Crawley’s steady '31' frames England's Ashes finale at the SCG

When the series began it was cast by some as a referendum on Zak Crawley’s England career. That question has become less dominant as other problems in England’s campaign have taken precedence. Crawley, preparing for his 64th Test — 10th on the all-time list for England openers — arrives in Sydney averaging 31.

That average has been a defining feature of his Test career and this tour: feast or famine, yet unshakably himself. Despite making a pair in the first Test, Crawley was still England’s top scorer heading into the fifth. Across the tour he has shown variation: a restrained four-hour knock on a wearing Adelaide pitch and a jaunty 37 in Melbourne’s fourth-innings chase that included a straight six over long on described as the shot of the series.

He has also found a form of home in Sydney, after an extended spell in Sydney grade cricket. A strong score at the SCG would cement the view that this has been a successful tour for him and strengthen his personal case to remain in the Test side. Two days before the match Crawley sounded calm and collected in the SCG media room, describing his approach as leading by example and staying in his lane.

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Health, United States, Sports, Zak Crawley, Ashes, England Cricket, Scg