Key Points

Zak Crawley opened up about his 84-run innings, emphasizing the importance of playing each ball on merit. He praised Ben Duckett's aggressive mindset, calling him the "leader of the partnership." England ended Day 2 at 225/2, still trailing India's first-innings total. The match remains finely poised as both teams battle for dominance in the fourth Test.

Key Points: Zak Crawley credits instincts for 84-run knock against India in Manchester Test

  • Crawley scored 84 off 113 balls with 13 boundaries and a six
  • He credited trusting instincts for his improved performance
  • Partner Ben Duckett contributed 94 in their 166-run opening stand
  • England ended Day 2 at 225/2, trailing India by 133 runs
2 min read

Just tried to play every ball on its merit: Zak Crawley on his 84-run knock against India in Manchester Test

England opener Zak Crawley reflects on his 84-run innings and partnership with Ben Duckett as England trail India in the fourth Test.

"I just tried to play every ball on its merit. I think I premeditated too much in the last few games. – Zak Crawley"

Manchester, July 25

England opener Zak Crawley expressed his thoughts on his innings that he played on the second day of the ongoing fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, which is being played at Old Trafford in Manchester.

On Thursday, Crawley slammed 84 runs off 113 balls before going back to the pavilion, which was laced with 13 boundaries and one maximum in his innings.

Speaking on his knock, the right-hand batter said, as quoted by Sky Sports, "I just tried to play every ball on its merit. I think I premeditated too much in the last few games. I just have to trust my instincts that I am going to defend a good ball and attack in my areas. I felt I did that today and judged length pretty well. Some of my dismissals have been half-hearted. They have looked aggressive, but in my mind, too half-hearted, but I hit it today."

Crawley, along with his partner Ben Duckett, built a mammoth partnership of 166 runs for the first wicket. Duckett played a brilliant innings of 94 runs from 100 balls, which came with the help of 13 fours.

Speaking on Duckett's performance and the partnership with him, the 27-year-old player said, "Duckett is extremely good, an unbelievable player, and we talk a lot out in the middle about how we are going to go about it. He is a phenomenal thinker about the game and hits it in areas where it is hard to contain him. I just try to stay with him and hit a couple of nice drives. He is the leader of the partnership."

Recapping Day 2 of the Manchester Test, the partnership between openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley helped England to score 225 runs for the loss of two wickets at the end of the play on the second day against India in the ongoing fourth Test of the five-match series at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday.

At stumps, the Three Lions were 225/2 with Ollie Pope and Joe Root unbeaten on the crease. Enhans still trails India's total of 358 by 133 runs.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
England's openers played well but 133 runs behind is still a big gap. Our batsmen set a good total and I trust our bowlers to defend it. Crawley's technique against spin still looks vulnerable - Ashwin should exploit that tomorrow!
R
Rohit P
Honestly, England's batting was impressive today. But test cricket is about consistency over 5 days. Remember how we collapsed in the 2nd innings last test? Need to stay patient and bowl tight lines tomorrow. #Cricket
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows both teams, Crawley's knock was classy but I feel India still has the upper hand. The new ball will be crucial tomorrow morning - if England loses quick wickets, the game could turn quickly!
V
Vikram M
England's Bazball approach is entertaining but test matches in England are won by bowlers. Our pace attack is better suited for these conditions long-term. Crawley got lucky with a couple of edges today that didn't carry! 😅
N
Nisha Z
While Crawley played well, I'm disappointed with our field placements today. Too many boundaries through cover region - our captain should have plugged those gaps earlier. Need sharper tactics tomorrow!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50