Crawley getting mixed signals from coach McCullum on how to bat at the top: Hussain
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain said that while opener Zak Crawley could be a great player if he hits well, those “wow opportunities” are rare, adding he should only be given one more chance to prove himself .
England Test coach Brendon McCullum has indicated he is likely to believe in the out-of-form Crawley and play him in the second Test against South Africa in Manchester from August 25, saying the “total package” needs to be considered.
Crawley has endured a sustained slump in form at the top, with the 24-year-old opener managing just nine and 13 against the Proteas in the opening Test at Lord’s, which England lost by an innings and 12 runs in three days. The right-hand batsman has another half-century to score for his country in 10 innings this summer.
Hussain felt Crawley was getting conflicting messages from coach McCullum about how to bat at the top.
“I actually felt like Zak Crawley was trying to leave the ball more in the second innings against India at Edgbaston and at Lord’s (in the test against South Africa), trying to play late and learning from the opponents’ openers do it. So for me it’s a bit of a mixed message from McCullum to say that he and England need to be tougher in the second test at Old Trafford,” Hussain said in his column for Daily Mail.
“When Crawley plays England have to be crystal clear about what they want from him because I don’t understand McCullum’s comments about not wanting him to be consistent. Sure you look for consistency from your players – that’s what you’re looking for and that’s what England gets from the likes of (Joe) Root and Jimmy Anderson.
“As it is, this attitude puts Crawley out a cop. He might be thinking, “Maybe today just isn’t my day. My technique is not suitable to be a constant player. Instead, his goal should be to do whatever it takes to get through difficult situations and conditions when it’s not his day. Test match cricket is about making an impact when it’s tough and tiring,” said Hussain.
Hussain said he would give Crawley the advantage to play at Old Trafford in the second Test as it is as “difficult as it can get” to strike first at a Lord’s wicket in the first Test.
“I can understand why England are sticking with Crawley. He’s a wow player when he hits well. But the problem is that those wow opportunities are becoming rarer and he’s averaging an 18.6 in his last 18 tests. I’d give him one more game now because after losing that throw, Lords was about as difficult as it can get against these four excellent southern African sailors. It should be flatter at Old Trafford,” said Hussain.
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