy-flower-as-new-head-coach-ends-partnership-with-mike-hesson-sanjay-bangar-622236">IPL: RCB appoints Andy Flower as new head coach, ends partnership with Mike Hesson, Sanjay Bangar</a>

"But if it's spinning, I feel like we play spin really well as well. We'll just have to adapt, see what we get. But they are pretty unknown grounds - I don't know if they're going to be raggers like Ahmedabad and Chennai, where we were last time," the opener added.

Captain Ben Stokes expressed the exact thoughts when asked about Bazball succeeding in India in the post-match presser in London, saying if England can achieve the results in Pakistan and New Zealand and almost win against the Aussies at home, there is no point why they cannot do it against spin-heavy Indian Team in their conditions.

<h2>Clarity of thought to help England – McCullum</h2>

Addressing a similar question, Test Coach Brendon McCullum said for the touring team to succeed on those dusty tracks in India, having a clarity in thought is important.&nbsp;

"For us, what will be really important for the time India comes will be trying to dial back into what we've achieved in the last 14-15 months, and to try and make sure the team turns up with the same clarity of thought when we go about things," McCullum said.&nbsp;

<h3>Schedule of England’s tour of India 2024 –</h3>

<ul>
	<li>1st Test – January 25-29, Hyderabad</li>
	<li>2nd Test – February 2-6 – Vizag</li>
	<li>3rd Test – February 15-19 – Rajkot</li>
	<li>4th Test – February 23-27 – Ranchi</li>
	<li>5th Test – 7-11 March – Dharamshala</li>
</ul>

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Zak Crawley, England’s leading run-scorer in the recently-concluded Ashes 2023, is ready to bring the Bazball to India for five-match Test series scheduled for the January-February window next year.

Zak Crawley, England’s leading run-scorer in the recently-concluded Ashes 2023, is ready to bring the Bazball to India for five-match Test series scheduled for the January-February window next year. The right-handed batter, who amassed 480 runs, striking at over 88 and averaging 53.33, feels despite the spin threat, England can stand tall with their approach though they need to adapt to conditions first. As England’s next Test is scheduled to get underway after around six months, Crawley, who toured India in 2021 – hitting 67 in two Tests – thinks with newer venues added to the itinerary this time, England is ready to weather any challenge – be it spin, seam and even swing (if any). "I don't really know much about their grounds," Crawley said after the Oval Test win. "Sometimes in India, it seams and swings a bit - and they've got unbelievable seamers - so hopefully there are a couple of pitches there that are like that as well, that will suit us a bit more. ALSO READ: IPL: RCB appoints Andy Flower as new head coach, ends partnership with Mike Hesson, Sanjay Bangar "But if it's spinning, I feel like we play spin really well as well. We'll just have to adapt, see what we get. But they are pretty unknown grounds - I don't know if they're going to be raggers like Ahmedabad and Chennai, where we were last time," the opener added. Captain Ben Stokes expressed the exact thoughts when asked about Bazball succeeding in India in the post-match presser in London, saying if England can achieve the results in Pakistan and New Zealand and almost win against the Aussies at home, there is no point why they cannot do it against spin-heavy Indian Team in their conditions. Clarity of thought to help England – McCullum Addressing a similar question, Test Coach Brendon McCullum said for the touring team to succeed on those dusty tracks in India, having a clarity in thought is important. "For us, what will be really important for the time India comes will be trying to dial back into what we've achieved in the last 14-15 months, and to try and make sure the team turns up with the same clarity of thought when we go about things," McCullum said. Schedule of England’s tour of India 2024 – 1st Test – January 25-29, Hyderabad 2nd Test – February 2-6 – Vizag 3rd Test – February 15-19 – Rajkot 4th Test – February 23-27 – Ranchi 5th Test – 7-11 March – Dharamshala WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zak Crawley keen on bringing Bazball game to India, admits adaption is key to success

England’s head coach Brendon McCullum has underlined his team’s approach despite them being unable to conquer the Ashes 2023 urn. The hosts despite trailing 0-2 in the Ashes, were able to draw the holy grail as Zak Crawley and Co structured England’s comeback and maintained their 22-year unbeaten record on home soil. Crawley’s counter-attack play coupled with Ben Stokes’ approach with the bat saw England end the series at 2-2 having won the Oval Test in dramatic circumstances.

<h2>Crawley’s innings validates England's approach</h2>

McCullum highlighted how Crawley played a crucial role in the team’s revival, having smashed a&nbsp;189-run knock in the Manchester Test. According to the gaffer, his successful innings against Australia validates England's approach to Test cricket. The youngster was under pressure going into the Ashes but proved his critics wrong with a dazzling display.

"Coming into the series, he was under quite a lot of pressure. The great thing was he was able to block that out as much as possible… you hope that's down to the environment the skipper's trying to create, and the sincere messaging," McCullum said.

Crawley’s knock was the highest by an English player in an Ashes innings this season and will look to replicate his form in time to come.

"480 runs at a strike rate of 90 [88.72], against the best bowling attack in the world, against the Dukes ball, in an Ashes series: people don't do that, you know? As the skipper said: you look at what people's upsides are, what their best days are, what they're capable of achieving rather than focusing on things that might not be there. He's a case in point,” McCullum said in Crawley’s case.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-top-moments-from-ashes-2023-featuring-jonny-bairstow-runout-stuart-broads-retirement-621401">IN PICS | Top Moments from Ashes 2023 featuring Jonny Bairstow runout, Stuart Broad's retirement</a>

<h2>What happened in the Ashes?</h2>

Having initially taken a 2-0 lead in the Ashes after the Lord’s Test, England showed a good fight back to level the series at 2-2. Australia won a close contest at Edgbaston while England failed to win the Lord’s affair narrowly. On the flip side, despite conceding a first-innings lead, England managed to win the Headingley Test.

The Manchester Test proved to be the decisive one as England were undone by the rain gods. Rain played spoilsport in the contest as it resulted in Australia retaining the Ashes. On the horizon, despite sitting in the driver’s seat to win their first Ashes on English soil, Pat Cummins’ men stumbled and handed England a crucial win on the final day of the Oval Test.

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England’s head coach Brendon McCullum has underlined his team’s approach despite them being unable to conquer the Ashes 2023 urn. The hosts despite trailing 0-2 in the Ashes, were able to draw the holy grail as Zak Crawley and Co structured England’s comeback and maintained their 22-year unbeaten record on home soil.

England’s head coach Brendon McCullum has underlined his team’s approach despite them being unable to conquer the Ashes 2023 urn. The hosts despite trailing 0-2 in the Ashes, were able to draw the holy grail as Zak Crawley and Co structured England’s comeback and maintained their 22-year unbeaten record on home soil. Crawley’s counter-attack play coupled with Ben Stokes’ approach with the bat saw England end the series at 2-2 having won the Oval Test in dramatic circumstances. Crawley’s innings validates England's approach McCullum highlighted how Crawley played a crucial role in the team’s revival, having smashed a 189-run knock in the Manchester Test. According to the gaffer, his successful innings against Australia validates England's approach to Test cricket. The youngster was under pressure going into the Ashes but proved his critics wrong with a dazzling display. "Coming into the series, he was under quite a lot of pressure. The great thing was he was able to block that out as much as possible… you hope that's down to the environment the skipper's trying to create, and the sincere messaging," McCullum said. Crawley’s knock was the highest by an English player in an Ashes innings this season and will look to replicate his form in time to come. "480 runs at a strike rate of 90 [88.72], against the best bowling attack in the world, against the Dukes ball, in an Ashes series: people don't do that, you know? As the skipper said: you look at what people's upsides are, what their best days are, what they're capable of achieving rather than focusing on things that might not be there. He's a case in point,” McCullum said in Crawley’s case. ALSO READ | IN PICS | Top Moments from Ashes 2023 featuring Jonny Bairstow runout, Stuart Broad's retirement What happened in the Ashes? Having initially taken a 2-0 lead in the Ashes after the Lord’s Test, England showed a good fight back to level the series at 2-2. Australia won a close contest at Edgbaston while England failed to win the Lord’s affair narrowly. On the flip side, despite conceding a first-innings lead, England managed to win the Headingley Test. The Manchester Test proved to be the decisive one as England were undone by the rain gods. Rain played spoilsport in the contest as it resulted in Australia retaining the Ashes. On the horizon, despite sitting in the driver’s seat to win their first Ashes on English soil, Pat Cummins’ men stumbled and handed England a crucial win on the final day of the Oval Test. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ashes 2023: Brendon McCullum underlines England's Test approach, points Zak Crawley's innings as success story

Zak Crawley is the highest run-getter in Ashes 2023. After four Tests, the English opener has amassed 385 runs including a daddy hundred and a fifty. Crawley started the series with a flamboyant fifty (61) in the series opener, in Edgbaston, and a brisk 48 in the Lord's Test. He followed it up&nbsp;with 33 and 44 in the third Test, in Headingley, but came to his best in the fourth and penultimate Test.

After England rode on Chris Woakes' five-fer to dismiss Australia for 317 in the Manchester Test, opener Crawley started off cautiously but went berserk from there on to slam 189 (182), laced with 21 fours and three sixes. Even though the Test ended in a draw, due to rain, Crawley made a huge mark and returned with the Player-of-the-Match award. The cricketing fraternity lauded the 38-Test old Crawley and former English captain Alastair Cook has joined the bandwagon as well.

Cook is in awe of Crawley's strokeplay and compared his playing style with India great Virender Sehwag.

<h2>'You can compare a little bit of Sehwag in terms of the ability to take frontline bowlers down'</h2>

During a media interaction arranged by Sony Sports Network, Cook said, "I think the way Zak Crawley has played in this series. That knock was a special knock. To score 189 out of 182 balls against the quality of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins I think is extraordinary. I think that potential is why Ben and Brendon have stuck with him. He plays shots which no one else can play as an opener in the world."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-if-we-win-at-the-oval-it-will-be-morale-victory-brook-after-australias-manchester-escape-619551">Ashes 2023: 'If we win at The Oval, it will be morale victory' - Brook after Australia's Manchester escape</a>

"You can compare a little bit of Sehwag in terms of the ability to take frontline bowlers down. It's actually unique and when he does have his day, he changes games. That's why he's been backed so hard by the England leadership and they got rewarded for it. I mean he plays shots that I could only dream of and it was an extraordinary innings," Cook, England's second-most successful Test captain mentioned.

Crawley will be over the moon having being compared with Sehwag. The former Indian opener was a nightmare for bowlers as he often took them on from the word go while opening the innings in the&nbsp;red-ball format. He ended with 8,586&nbsp;runs in 104 Tests, at a strike rate of&nbsp;82.23, including 32 fifties and 23 tons.

<h2>Ashes 2023 on the line for England</h2>

England will hope for another big contribution from Crawley in the fifth and final Test as Ben Stokes &amp; Co. need to win The Oval contest to end the series at 2-2. Australia, meanwhile, have retained the urn -- after rain helped them prevent a likely loss in Manchester -- and will now aim for their first&nbsp;Ashes&nbsp;glory in England after 22 years.

Zak Crawley is the highest run-getter in Ashes 2023. After four Tests, the English opener has amassed 385 runs including a daddy hundred and a fifty. Crawley started the series with a flamboyant fifty (61) in the series opener, in Edgbaston, and a brisk 48 in the Lord's Test.

Zak Crawley is the highest run-getter in Ashes 2023. After four Tests, the English opener has amassed 385 runs including a daddy hundred and a fifty. Crawley started the series with a flamboyant fifty (61) in the series opener, in Edgbaston, and a brisk 48 in the Lord's Test. He followed it up with 33 and 44 in the third Test, in Headingley, but came to his best in the fourth and penultimate Test. After England rode on Chris Woakes' five-fer to dismiss Australia for 317 in the Manchester Test, opener Crawley started off cautiously but went berserk from there on to slam 189 (182), laced with 21 fours and three sixes. Even though the Test ended in a draw, due to rain, Crawley made a huge mark and returned with the Player-of-the-Match award. The cricketing fraternity lauded the 38-Test old Crawley and former English captain Alastair Cook has joined the bandwagon as well. Cook is in awe of Crawley's strokeplay and compared his playing style with India great Virender Sehwag. 'You can compare a little bit of Sehwag in terms of the ability to take frontline bowlers down' During a media interaction arranged by Sony Sports Network, Cook said, "I think the way Zak Crawley has played in this series. That knock was a special knock. To score 189 out of 182 balls against the quality of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins I think is extraordinary. I think that potential is why Ben and Brendon have stuck with him. He plays shots which no one else can play as an opener in the world." Also read: Ashes 2023: 'If we win at The Oval, it will be morale victory' - Brook after Australia's Manchester escape "You can compare a little bit of Sehwag in terms of the ability to take frontline bowlers down. It's actually unique and when he does have his day, he changes games. That's why he's been backed so hard by the England leadership and they got rewarded for it. I mean he plays shots that I could only dream of and it was an extraordinary innings," Cook, England's second-most successful Test captain mentioned. Crawley will be over the moon having being compared with Sehwag. The former Indian opener was a nightmare for bowlers as he often took them on from the word go while opening the innings in the red-ball format. He ended with 8,586 runs in 104 Tests, at a strike rate of 82.23, including 32 fifties and 23 tons. Ashes 2023 on the line for England England will hope for another big contribution from Crawley in the fifth and final Test as Ben Stokes & Co. need to win The Oval contest to end the series at 2-2. Australia, meanwhile, have retained the urn -- after rain helped them prevent a likely loss in Manchester -- and will now aim for their first Ashes glory in England after 22 years.

Ashes 2023: Alastair Cook lauds Zak Crawley, says he sees shades of Virender Sehwag in England opener

The final day's play of the fourth and penultimate Ashes Test, in Manchester, got completely washed out due to persistent rain. With the Manchester Test ending in a draw, Pat Cummins-led Australia retained the urn with an unassailable 2-1 lead. Ben Stokes &amp; Co., however, have a chance to end the series with a 2-2 scoreline but will have to be at their very best, as they were for the most part of the penultimate tie.

Ahead of the fifth and final Test, at The Oval, London, English opener Zak Crawley stated that the home side is 'massively up' for the series finale. Crawley, who ended as the Player-of-the-Match for his blistering 189, opined that 2-2 would be an ideal scoreline at the end of Ashes 2023.

<h2>'Any game, you want to win'</h2>

"We're massively up for it. Any game, you want to win," Crawley told reporters after the Manchester Test. "As Ben Stokes says, we're building as a team, this isn't the end just because it's the end of the Ashes. Hopefully, it's very much the start," he opined.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-will-be-hurting-after-manchester-test-feels-mark-butcher-after-rain-helps-visitors-retain-the-urn-618949">Australia will be hurting after Manchester Test, feels Mark Butcher after rain helps visitors retain the urn</a>

Crawley, who has been the top run-getter in Ashes 2023, further mentioned, "I think 2-2 would be fair. They had the better of us at Lord's, Edgbaston could have gone either way, we probably deserved this one, and Headingley could have gone either way. So I think 2-2 would be right. It felt like we were getting on top of them for sure, and if we'd won this game it would have been very interesting to see. They've got some very good players and would have bounced back but the momentum would have been with us for sure."

Talking about Crawley, the right-hander has been in top form throughout the Ashes. He has so far amassed 385 runs in four Tests, including a ton and a half-century. He will be eager to continue with the momentum in the fifth and final Test as England will be desperate to prevent Australia from winning their first away Ashes series since 2001.&nbsp;

Australia won the first Test, in Edgbaston, by two wickets and got the better of England by 43 runs in the second Test at Lord's. The home side bounced back and won the third Test by three wickets, in Headingley, before the fourth and penultimate Test ended in a draw.&nbsp;

The Manchester Test was completely dominated by England, who scored 592 in reply to Australia's 317 and had them reeling at 214 for 5 when the match ended in a draw, and, hence, will be confident enough going into the finale. 
 
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The final day's play of the fourth and penultimate Ashes Test, in Manchester, got completely washed out due to persistent rain. With the Manchester Test ending in a draw, Pat Cummins-led Australia retained the urn with an unassailable 2-1 lead.

The final day's play of the fourth and penultimate Ashes Test, in Manchester, got completely washed out due to persistent rain. With the Manchester Test ending in a draw, Pat Cummins-led Australia retained the urn with an unassailable 2-1 lead. Ben Stokes & Co., however, have a chance to end the series with a 2-2 scoreline but will have to be at their very best, as they were for the most part of the penultimate tie. Ahead of the fifth and final Test, at The Oval, London, English opener Zak Crawley stated that the home side is 'massively up' for the series finale. Crawley, who ended as the Player-of-the-Match for his blistering 189, opined that 2-2 would be an ideal scoreline at the end of Ashes 2023. 'Any game, you want to win' "We're massively up for it. Any game, you want to win," Crawley told reporters after the Manchester Test. "As Ben Stokes says, we're building as a team, this isn't the end just because it's the end of the Ashes. Hopefully, it's very much the start," he opined. Also read: Australia will be hurting after Manchester Test, feels Mark Butcher after rain helps visitors retain the urn Crawley, who has been the top run-getter in Ashes 2023, further mentioned, "I think 2-2 would be fair. They had the better of us at Lord's, Edgbaston could have gone either way, we probably deserved this one, and Headingley could have gone either way. So I think 2-2 would be right. It felt like we were getting on top of them for sure, and if we'd won this game it would have been very interesting to see. They've got some very good players and would have bounced back but the momentum would have been with us for sure." Talking about Crawley, the right-hander has been in top form throughout the Ashes. He has so far amassed 385 runs in four Tests, including a ton and a half-century. He will be eager to continue with the momentum in the fifth and final Test as England will be desperate to prevent Australia from winning their first away Ashes series since 2001. Australia won the first Test, in Edgbaston, by two wickets and got the better of England by 43 runs in the second Test at Lord's. The home side bounced back and won the third Test by three wickets, in Headingley, before the fourth and penultimate Test ended in a draw. The Manchester Test was completely dominated by England, who scored 592 in reply to Australia's 317 and had them reeling at 214 for 5 when the match ended in a draw, and, hence, will be confident enough going into the finale. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ashes 2023: Stern warning for Australia? England are massively up for final Test, says Zak Crawley

England made a mockery of Australia's bowling on Day Two of the fourth and penultimate Test at Old Trafford, Manchester on Thursday (July 20). After Australia resumed at 299 for 8, they were soon wrapped up for 317. The Pat Cummins-led Baggy Greens removed Ben Duckett soon but were in for a leather hunt as Zak Crawley (189), Moeen Ali (54) and Joe Root (84) smacked them to all parts of the ground.

England ended the day's play at 384 for 4, leading by 67 runs. Having scored over 5 per over, the Ben Stokes-led hosts are in a commanding position and will look to extend their lead on Day Three on Friday (July 21). After watching the proceedings on Thursday, former Aussie spinner Brad Hogg tweeted that 'Ashes has spun on it's head' following England's batting blitz.

"Ashes series has spun on it's head. Australia rattled. New Ball crucial. With rain around there will be fireworks 1st session, ether fast runs or quick wickets. No matter what there will be a result this test match," Hogg said on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-4th-test-he-will-end-his-career-thinking-nasser-hussain-on-englands-star-all-rounder-617888">Ashes, 4th Test: 'He will end his career thinking...' - Nasser Hussain on England's star all-rounder</a>

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With rain set to make its presence felt in the final days, England have started off on an attacking note, resorting to their much-talked-about Bazball approach with the bat. Crawley led from the front as he played one of the best knocks in Ashes history, scoring at 103.85 along with 21 fours and three sixes. He first stitched an impressive 129-run second-wicket stand with Moeen and then combined with Root (84 off 95 balls) to add 206&nbsp;runs, for the third-wicket.

England will aim to start the third day's play in the same manner and declare soon after taking a sizeable lead to put Australia on the back foot. Australia lead the five-match series 2-1 despite losing the third Test, in Headingley, by three wickets.

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England made a mockery of Australia's bowling on Day Two of the fourth and penultimate Test at Old Trafford, Manchester on Thursday (July 20). After Australia resumed at 299 for 8, they were soon wrapped up for 317.

England made a mockery of Australia's bowling on Day Two of the fourth and penultimate Test at Old Trafford, Manchester on Thursday (July 20). After Australia resumed at 299 for 8, they were soon wrapped up for 317. The Pat Cummins-led Baggy Greens removed Ben Duckett soon but were in for a leather hunt as Zak Crawley (189), Moeen Ali (54) and Joe Root (84) smacked them to all parts of the ground. England ended the day's play at 384 for 4, leading by 67 runs. Having scored over 5 per over, the Ben Stokes-led hosts are in a commanding position and will look to extend their lead on Day Three on Friday (July 21). After watching the proceedings on Thursday, former Aussie spinner Brad Hogg tweeted that 'Ashes has spun on it's head' following England's batting blitz. "Ashes series has spun on it's head. Australia rattled. New Ball crucial. With rain around there will be fireworks 1st session, ether fast runs or quick wickets. No matter what there will be a result this test match," Hogg said on Twitter. Also read: Ashes, 4th Test: 'He will end his career thinking...' - Nasser Hussain on England's star all-rounder Ashes series has spun on it's head. Australia rattled. New Ball crucial. With rain around there will be fireworks 1st session, ether fast runs or quick wickets. No matter what there will be a result this test match. #Ashes2023 — Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) July 21, 2023 × With rain set to make its presence felt in the final days, England have started off on an attacking note, resorting to their much-talked-about Bazball approach with the bat. Crawley led from the front as he played one of the best knocks in Ashes history, scoring at 103.85 along with 21 fours and three sixes. He first stitched an impressive 129-run second-wicket stand with Moeen and then combined with Root (84 off 95 balls) to add 206 runs, for the third-wicket. England will aim to start the third day's play in the same manner and declare soon after taking a sizeable lead to put Australia on the back foot. Australia lead the five-match series 2-1 despite losing the third Test, in Headingley, by three wickets. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Ashes 2023 has been spun on its head' - Former Aussie spinner after Zak Crawley's 189 in Manchester Test

England is in the driver’s seat following the second day’s play in the Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. Zak Crawley’s Ashes-saving 189 from 182 balls and Joe Root’s 84 off 95 balls have put England on the front foot as they lead Australia by 67 runs with six wickets in hand and three days left. A day that belonged entirely to England, saw Chris Woakes completing his maiden Ashes five-wicket haul in the first innings.

For the nth time in this series, a batter got out on the first ball of the new day, as this time it was Aussie captain Pat Cummins who found Ben Stokes at covers off Woakes. Though Hazlewood tried contributing his best, it was Starc who churned out runs but couldn’t do it for long&nbsp;as England’s hero with the ball in hand - Woakes returned to dismiss the number 11 and finish with figures of five for 62.

England lost their opener, Ben Duckett, early to Starc as Australians continued troubling the English top order with some nasty short-pitch bowling in the first 10 overs. After weathering the storm for a good one hour, Moeen Ali and Crawley came good, having found a rhythm. Both batters started hitting bad balls for fours as tension seemed to rise a bit in the Aussie camp.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/with-all-eyes-on-asia-cup-and-world-cup-hardik-pandya-shubman-gill-to-be-rested-for-ireland-t20is-reports-617929">With all eyes on Asia Cup, World Cup, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill could be rested for Ireland T20Is - Reports</a>

Much to England’s delight, both completed their respective fifties and stitched a 121-plus run-stand for the second wicket before Starc dismissed dangerous-looking Ali, caught by Usman Khawaja on 54.

What transpired later helped England put Australia on the mat completely.

Looking clueless against the lanky Crawley and England’s best batter Joe Root, Australian bowlers leaked runs after lunch as the pair closed in the gap with Australia's first innings total. While Crawley also completed his maiden Test hundred, Root looked in fine touch, reverse-hitting Hazlewood and Cummins over the slip cordon.

In no time, Crawley also surpassed the 150-run mark as England looked in a strong position. Just when everyone was gearing to celebrate Crawley’s maiden Ashes double hundred, he inside-edged one onto his stumps for&nbsp;a well-made 189.

Soon after, Root departed off Hazlewood’s delivery that stayed low as Australia found a glimmer of hope after a long day on the field. Captain Ben Stokes and Harry Brook hit a few fours as England ended day two on 384 for four in 72 overs, leading by 67 runs.

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England is in the driver’s seat following the second day’s play in the Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. Zak Crawley’s Ashes-saving 189 from 182 balls and Joe Root’s 84 off 95 balls have put England on the front foot as they lead Australia by 67 runs with six wickets in hand and three days left.

England is in the driver’s seat following the second day’s play in the Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. Zak Crawley’s Ashes-saving 189 from 182 balls and Joe Root’s 84 off 95 balls have put England on the front foot as they lead Australia by 67 runs with six wickets in hand and three days left. A day that belonged entirely to England, saw Chris Woakes completing his maiden Ashes five-wicket haul in the first innings. For the nth time in this series, a batter got out on the first ball of the new day, as this time it was Aussie captain Pat Cummins who found Ben Stokes at covers off Woakes. Though Hazlewood tried contributing his best, it was Starc who churned out runs but couldn’t do it for long as England’s hero with the ball in hand - Woakes returned to dismiss the number 11 and finish with figures of five for 62. England lost their opener, Ben Duckett, early to Starc as Australians continued troubling the English top order with some nasty short-pitch bowling in the first 10 overs. After weathering the storm for a good one hour, Moeen Ali and Crawley came good, having found a rhythm. Both batters started hitting bad balls for fours as tension seemed to rise a bit in the Aussie camp. ALSO READ: With all eyes on Asia Cup, World Cup, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill could be rested for Ireland T20Is - Reports Much to England’s delight, both completed their respective fifties and stitched a 121-plus run-stand for the second wicket before Starc dismissed dangerous-looking Ali, caught by Usman Khawaja on 54. What transpired later helped England put Australia on the mat completely. Looking clueless against the lanky Crawley and England’s best batter Joe Root, Australian bowlers leaked runs after lunch as the pair closed in the gap with Australia's first innings total. While Crawley also completed his maiden Test hundred, Root looked in fine touch, reverse-hitting Hazlewood and Cummins over the slip cordon. In no time, Crawley also surpassed the 150-run mark as England looked in a strong position. Just when everyone was gearing to celebrate Crawley’s maiden Ashes double hundred, he inside-edged one onto his stumps for a well-made 189. Soon after, Root departed off Hazlewood’s delivery that stayed low as Australia found a glimmer of hope after a long day on the field. Captain Ben Stokes and Harry Brook hit a few fours as England ended day two on 384 for four in 72 overs, leading by 67 runs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes, 4th Test, day 2: Bazball strikes, puts England in driver's seat following Crawley, Root show

England star batter Zak Crawley has made a huge statement before the second Ashes Test against Australia having ended on the wrong side of the result in the Edgbsaton affair. According to Crawley, the hosts will win by a big margin, which has raised eyebrows, as he predicts a 150-run margin will see them level the series at 1-1. England lost the opening Test match of the Ashes in the final session of Day 5 as the thriller led Australia to take a 1-0 lead.

<h2>Crawley goes big</h2>

"I think we'll win. I think it will suit us a bit more, that pitch. So I think we'll win by, I don't know, 150 runs?” Crawley said on Friday, June 23 while addressing the media.

Crawley, 25, reckons England did not make a mistake by declaring in the first innings as they narrowly missed out on the win. The hosts needed two wickets to win in the final hour of Day 5 but couldn't&nbsp;dismiss the pair of Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins as they put up a match-winning stand for the ninth wicket. The Aussies won the contest by two wickets where Cummins scored an unbeaten 45 while Lyon ended with 16 runs as they stitched a partnership of 55 runs.

"That's why we took [this loss] better than other losses perhaps because it was great for the game. I think Sky had record viewing figures, and Test Match Special had record listening figures, so this week was a great week for cricket and that's what we're all about.

"We're not about results. We always talk about that. We're not about winning or losing: we're about entertainment. Of course, we're there to win and it helps our brand and what we're trying to do. If we win, we get more traction,” Crawley added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-indian-opener-virender-sehwag-reacts-to-rumours-of-being-approached-for-chief-selectors-post-607724">Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag reacts to rumours of being approached for chief selector’s post</a>

<h2>Can England settle the score at Lord’s?</h2>

The two teams are now set to meet on Wednesday, June 28 at the iconic Lord’s as England have a score to settle. Both teams will be hoping to make wholesale changes as England are likely to be without Moeen Ali while the Aussie management will have a tough decision to make as they will have to accommodate Mitchell Starc since both Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland are in good nick of form.

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England star batter Zak Crawley has made a huge statement before the second Ashes Test against Australia having ended on the wrong side of the result in the Edgbsaton affair.

England star batter Zak Crawley has made a huge statement before the second Ashes Test against Australia having ended on the wrong side of the result in the Edgbsaton affair. According to Crawley, the hosts will win by a big margin, which has raised eyebrows, as he predicts a 150-run margin will see them level the series at 1-1. England lost the opening Test match of the Ashes in the final session of Day 5 as the thriller led Australia to take a 1-0 lead. Crawley goes big "I think we'll win. I think it will suit us a bit more, that pitch. So I think we'll win by, I don't know, 150 runs?” Crawley said on Friday, June 23 while addressing the media. Crawley, 25, reckons England did not make a mistake by declaring in the first innings as they narrowly missed out on the win. The hosts needed two wickets to win in the final hour of Day 5 but couldn't dismiss the pair of Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins as they put up a match-winning stand for the ninth wicket. The Aussies won the contest by two wickets where Cummins scored an unbeaten 45 while Lyon ended with 16 runs as they stitched a partnership of 55 runs. "That's why we took [this loss] better than other losses perhaps because it was great for the game. I think Sky had record viewing figures, and Test Match Special had record listening figures, so this week was a great week for cricket and that's what we're all about. "We're not about results. We always talk about that. We're not about winning or losing: we're about entertainment. Of course, we're there to win and it helps our brand and what we're trying to do. If we win, we get more traction,” Crawley added. ALSO READ | Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag reacts to rumours of being approached for chief selector’s post Can England settle the score at Lord’s? The two teams are now set to meet on Wednesday, June 28 at the iconic Lord’s as England have a score to settle. Both teams will be hoping to make wholesale changes as England are likely to be without Moeen Ali while the Aussie management will have a tough decision to make as they will have to accommodate Mitchell Starc since both Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland are in good nick of form. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ashes 2023: Zak Crawley makes BOLD prediction for Lord's Test, predicts England will win by THIS margin

Ben Stokes was in awe of Zak Crawley as the young England batter stunned his teammates on Friday, June 16 as he kick-started the Ashes 2023 with a four. Crawley, playing in his 35th Test match was at his fluent best as the hosts started on the front foot at Edgbaston in Birmingham against the Aussies. The four sparked a reaction from Stokes and Crawley’s other teammates as the Ashes kickstarted with a bang.

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We were all Stokesy there... 
 
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<h2>What happened at the start?</h2>

After opting to bat first in the contest, England sent Crawley and Ben Duckett to open the innings on the Day 1 of the Edgbaston Test. Ben Stokes sitting in the balcony of the famous ground was then left stunned as Crawley smashed Pat Cummins through the covers for a four. England has the best possible start to the series as they started on the front foot. The Edgbaston crowd was also on its feet as they witnessed a special start to the series.

The joy was short-lived as the Baggy Greens then made a good comeback as returning Josh Hazlewood was on the money after he scalped Ben Duckett (12) on the fourth ball of the fourth over. Crawley then partnered Ollie Pope for the next hour and so as he brought up his ninth Test fifty in the 19th over. His 61-run innings came to an end on the last ball of the first session as England ended at 125/3 after 27.1 overs.

Crawley along with Pope stitched a partnership of 70 runs for the second wicket as they gave the Aussies a hard time before their mini comeback.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-players-to-wear-black-armbands-observe-silence-in-honour-of-nottingham-attack-victims-605013">Ashes 2023: Players to wear black armbands, observe silence in honour of Nottingham attack victims</a>

<h2>England look for redemption</h2>

Having lost the Ashes 0-4 Down Under in 2021-22, England will be out for redemption as they try to get the better of the Aussies. England have not won the Ashes since 2-15 and will to end their drought of the Ashes, where they also won the ODI and the T20 World Cup. They will have history on their side as the Ashes has not been won by a host nation for more than a decade.

The last time the Ashes was won by an away team was in 2011 while the last time Australia won the Ashes on English soil was in 2001. Currently, England are also enjoying a purple patch of form having won 11 matches in their last 13 matches under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, who took over as the skipper in June 2022.&nbsp;

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Ben Stokes was in awe of Zak Crawley as the young England batter stunned his teammates on Friday, June 16 as he kick-started the Ashes 2023 with a four. Crawley, playing in his 35th Test match was at his fluent best as the hosts started on the front foot at Edgbaston in Birmingham against the Aussies.

Ben Stokes was in awe of Zak Crawley as the young England batter stunned his teammates on Friday, June 16 as he kick-started the Ashes 2023 with a four. Crawley, playing in his 35th Test match was at his fluent best as the hosts started on the front foot at Edgbaston in Birmingham against the Aussies. The four sparked a reaction from Stokes and Crawley’s other teammates as the Ashes kickstarted with a bang. 😅 We were all Stokesy there... Live clips/Scorecard: https://t.co/TZMO0eJDwY pic.twitter.com/rUEOIO7onJ — England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 16, 2023 × What happened at the start? After opting to bat first in the contest, England sent Crawley and Ben Duckett to open the innings on the Day 1 of the Edgbaston Test. Ben Stokes sitting in the balcony of the famous ground was then left stunned as Crawley smashed Pat Cummins through the covers for a four. England has the best possible start to the series as they started on the front foot. The Edgbaston crowd was also on its feet as they witnessed a special start to the series. The joy was short-lived as the Baggy Greens then made a good comeback as returning Josh Hazlewood was on the money after he scalped Ben Duckett (12) on the fourth ball of the fourth over. Crawley then partnered Ollie Pope for the next hour and so as he brought up his ninth Test fifty in the 19th over. His 61-run innings came to an end on the last ball of the first session as England ended at 125/3 after 27.1 overs. Crawley along with Pope stitched a partnership of 70 runs for the second wicket as they gave the Aussies a hard time before their mini comeback. ALSO READ | Ashes 2023: Players to wear black armbands, observe silence in honour of Nottingham attack victims England look for redemption Having lost the Ashes 0-4 Down Under in 2021-22, England will be out for redemption as they try to get the better of the Aussies. England have not won the Ashes since 2-15 and will to end their drought of the Ashes, where they also won the ODI and the T20 World Cup. They will have history on their side as the Ashes has not been won by a host nation for more than a decade. The last time the Ashes was won by an away team was in 2011 while the last time Australia won the Ashes on English soil was in 2001. Currently, England are also enjoying a purple patch of form having won 11 matches in their last 13 matches under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, who took over as the skipper in June 2022. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | Zak Crawley leaves Ben Stokes and Co STUNNED after hitting first-ball four in Ashes

England created history on the opening day of the Rawalpindi Test versus hosts Babar Azam-led Pakistan. After opting to bat first, on a flat surface, Ben Stokes-led Three Lions didn't do anything wrong on Day 1 to go to stumps at 506 for 4. Thus, England has created a world record for scoring the most runs by a team on Day 1 of a Test. In 1910, Australia had ended the Sydney Test's opening day's play at 494-6 versus South Africa. Thus, their arch-rivals in England have surpassed them to break the record after 112&nbsp;long years.&nbsp;

Coming out to bat, openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett made merry of the batting conditions versus the Shaheen Afridi-less bowling attack. England reached 174 for no loss at the lunch break, moving past India's 158/0 (27 overs) to have the most runs by a team in the first session. Crawley scored a 111-ball 122, Duckett departed for a well-made 107 whereas keeper-batter Ollie Pope scored a hundred (108) before Harry Brooks remained unbeaten on 101. Captain Stokes also joined the party and remains unbeaten on a 15-ball 34, laced with 6 fours and a six, as the visitors piled on the miseries versus Pakistan. Thus, England became the first-ever side to hit 500 runs on the opening day of a Test match.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/run-machine-steve-smith-equals-don-bradmans-tally-with-splendid-knock-in-australia-west-indies-test-539065">Run machine Steve Smith equals Don Bradman's tally with splendid knock in Australia-West Indies Test</a>

The day saw as many as 73 fours and three sixes being scored by the English batters as Pakistani bowlers had no answers to their onslaught. While England's bazball approach has been hailed by many on social media platforms, many also slammed the dead wicket at Rawalpindi with bowlers having no say throughout the day.&nbsp;

Day Two will bring in a new challenge for Pakistan as they have a herculean task to stop England from running away from the game. Anything over 650 looks certain as of now unless a collapse takes place. In reply, Pakistani batters will have to bat very well and come close to England's first-innings score if they wish to stay alive in the game.

England created history on the opening day of the Rawalpindi Test versus hosts Babar Azam-led Pakistan. After opting to bat first, on a flat surface, Ben Stokes-led Three Lions didn't do anything wrong on Day 1 to go to stumps at 506 for 4.

England created history on the opening day of the Rawalpindi Test versus hosts Babar Azam-led Pakistan. After opting to bat first, on a flat surface, Ben Stokes-led Three Lions didn't do anything wrong on Day 1 to go to stumps at 506 for 4. Thus, England has created a world record for scoring the most runs by a team on Day 1 of a Test. In 1910, Australia had ended the Sydney Test's opening day's play at 494-6 versus South Africa. Thus, their arch-rivals in England have surpassed them to break the record after 112 long years. Coming out to bat, openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett made merry of the batting conditions versus the Shaheen Afridi-less bowling attack. England reached 174 for no loss at the lunch break, moving past India's 158/0 (27 overs) to have the most runs by a team in the first session. Crawley scored a 111-ball 122, Duckett departed for a well-made 107 whereas keeper-batter Ollie Pope scored a hundred (108) before Harry Brooks remained unbeaten on 101. Captain Stokes also joined the party and remains unbeaten on a 15-ball 34, laced with 6 fours and a six, as the visitors piled on the miseries versus Pakistan. Thus, England became the first-ever side to hit 500 runs on the opening day of a Test match. Also read: Run machine Steve Smith equals Don Bradman's tally with splendid knock in Australia-West Indies Test The day saw as many as 73 fours and three sixes being scored by the English batters as Pakistani bowlers had no answers to their onslaught. While England's bazball approach has been hailed by many on social media platforms, many also slammed the dead wicket at Rawalpindi with bowlers having no say throughout the day. Day Two will bring in a new challenge for Pakistan as they have a herculean task to stop England from running away from the game. Anything over 650 looks certain as of now unless a collapse takes place. In reply, Pakistani batters will have to bat very well and come close to England's first-innings score if they wish to stay alive in the game.

Rawalpindi Test: England create history! Ben Stokes & Co. become first team to hit most runs on Day 1

Nasser Hussain has lashed out at the England batting line-up after they abdicated against New Zealand on Day 3 of the Edgbaston Test. Nasser Hussain scrutinized the strategies of the players and their 'idiosyncratic movements.'&nbsp;

The hosts fell to 122 for 9 in their second innings in Birmingham, and are gazing at a specific loss, with a thin lead of 37 runs. Mark Wood top-scored for England with 29 while Ollie Pope made 23. No other English batsman could arrive at the 20-run mark.&nbsp;

Nasser Hussain demands English batsmen critically need to rethink their methods and get back to nuts and bolts - at Test level, however, all through the province game - on the off chance that they are to improve in the future.&nbsp;

Addressing Sky Sports, Nasser Hussain reprimanded the England players for a pitiable show. He said:&nbsp;

‘It was just an abject batting performance. It is like they are reinventing the wheel. They have all these odd techniques and idiosyncratic movements. In county cricket, they are all standing on an off-stump and flashing at balls outside off. It’s like everyone else is wrong &nbsp;all those great players of the past, people like Sir Viv Richards and Graham Gooch, and they are right.”

He also called attention to that while England was fixed by spin in India, there was no such pardon playing at home. He added:&nbsp;

“These days everyone seems to want to get their left leg out of the way but if they know what they’re doing where are the runs to back that up? In Sri Lanka, Joe Root carried them. We were told that the problem in India was that the ball spun but we don’t have the excuse of the pitches turning here. I just don’t understand the techniques I am witnessing.”

Various England batsmen like Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope have received unconventional batting techniques. In any case, the outcomes have been a long way from successful.&nbsp;

While England's batsmen have attempted to go the offbeat way, Nasser Hussain commended New Zealand for adhering to the essentials and playing appropriate Test cricket. He further said:&nbsp;

“Compare them to those of New Zealand, who are committed to orthodox Test match batting. It’s just chalk and cheese. Technically gifted, sound batsmen playing the way the game is supposed to be played, New Zealand. Let the ball come to you, leave it well, play it with a straight bat.”

Reacting to England's first-innings complete of 303, the Kiwis made 388. Britain then, at that point imploded to 76 for 6 preceding some lower-request opposition empowered them to forestall a loss inside three days.

Nasser Hussain has lashed out at the England batting line-up after they abdicated against New Zealand on Day 3 of the Edgbaston Test. Nasser Hussain scrutinized the strategies of the players and their 'idiosyncratic movements.

Nasser Hussain has lashed out at the England batting line-up after they abdicated against New Zealand on Day 3 of the Edgbaston Test. Nasser Hussain scrutinized the strategies of the players and their 'idiosyncratic movements.' The hosts fell to 122 for 9 in their second innings in Birmingham, and are gazing at a specific loss, with a thin lead of 37 runs. Mark Wood top-scored for England with 29 while Ollie Pope made 23. No other English batsman could arrive at the 20-run mark. Nasser Hussain demands English batsmen critically need to rethink their methods and get back to nuts and bolts - at Test level, however, all through the province game - on the off chance that they are to improve in the future. Addressing Sky Sports, Nasser Hussain reprimanded the England players for a pitiable show. He said: ‘It was just an abject batting performance. It is like they are reinventing the wheel. They have all these odd techniques and idiosyncratic movements. In county cricket, they are all standing on an off-stump and flashing at balls outside off. It’s like everyone else is wrong all those great players of the past, people like Sir Viv Richards and Graham Gooch, and they are right.” He also called attention to that while England was fixed by spin in India, there was no such pardon playing at home. He added: “These days everyone seems to want to get their left leg out of the way but if they know what they’re doing where are the runs to back that up? In Sri Lanka, Joe Root carried them. We were told that the problem in India was that the ball spun but we don’t have the excuse of the pitches turning here. I just don’t understand the techniques I am witnessing.” Various England batsmen like Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope have received unconventional batting techniques. In any case, the outcomes have been a long way from successful. While England's batsmen have attempted to go the offbeat way, Nasser Hussain commended New Zealand for adhering to the essentials and playing appropriate Test cricket. He further said: “Compare them to those of New Zealand, who are committed to orthodox Test match batting. It’s just chalk and cheese. Technically gifted, sound batsmen playing the way the game is supposed to be played, New Zealand. Let the ball come to you, leave it well, play it with a straight bat.” Reacting to England's first-innings complete of 303, the Kiwis made 388. Britain then, at that point imploded to 76 for 6 preceding some lower-request opposition empowered them to forestall a loss inside three days.

Cricket: 'It was just an abject batting performance': Nasser Hussain lashes out at England batting line-up

Michael Vaughan has hit out at the English batsmen, expressing they get no opportunity of winning the Ashes later in the year on the off chance that they continue with their fragile batting show.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-england-were-not-good-enough-against-new-zealand-chris-silverwood-391124" hreflang="en">Cricket: England were 'not good enough' against New Zealand: Chris Silverwood</a>

England gave in on day three of the second Test in Edgbaston against New Zealand. The hosts are swaying at 122-9 in the subsequent innings, with their lead at only 37.&nbsp;

The Blackcaps have an incredible opportunity to win their first Test arrangement in England in 22 years notwithstanding rolling out various changes to their setup.&nbsp;

After the third day's play, Michael Vaughan attacked the England batting line-up and said on the BBC Test Match Special:&nbsp;

All through 2021 England have pivoted their squad, an approach they say is intended to battle a pressed schedule and the Covid upheld conditions matches have been played in. They won two Tests in Sri Lanka and the first on their visit through India recently, however look set to slip to a fourth loss in five matches on Sunday.&nbsp;

Micheal Vaughan, who made 18 centuries in Tests, additionally scrutinized England's rotation policy and proposed that they aren't sufficient yet to fiddle with their group a lot.&nbsp;

"England have tinkered too much. Everything has gone downhill for England since they went up 1-0 in India. Don't muck about with Test cricket. England aren't a good enough team to muck about."

Zak Crawley, scored 17 in the second innings at Edgbaston, his second-highest score in his previous 12 Test innings. Ollie Pope, has gone eight Tests without a half-century, while 25-year-old Dom Sibley has gone past 16 just twice in his previous 11 innings.&nbsp;

"They now have just five chances to sort the batting out before the Ashes. They can't arrive in Australia with a batting line-up this fragile. They'd have no chance. This batting line-up is fragile and we have to now start looking at players and wondering if they are good enough, because they keep getting out cheaply."

England retaliated with the ball on the third evening at Edgbaston to bowl New Zealand out for 388 and limit their first-innings lead to 85.&nbsp;

Notwithstanding, they got themselves 30-3 and 76-7, requiring a remain of 44 between Mark Wood and Olly Stone to bring the game into the fourth day.

Michael Vaughan has hit out at the English batsmen, expressing they get no opportunity of winning the Ashes later in the year on the off chance that they continue with their fragile batting show.

Michael Vaughan has hit out at the English batsmen, expressing they get no opportunity of winning the Ashes later in the year on the off chance that they continue with their fragile batting show. ALSO READ: Cricket: England were 'not good enough' against New Zealand: Chris Silverwood England gave in on day three of the second Test in Edgbaston against New Zealand. The hosts are swaying at 122-9 in the subsequent innings, with their lead at only 37. The Blackcaps have an incredible opportunity to win their first Test arrangement in England in 22 years notwithstanding rolling out various changes to their setup. After the third day's play, Michael Vaughan attacked the England batting line-up and said on the BBC Test Match Special: All through 2021 England have pivoted their squad, an approach they say is intended to battle a pressed schedule and the Covid upheld conditions matches have been played in. They won two Tests in Sri Lanka and the first on their visit through India recently, however look set to slip to a fourth loss in five matches on Sunday. Micheal Vaughan, who made 18 centuries in Tests, additionally scrutinized England's rotation policy and proposed that they aren't sufficient yet to fiddle with their group a lot. "England have tinkered too much. Everything has gone downhill for England since they went up 1-0 in India. Don't muck about with Test cricket. England aren't a good enough team to muck about." Zak Crawley, scored 17 in the second innings at Edgbaston, his second-highest score in his previous 12 Test innings. Ollie Pope, has gone eight Tests without a half-century, while 25-year-old Dom Sibley has gone past 16 just twice in his previous 11 innings. "They now have just five chances to sort the batting out before the Ashes. They can't arrive in Australia with a batting line-up this fragile. They'd have no chance. This batting line-up is fragile and we have to now start looking at players and wondering if they are good enough, because they keep getting out cheaply." England retaliated with the ball on the third evening at Edgbaston to bowl New Zealand out for 388 and limit their first-innings lead to 85. Notwithstanding, they got themselves 30-3 and 76-7, requiring a remain of 44 between Mark Wood and Olly Stone to bring the game into the fourth day.

Cricket: England's batting line-up is fragile, says Michael Vaughan

David Lloyd was disinterested with England's batsmen on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand, expressing that&nbsp;some of them watched loaded with dread out there.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sl-vs-ind-shikhar-dhawan-named-captain-six-earn-maiden-call-ups-for-limited-overs-tour-390697">Cricket: SL vs IND - Shikhar Dhawan named captain, six earn maiden call-ups</a>

England has attempted to ingrain an attitude of playing daring cricket, yet they neglected to exploit on Day 1 after Rory Burns and Dom Sibley gave a decent beginning at the top-order. From 72-0 at one phase, the hosts finished the day at 258-7, notwithstanding New Zealand resting a portion of their vital bowlers for the game.&nbsp;

In his section for the Daily Mail, David Lloyd called attention to a specialized blemish in a portion of the English players:&nbsp;

"There were lots of talks not so long ago about England playing a no-fear brand of cricket, but some of them looked full of fear out there. This is a great chance for some of the youngsters to make it hard for the selectors to drop them, but it’s apparent that a lot of them are getting very square on, which makes it hard for the bat to come down straight. There’s too much hesitancy in this line-up. Not impressed. Not impressed at all."

Dan Lawrence is still at the wrinkle for the hosts on 67. He joined in the middle by Mark Wood (16*), who has dealt with himself well in the wake of coming in at no.9.&nbsp;

Zak Crawley was dismissed for a duck off the bowling of Neil Wagner on Day 1 of the subsequent Test. In 11 Test innings in 2021, the batsman averages a pitiful 9.5, and the selectors' understanding should be running meager right now, given his lifeless exhibitions.&nbsp;

England has missed some vital players so far in the series and David Lloyd accepts the group the board will be quick to get their serious weapons as quickly as time permits. Lloyd expressed:&nbsp;

"Zak Crawley in particular looks woefully out of form. On this evidence, England will want to go back to the big guns as soon as possible."

Rory Burns, in the meantime, indeed dazzled with a very much made 81 subsequent to scoring a splendid ton at Lord's in the primary Test. Lloyd further composed:&nbsp;

"Rory Burns seems to be finding a way to get the bat coming down in the right position – despite the idiosyncrasies with the position of his head, his closed bat face and his stance, he seems to be finding a way. He made an excellent hundred at Lord’s and backed it up here&nbsp;

David Lloyd was disinterested with England's batsmen on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand, expressing that some of them watched loaded with dread out there.

David Lloyd was disinterested with England's batsmen on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand, expressing that some of them watched loaded with dread out there. ALSO READ: Cricket: SL vs IND - Shikhar Dhawan named captain, six earn maiden call-ups England has attempted to ingrain an attitude of playing daring cricket, yet they neglected to exploit on Day 1 after Rory Burns and Dom Sibley gave a decent beginning at the top-order. From 72-0 at one phase, the hosts finished the day at 258-7, notwithstanding New Zealand resting a portion of their vital bowlers for the game. In his section for the Daily Mail, David Lloyd called attention to a specialized blemish in a portion of the English players: "There were lots of talks not so long ago about England playing a no-fear brand of cricket, but some of them looked full of fear out there. This is a great chance for some of the youngsters to make it hard for the selectors to drop them, but it’s apparent that a lot of them are getting very square on, which makes it hard for the bat to come down straight. There’s too much hesitancy in this line-up. Not impressed. Not impressed at all." Dan Lawrence is still at the wrinkle for the hosts on 67. He joined in the middle by Mark Wood (16*), who has dealt with himself well in the wake of coming in at no.9. Zak Crawley was dismissed for a duck off the bowling of Neil Wagner on Day 1 of the subsequent Test. In 11 Test innings in 2021, the batsman averages a pitiful 9.5, and the selectors' understanding should be running meager right now, given his lifeless exhibitions. England has missed some vital players so far in the series and David Lloyd accepts the group the board will be quick to get their serious weapons as quickly as time permits. Lloyd expressed: "Zak Crawley in particular looks woefully out of form. On this evidence, England will want to go back to the big guns as soon as possible." Rory Burns, in the meantime, indeed dazzled with a very much made 81 subsequent to scoring a splendid ton at Lord's in the primary Test. Lloyd further composed: "Rory Burns seems to be finding a way to get the bat coming down in the right position – despite the idiosyncrasies with the position of his head, his closed bat face and his stance, he seems to be finding a way. He made an excellent hundred at Lord’s and backed it up here

Cricket: England looked fearful despite talk of playing 'no-fear cricket': David Lloyd

England batsman Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the first two Tests against India with a jarred wrist, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday. Crawley, 23, had slipped on a marble floor outside the dressing room during training ahead of the first Test against India in Chennai, starting from Friday.

Crawley, with the slip, sprained the joint which led to local inflammation. The England medical team will continue to assess Crawley's progress over the next few weeks.&nbsp;

"Scan results have confirmed that Crawley has jarred his right wrist, which has sprained the joint and led to local inflammation," the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.

"It's really frustrating and frustrating for Zak in particular," Joe Root, the England captain, told reporters during a virtual press conference on the eve of the first Test in Chennai.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-deserve-to-be-in-wtc-final-india-focused-on-england-series-ajinkya-rahane-361135" hreflang="en">New Zealand deserve to be in WTC final, India focused on England series: Ajinkya Rahane</a>

"It was a freak accident, walking out of the change room and slipped over and landed on his wrist. Hope it's the last one," he said.

However, Root didn't reveal who would replace the Kent batsman, who smashed 267 runs for his maiden Test century against Pakistan at Southampton in August.

When asked whether Root would promote himself up at number three in the batting line-up, the England Test captain said: "There are a different number of things we have got. We have got some brilliant players, different options to choose from. We will look at the balance of the side but we will discuss it over today's course."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-eyes-illustrious-records-in-chennai-test-against-india-361081" hreflang="en">Joe Root eyes illustrious records in Chennai Test against India</a>

India and England will play four Test matches with the first two scheduled to be played in Chennai and the remaining two in world's largest cricket stadium - Sardar Patel Stadium - in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

The Virat Kohli-led outfit will look to continue their domination on home soil. India last lost a Test match in home conditions in the year 2016 and last Test series in 2012.

&nbsp;

England batsman Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the first two Tests against India with a jarred wrist, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday.

England batsman Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the first two Tests against India with a jarred wrist, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday. Crawley, 23, had slipped on a marble floor outside the dressing room during training ahead of the first Test against India in Chennai, starting from Friday. Crawley, with the slip, sprained the joint which led to local inflammation. The England medical team will continue to assess Crawley's progress over the next few weeks. "Scan results have confirmed that Crawley has jarred his right wrist, which has sprained the joint and led to local inflammation," the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement. "It's really frustrating and frustrating for Zak in particular," Joe Root, the England captain, told reporters during a virtual press conference on the eve of the first Test in Chennai. ALSO READ: New Zealand deserve to be in WTC final, India focused on England series: Ajinkya Rahane "It was a freak accident, walking out of the change room and slipped over and landed on his wrist. Hope it's the last one," he said. However, Root didn't reveal who would replace the Kent batsman, who smashed 267 runs for his maiden Test century against Pakistan at Southampton in August. When asked whether Root would promote himself up at number three in the batting line-up, the England Test captain said: "There are a different number of things we have got. We have got some brilliant players, different options to choose from. We will look at the balance of the side but we will discuss it over today's course." ALSO READ: Joe Root eyes illustrious records in Chennai Test against India India and England will play four Test matches with the first two scheduled to be played in Chennai and the remaining two in world's largest cricket stadium - Sardar Patel Stadium - in Ahmedabad. The Virat Kohli-led outfit will look to continue their domination on home soil. India last lost a Test match in home conditions in the year 2016 and last Test series in 2012.

England's Zak Crawley ruled out of first two Tests vs India

Zak Crawley struck his maiden Test century after Pakistan saw off England captain Joe Root on the opening day of the series finale at Southampton on Friday.

Crawley, 97 not out at tea, took two down to fine leg off Mohammad Abbas before an offside glide off the paceman saw him to a 171-ball hundred, including 11 fours in what was his eighth Test.

This was just the fourth first-class century of the 22-year-old right-hander's career and it was an especially valuable innings, with no other England batsman having made more than Root's 29 as they reached tea on 184-4.

Yasir Shah had interval figures of 2-60 from 19 overs -- a fine return for a leg-spinner on the first day of a Test.&nbsp;

England, 1-0 up in a three-match contest, need to avoid defeat if they are to win their first series against Pakistan in 10 years.

They suffered an early setback when Rory Burns nicked a full-length ball from fellow left-hander Shaheen Afridi that moved away late, with Shan Masood holding a good low catch at fourth slip.&nbsp;

Burns stood his ground but replays confirmed it was a fair catch and he was out for six, the batsman now averaging a lowly five from four innings in a tough series for openers.

Crawley, fresh from his 53 in the second innings of the drawn and second Test at Southampton, a match marred by bad weather, cut Yasir for four and glanced fast bowler Naseem Shah for another boundary.

But a second-wicket stand worth of 61 ended when Dom Sibley, going down the pitch to Yasir, was given out lbw for 22.

Sibley reviewed but, once again this season, a decision by umpire Michael Gough was upheld, with tracking technology indicating the ball would have hit middle stump.

Crawley brought up an 80-ball fifty off the last ball of the session when, tempted to drive after Pakistan reinforced the slip cordon, he struck Afridi to long-off for a stylish four .

England 91-2 at lunch, lost two wickets early in the second session to be 127-4.

<h2>- Naseem gets Root -</h2>

There was little Root could do on 29 when a full-length delivery from teenage paceman Naseem seamed away late to take the outside edge, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan holding a fine diving catch.

Ollie Pope was then once again this series undone by Yasir's quicker delivery when clean bowled for three hanging back in the crease. &nbsp;

But Crawley surpassed his previous Test-best of 76, which he made last month against the West Indies at Southampton.

England made just one change to their second Test team, with fast bowler Jofra Archer replacing Sam Curran.

Left-arm seamer Curran had been brought into the side in place of Ben Stokes, with the star all-rounder missing the last two Tests of the series to be with his ill father in New Zealand.

Pakistan were unchanged for another match being played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus.

Zak Crawley struck his maiden Test century after Pakistan saw off England captain Joe Root on the opening day of the series finale at Southampton on Friday. Crawley, 97 not out at tea, took two down to fine leg off Mohammad Abbas before an offside glide off the paceman saw him to a 171-ball hundred, including 11 fours in what was his eighth Test.

Zak Crawley struck his maiden Test century after Pakistan saw off England captain Joe Root on the opening day of the series finale at Southampton on Friday. Crawley, 97 not out at tea, took two down to fine leg off Mohammad Abbas before an offside glide off the paceman saw him to a 171-ball hundred, including 11 fours in what was his eighth Test. This was just the fourth first-class century of the 22-year-old right-hander's career and it was an especially valuable innings, with no other England batsman having made more than Root's 29 as they reached tea on 184-4. Yasir Shah had interval figures of 2-60 from 19 overs -- a fine return for a leg-spinner on the first day of a Test. England, 1-0 up in a three-match contest, need to avoid defeat if they are to win their first series against Pakistan in 10 years. They suffered an early setback when Rory Burns nicked a full-length ball from fellow left-hander Shaheen Afridi that moved away late, with Shan Masood holding a good low catch at fourth slip. Burns stood his ground but replays confirmed it was a fair catch and he was out for six, the batsman now averaging a lowly five from four innings in a tough series for openers. Crawley, fresh from his 53 in the second innings of the drawn and second Test at Southampton, a match marred by bad weather, cut Yasir for four and glanced fast bowler Naseem Shah for another boundary. But a second-wicket stand worth of 61 ended when Dom Sibley, going down the pitch to Yasir, was given out lbw for 22. Sibley reviewed but, once again this season, a decision by umpire Michael Gough was upheld, with tracking technology indicating the ball would have hit middle stump. Crawley brought up an 80-ball fifty off the last ball of the session when, tempted to drive after Pakistan reinforced the slip cordon, he struck Afridi to long-off for a stylish four . England 91-2 at lunch, lost two wickets early in the second session to be 127-4. - Naseem gets Root - There was little Root could do on 29 when a full-length delivery from teenage paceman Naseem seamed away late to take the outside edge, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan holding a fine diving catch. Ollie Pope was then once again this series undone by Yasir's quicker delivery when clean bowled for three hanging back in the crease. But Crawley surpassed his previous Test-best of 76, which he made last month against the West Indies at Southampton. England made just one change to their second Test team, with fast bowler Jofra Archer replacing Sam Curran. Left-arm seamer Curran had been brought into the side in place of Ben Stokes, with the star all-rounder missing the last two Tests of the series to be with his ill father in New Zealand. Pakistan were unchanged for another match being played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus.

England's Crawley hits maiden Test century as Pakistan dismiss Root

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