Crawley 1st Eng opener to score duck in both innings of men’s Test in 26 yrs
The ongoing first Ashes Test match between England and Australia has seen its fair share of dramatic moments, but one record that has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts is the unfortunate feat achieved by England opener Zak Crawley. Crawley has become the first England opener to score a duck in both innings of a men’s Test in 26 years, a record that is sure to raise eyebrows.
In the first innings, Crawley was dismissed for a duck, scoring 0 runs off 6 deliveries. The England opener was unable to make an impact, and his innings was cut short by the Australian bowlers. However, it was hoped that he would bounce back in the second innings and make a significant contribution to the team’s total. Unfortunately, that was not the case, as Crawley was dismissed for another duck, this time scoring 0 runs off 5 deliveries.
This feat is all the more notable, given that it has been 26 years since an England opener last achieved this unwanted record. The last time an England opener scored a duck in both innings of a Test was in 1999, when Mike Atherton achieved this feat against South Africa in Johannesburg. Atherton, who is now a renowned cricket commentator, would likely have been watching Crawley’s innings with interest, and perhaps a tinge of sympathy.
The Ashes series is one of the most highly anticipated and closely watched cricket series in the world, and the first Test match has already seen its fair share of twists and turns. The Australian team, led by Pat Cummins, has been in impressive form, and their bowlers have been able to exert significant pressure on the English batsmen. The English team, on the other hand, has struggled to find its footing, and the loss of early wickets has put them on the back foot.
Crawley’s performance, or rather lack thereof, has been a major talking point in the cricketing world. The young opener has shown promise in the past, but his inability to make an impact in this Test match has raised questions about his technique and his ability to handle pressure. The English team management will likely be looking to work with Crawley to identify the issues and help him regain his form.
The record achieved by Crawley is also a reminder of the challenges faced by openers in Test cricket. The role of an opener is one of the most demanding in the game, requiring a combination of skill, technique, and mental toughness. Openers are often expected to set the tone for the team’s innings, and their performance can have a significant impact on the outcome of the match.
As the Ashes series progresses, it will be interesting to see how Crawley responds to this setback. Will he be able to bounce back and make a significant contribution to the English team, or will he continue to struggle? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the pressure will be on Crawley to perform, and he will need to dig deep to find the form that has made him a promising young player.
In conclusion, Zak Crawley’s achievement of scoring a duck in both innings of a men’s Test is a notable one, and a reminder of the challenges faced by openers in the game. While it is an unwanted record, it is also an opportunity for Crawley to learn and grow from his experience. As the cricketing world watches with interest, one thing is certain – the Ashes series is going to be a thrilling ride, full of twists and turns.
News Source: https://x.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/1992079347201782212
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