Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed deep frustration over opener Zak Crawley's manner of dismissal during the first innings of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. Crawley was dismissed leg before wicket for just 18 runs, a dismissal Vaughan believes should not happen to a top-order batter.
Vaughan's Scathing Critique on Concentration
Speaking on the BBC's Test Match Special podcast, Vaughan did not mince his words. "Zak Crawley frustrates the life out of me," Vaughan stated bluntly. He pinpointed the batsman's focus as a major flaw, suggesting his "concentration levels are not the strongest."
Vaughan observed a change in Crawley's approach from the start of the series, noting his trademark big drives had vanished, but argued that was not the problem in Sydney. "The ball that got him out should not have got him out," he explained. "It was just a ball which nipped back slightly and he played it too square on the on side. There must be something in his concentration." Vaughan emphasised that such a delivery should not trouble a quality opener.
Crawley's Series Context and Technical Tweak
The criticism comes despite Crawley entering the Sydney Test as England's leading run-scorer in what has been a challenging tour for the visitors. For this final match, Crawley had made a technical adjustment, shifting his guard across the stumps. However, he fell LBW while playing across a straight delivery from Australian bowler Michael Neser.
"He looks such a good player – and then just gets out," Vaughan remarked, capturing the enigma that has often surrounded Crawley's promising but inconsistent Test career.
A Plea for Patience from Vaughan
Despite his clear exasperation, Vaughan firmly believes the England selectors must keep faith with the lanky opener. He dismissed critics who point to Crawley's modest Test average. "I hear fans around the world saying Crawley averages 30, but there’s a bigger average in him than he’s giving at the moment," Vaughan argued.
He reiterated that the solution is purely mental. "It’s just concentration. I know there is a lot more in the tank and I do think England have to stay with him," he said. Vaughan outlined the potential he sees, stating Crawley needs to understand the level of focus required to elevate his game. "The movement he had today was fantastic but he needs to understand the concentration levels required at this kind of level to go on and average 40 to 45 over the course of the next two or three years. I think he could do if he can find that concentration."
The debate around Zak Crawley's place at the top of the order is sure to continue, but for now, a influential voice like Michael Vaughan is advocating for patience, hoping the talented batsman can finally convert his obvious potential into consistent, match-defining scores.
