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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