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Zak Crawley Unlocks Rare Landmark During Belligerent Knock in Manchester Test

image-lkbh3y7zZak Crawley in action [AP]

England opener Zak Crawley shined as brightly as the sun shone in Manchester on Day 2 of the fourth Ashes 2023 Test at Old Trafford. The right-hander, who faced criticism as inadequate to open at the Test level, smashed a blistering century that left Australian captain Pat Cummins scratching his head in search of answers.


Zak Crawley's 93-ball ton scripts history

Crawley brought up his first Ashes hundred with an aggressive innings, reaching the landmark in just 93 balls. This feat has made it the fastest century by an England player against Australia in the 21st century.

Not only this, but Crawley's scintillating 93-ball century now stands as the fourth quickest hundred by an English batter against Australia, following Gilbert Jessop's 76 at The Oval in 1902 and Ian Botham's two 86-ball centuries at Leeds and Old Trafford, respectively, both in 1981.

Crawley's onslaught put Australia under relentless pressure. The batsman expertly manipulated the field, picking gaps and fine-tuning angles as if effortlessly. Notably, he recorded his first fifty in 67 balls before blasting the next fifty off just 26 deliveries.

The Tea offered some respite for the beleaguered Australians on a day that arguably marked Cummins' most challenging as a captain. Dismissed with the first ball of the day and hammered for runs as a bowler, the Australian skipper wrestled with his field placements.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, in response to Australia's 317, England had a shaky start when Ben Duckett was dismissed by Mitchell Starc early on. However, Crawley and Moeen's unanticipated yet effective partnership steadied the ship. The duo initiated a cautious approach before shifting gears. 

Supporting Crawley's phenomenal performance, Moeen, adapting to his top-order role, contributed a solid 54 off 82 balls, presenting a surprisingly effective partnership that nobody foresaw at the series' outset. He was dismissed by Starc as Usman Khawaja caught a stunning catch at mid-wicket. 

Their valiant efforts resulted in England's dominance on day 2 of the Test, as they cruised to 384 for four at stumps.