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.
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.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.
