Ashes 2023, 4th Test, Day 2: Zak Crawley’s brilliance help England take lead at stumps

On a brilliant day of Test cricket at Old Trafford, the English team delivered an exceptional batting performance, led by the impressive Zak Crawley. At the beginning of the day, Australia resumed their batting at 299/8. The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, was swiftly dismissed by James Anderson on the very first delivery.

Although Mitchell Starc contributed some runs, Chris Woakes’ exceptional bowling led to Australia being bowled out for 317 runs, with Woakes claiming five wickets by dismissing Josh Hazlewood.

In response to Australia’s total, England began their innings but lost their opener, Ben Duckett, early on. Zak Crawley teamed up with Moeen Ali, and together, they put on a partnership of 121 runs for the second wicket. Both batsmen reached half-centuries, and Zak Crawley, in particular, displayed an outstanding performance with a high strike rate. Later, Mitchell Starc dismissed Moeen Ali when he had scored 54 runs.

Joe Root then joined forces with Zak Crawley, and both batsmen wreaked havoc on the Australian bowlers. During the afternoon session, they scored an impressive 178 runs in just 25 overs, with Crawley achieving his fastest century in Test cricket, taking only 99 deliveries. Joe Root also showcased excellent form and executed some unbelievable reverse scoop shots against the strong Australian bowling lineup.

Their partnership reached 206 runs for the third wicket. Crawley was on track to score a double century, but his brilliant innings came to an end when he was dismissed by Chris Green at 189 runs.

Following Joe Root’s dismissal by Hazlewood after scoring 84 runs, Harry Brook and Skipper Ben Stokes took charge, stabilizing the innings and maintaining the momentum for England. By the day’s end, England had reached a score of 384/4, holding a 67-run lead.

Both batsmen are currently in excellent form and well-established, with their sights set on expanding the lead even further to apply pressure on the Australian team. The day was witness to over 400 runs being scored and six wickets falling, truly embodying the spirit of Ashes cricket.

Zak Crawley stood out as the day’s star performer, exhibiting exceptional play, and England asserted their dominance over the proceedings.