UNDER-FIRE Zak Crawley has been given Brendon McCullum's full backing to carry on opening the batting in Manchester - and prove he can still be a Test success.
Boss McCullum is prepared to give the struggling Kent star another shot in the second clash with South Africa starting on Thursday, despite him struggling badly for form and confidence.
Crawley has endured a miserable summer with the bat.
He was out cheaply again as England's exciting new Test world came crashing down with their hammering by an innings and 12 runs from South Africa at Lord's well inside three days.
The 24-year-old has managed a meagre 164 runs from his last 10 Test knocks.
And some former players have suggested it would be kinder for Crawley to remove him from the firing line for a while.
He looked out of sorts against the potent Proteas attack but McCullum refuses to give up hope and insists there will be no sudden changes.
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
DINE & DASH
No worry Wolves enjoy try feast... as 'no effort Giants pay bill
LOOK BAKU IN ANGER. LANDO
Norris sees world title bid dented as the wheels come off in qualifying nightmare | \"My car's quick but don't expect magic from 16th on this street circuit...
Mum saved my life and now against the odds I've had my own miracle baby
EVERY year, grateful Jessica Chriss celebrates two birthdays.
My bond with mum of Brianna's killer
Esther Ghey thanks murderer Scarlett's mother for support as festival opens
FURY AT WHITE WIDOW MOVIE EL
survivor Mall massacre slams 'biased' project
Talk to your children about their feelings
Tom & Giovanna back mental health campaign
I wanted revenge now I'm fighting to end the violence
WHEN Tim Edwards’ daughter Elle was killed in the crossfire of a senseless gang war, understandably he wanted retribution.
OOPS..WE BOOKED INTO A SEX HOTEL
Kelly Brook on her night in naughty motel with hubby
It's time for Harry to stop living in the past
PRINCE Harry's 40th birthday is a milestone in more ways than one.
A HUG FOR SVEN
Statue of tate Enqtand. boss in his home town to be heated so It's warm to touch