It is a big decision for England’s cricket team as they search for an opening line-up. They are understandably looking ahead toward a tough summer full of high-profile test series with India and Australia. Stars Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope are under even harsher microscopes given the testy downturn in their respective forms of late. They, in turn, are hell bent on establishing themselves in the side.
In England, their national team is about to name its squad. On May 22, they will take on Zimbabwe in a one-off test at Trent Bridge. Crawley’s form has been poor, with just one fifty in his last 14 Test innings. Meanwhile, Pope has gone the other way, having two fifties in his last 11 Test innings. Both of those players have been kept on for the rematch. They’re under the gun to deliver as competition continues to grow fiercer.
Luke Wright, the England selector, appeared to admit the burden of expectation hanging over the pair. He emphasized the harsh realities of international cricket, stating that “In international cricket, someone is always under pressure or scrutiny from the outside.” Wright further noted that “any player will tell you that runs are the currency. Any batter wants to get runs.”
As England prepares for this summer’s fixtures, including a five-test series against India starting at Headingley on June 20, the pressure intensifies. Wright was confident in Crawley and Pope — both of whom he expects to get the call-up — to rise to the occasion. “This is no different. I have no doubt those boys will do well. When they are playing well, we’re a better team,” he said.
The lack of recently converted promising young talent Jacob Bethell makes this a very precarious situation. He is now representing his franchise in the Indian Premier League and will miss the Zimbabwe test. Bethell had a breakout performance during the recent test series in New Zealand. He made three fifties in just six innings! His incredible performance might be pressure on Crawley and Pope as they continue to fight to keep their places.
Wright was realistic regarding the hurdles that any player faces taking up the opening the batting role at test level. “We all know opening the batting in international cricket is incredibly tough,” he remarked. He admitted that Crawley would have reason to be disappointed with his performance on the last half-year. That doesn’t preclude him from enjoying a summer of success.
Leave a Reply