Zak Crawley: England opener smashes 189 to stun Australia at Old Trafford | Ashes 2023

Zak Crawley's remarkable 189 left Australia stunned and England on the path to a potential series comeback on the second day of the fourth Ashes 2023 Test.

Crawley's outstanding performance included the highest score by an England batter in a home Ashes Test in 26 years, giving the hosts a golden opportunity to level the series at 2-2. His innings, which comprised 21 fours and three sixes, powered England to a commanding 384/4, securing a lead of 67 runs.

The young batsman first partnered with Moeen Ali, who scored an impressive 54 at number three, and then built an explosive double-century stand with former captain Joe Root, who narrowly missed a century, being dismissed for 84.

Crawley's batting display simply dismantled the Australian bowling attack. His acceleration from 50 to 100 runs in just 26 balls marked England's fourth-fastest century in Ashes cricket, achieved in a mere 93 deliveries.

During the session between lunch and tea, Crawley blazed an astounding 106 runs from 82 balls, while his partnership with Root accumulated 206 runs in only 186 deliveries. The Australian team struggled to contain Crawley's onslaught, leading to ragged fielding and fatigued bowlers.

Although Crawley and Root fell victim to deliveries that kept low, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes laid a strong foundation for further attacking the following morning, closing the day with an unbroken partnership of 33 runs.

Also read: Major League Cricket debuts in the USA but can it really gain popularity in America?