The young English opener, Zak Crawley on Tuesday echoed opposition vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane’s sentiments on the Motera strip which he believes will be “similar” in nature but the batsmen will find it easier with the red ball. England has been pummelled by India for 317 runs and 10 wickets respectively on successive rank turners and the hosts would like to make it 3-1 in their bid to book the World Test Championship final berth.
Talking about the pitch during a virtual press conference, Zak Crawley said, “It wasn’t easy to score for sure, but it was the same for both sides, and they played very well compared to us. So, we had our chance to bat first and did well, and unfortunately, we didn’t play well as we needed to. It depends on the pitch obviously, but I do think that it will be slightly easier. I felt that the pink ball was a bit harder (to play) and that ball skidded on quite quickly.”
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Crawley conceded that Axar’s arm ball will be a massive threat as it might not skid on with the same pace as the pink ball but it won’t be completely different. He was the only half centurion for England in the last game. The 23-year-old Crawley, who has played 11 Tests in his international career so far, lavished praise on left-arm spinner Axar Patel, who has grabbed 18 wickets from two Test matches that he has played.
Talking about Axar, Crawley said, “You know, he (Axar) is a very good bowler, especially in these conditions, he has been very accurate, he doesn’t give you much to score, and he has got one that goes straight on, in these conditions, one (to) turn, so he is very good bowler.”
England is out of contention from the World Test Championship, while India can’t afford to lose the game in order to qualify for the summit clash at Lord’s against New Zealand. However, Crawley insisted that it will still be a massive game for the visitors.
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Crawley explained, “It is a massive game. Obviously, a big game for them (India), they want to be in the World (Test) Championship final, so it is still lots to play for, whether it is the Test championship or not, you want to win every Test match playing.”
