The Newz Radar
Vishakapatnam: England batter Zak Crawley has said that he’s going to continue with his aggressive style of play as that has helped him with his consistency.
The batter had scored a stroke-filled 76 off just 78 balls but Jasprit Bumrah’s 6/45 derailed England’s innings afterwards on day 2 (Feb 3) of the second Test in Vizag. Crawley, however, remains firm on playing attacking cricket, a norm under skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, as that’s what got him where he is at the moment.
âIâm happy that Iâm much more aggressive now and thatâs helped with consistency. I wasnât happy to get out when I did but Iâd definitely do the same thing. If that one doesnât turn and I hit him over his head for six then suddenly heâs under a lot of pressure and I can milk him for two hours or whatever. Thereâs risk and reward there,” said the England batter after the second day’s play.
On being asked if he was disappointed about his dismissal or if that is his style of play, Crawley said: “Definitely the second one. If I start doubting myself in those situations and not backing my instincts, then I revert to the player I was a couple of years ago, not scoring many runs for my team.”
âIâve done it before and it came off, but it didnât come off today. I was disappointed with myself, especially when the wickets fell after. But Iâll keep telling myself to back my aggressive game because thatâs what got me here,â he added.
England were cruising along nicely at 114-1 before Crawley was dismissed by Axar Patel. The visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals after that as Bumrah conjured one of the best spells of his career, especially in India. India pacer’s 6/45 ensured England fold out 143-run short of India’s first innings total of 396.
The day ended with the hosts at 28/0 in the second innings as their total lead grew to 171.
