England Faces Crucial Batting Decisions Ahead of Test Series Against India and Australia

Posted : 02 May 2025

England selector Luke Wright highlighted that "runs are the currency" as pressure mounts on the team’s batting line-up ahead of crucial series against India and Australia later this year. Opener Zak Crawley and number three Ollie Pope have both been retained for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, though they will face competition from Jacob Bethell, who impressed in his debut series against New Zealand but is unavailable for this match due to his commitments in the IPL.

Wright acknowledged the constant scrutiny players face in international cricket but expressed confidence that Crawley and Pope could perform well, given their potential to strengthen the team.

Bethell, a 21-year-old left-hander, seized the opportunity to bat at number three in New Zealand, scoring half-centuries in all three Tests. Wright praised his development, noting the advantage of his left-arm spin and his experience batting alongside India’s Virat Kohli at the IPL. When Bethell returns for the five-Test series against India in June, England will have a tough decision to make.

Pope, currently vice-captain, could be the most vulnerable in his position, while Crawley also faces pressure after struggling with form in recent months. Wright emphasized the challenges of opening the batting at international level and maintained that loyalty should be shown to players who have previously excelled.

Crawley has had a difficult run, with a disappointing series in New Zealand where he averaged just 8.66, the lowest for an England opener in a series with at least six innings. His County Championship form hasn’t improved either, having failed to reach double figures in his four appearances for Kent.

Despite this, Wright pointed to Crawley’s past success against India and Australia, urging patience. He acknowledged that dips in form are inevitable in international cricket but maintained that Crawley remains capable of a strong performance, particularly in the upcoming summer.

Meanwhile, England’s bowling department will also be reshuffled with uncapped Essex seamer Sam Cook included for the Zimbabwe Test due to a series of injuries. Wright confirmed that Australian-born Dan Worrall, who has qualified for England, wasn’t considered for selection.

On the all-rounder front, captain Ben Stokes, recovering from hamstring surgery, is expected to perform a full role, although his workload will be carefully managed to prevent overexertion. Stokes could play for England Lions in May and June as part of his red-ball recovery, potentially alongside Jofra Archer, who is also building up to return to Test cricket after a lengthy injury layoff.

England Faces Crucial Batting Decisions Ahead of Test Series Against India and Australia

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics