Walker's Got A 2020 Vision For Big Star Zak

Kent head coach Matt Walker has backed Zak Crawley to be playing for England by the end of 2020 but has urged the selectors to be “clever” in deciding when they give the 21-year-old his full debut.

- Paul Edwards

Crawley’s 708 runs in Division One this season have included two centuries and five fifties and despite the fact he has only played 32 first-class matches in barely more than two years, Walker is confident the opener will be sporting the crown and three lions on his chest sooner rather than later.

“I think Zak Crawley will be playing for England by the end of next year, I think he’s that good,” he said. “There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind he’s going to be an England cricketer. He’s played innings against good bowling like a top-drawer international player.

“But he’s still learning. You have to remember he’s really only in his second full season and, as in all these things, timing can be quite important. To throw Zak into the Ashes series this summer is a big ask but with the right management around his career, you have a player who I think could have a ten or 15-year career for England. If people are clever with the timing, you could see a very fine England player for a long time.”

However, it is not only Crawley’s talent which has impressed his county coach. Walker believes Crawley also has the attitude and work ethic required.