Zak Crawley keeps cool as Ashes focus shifts from his future to team issues

What began as a referendum on Zak Crawley’s England career has faded as other issues in the side have become more urgent.

One notable selection story on the tour is spinner Shoaib Bashir, who has been named in the 12 for Sydney despite not taking a wicket in a competitive match since July.

Crawley is preparing for his 64th Test, averaging 31 across his career and this series. Despite a pair in the first Test, he remains England’s top scorer heading into the fifth match.

He has been part of 30 England Test victories — one fewer than Michael Atherton but in significantly fewer matches — and has shown different modes this tour: restrained resilience in Adelaide and a jaunty 37 in Melbourne that included a straight six called the shot of the series.

Crawley says he feels at home at the SCG, where he spent time playing Sydney grade cricket, and believes a good score there would underline a successful tour and extend his run in the Test side.

At a press conference two days before the match he sounded calm and focused, saying he wanted a couple of bigger scores to change games, that the Melbourne chase gave clarity about their approach, and that he tries to "lead by example".

He praised team-mate Matthew Potts for his skill and heart and indicated England would look to put pressure on whichever bowlers play, including spinner Todd Murphy.

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