LAND OF POPE & CRAWLEY

Vice-captain backs Zak

- NEIL MOXLEY

OLLIE POPE believes it’s quality as much as quantity as far as Zak Crawley is concerned – and is adamant the opener will prove himself an Ashes matchwinner. 

England’s vice-captain has given his colleague a big thumbs-up ahead of a series which could prove make or break for the Kent right-hander.

After being promoted to the senior side three years ago, the batsman averages 28 and his is the one spot in Ben Stokes’ line-up that has come under the spotlight.

However, Pope – who grew up playing against Crawley (right) on the Surrey junior scene – says that his pal delivers when it matters. He said: “Zak has come into the side after Alastair Cook – what a legend of the game he was – and he averaged 40-odd.