Ashes 2023: 189 at Manchester is my best innings in Test cricket, says Zak Crawley

England opener Zak Crawley has ranked his 189 at Old Trafford, Manchester in the fourth Ashes Test match against Australia as his best innings in Test cricket. Unfortunately, Crawley’s heroics went in vain as the penultimate Test match ended in draw after rain gods played spoilsport.

With this draw, Australia has retained the Ashes having a 2-1 lead in the series, with one Test match still to go. Meanwhile, Crawley batted at his absolute best as he was relentless against the visitors.

Crawley completed his century off just 93 balls, the third fastest for England against Australia and the second fastest at Old Trafford after Sir Ian Botham’s 86-ball century.

The England opener added a gargantuan alliance of 206 runs with Joe Root, who scored a fine knock of 84 runs. The youngster played a magnum opus knock of 189 runs off just 182 balls as he batted at his absolute best.

Crawley played with an aggressive approach and also rotated the strike with great consistency to frustrate the visitors.

“I’d say this is my best innings, it’s my favorite one. I felt in good touch, I knew a score was coming if I stuck with the process,” Crawley said in the post match presentation.

“I haven’t been stuck at one end against quality bowling, they haven’t had a chance to set me up. I’ve tried to take a few more singles and get boundaries when I get going. I take a lot of confidence, every bowler I’ve faced from their side has been high quality,” Crawley further added.

Despite a thumping performance, England had to settle for a draw as the fifth day was washed out due to rain and only 30 overs were possible on the penultimate day.

“We were in a really good position to win but weather ruined it. We’ll go on to the next one and hope to win. We played a lot of good cricket on Day 3 and even yesterday but the rain cost us,” Crawley said.

Crawley was able to prove his mettle as he converted his start into a big score. The fifth and final Test match will be played at Kennington Oval, London from July 27.