But, by the time he has called time on his career, it’s likely that Zak Crawley’s name will feature near the top of a list that already includes Michael Slater, Mike Gatting, and Graham Thorpe.
Crawley’s performances against Pakistan – in particular his epic innings of 267 in the third and final Test of a rain-ravaged series – have suddenly thrust the Kent man onto the global stage.
And his mastery of Pakistan’s bowling attack at the Ageas Bowl suggests he’ll remain there for some time to come – much to the delight of Michael Haire, the Sydney coach who picked him up from the airport and then saw Crawley’s game take flight Down Under back in 2018/19.
“A very, very impressive young man,” he tells The Cricket Paper. “And someone whose smile never left his face.”
The Crawley grin was very much in evidence for England in the four Tests he played this summer, and it’s little wonder given his run-scoring feats.
The 22-year-old will look back on an extraordinary few months of cricket, his one regret doubtless being that no supporters were allowed to enter the ground to see him become the third youngest double centurion in English Test history.
That doesn’t mean he was short of people willing him on, though.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 30, 2020-Ausgabe von The Cricket Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 30, 2020-Ausgabe von The Cricket Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.