Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope are experienced Test cricketers – it’s time for them to bat like it
An example could be found in the man who presented Crawley with his 50th cap, his opening partner Ben Duckett. He is a bit older and has fewer caps, but is getting better all the time and has added the straight, lofted drive to his repertoire this year so he is not limited to sweeping spinners.
Another England batsman who finished on 52 Tests was Mark Ramprakash. He averaged just 27, but would have loved the faith of the selectors that Pope and Crawley have enjoyed. The circumstances are different, but neither man wants to be remembered in the same way as Ramps, an immensely talented Test cricketer, but an enigma who could not quite hack it consistently.
Guilty or not guilty: Pope and Crawley’s dismissals this series
Ollie Pope
0 c Jamal b Naseem
Having spent 149 overs in the field as captain, an injury to Duckett forced Pope to open. Extraordinarily, he picked out midwicket second ball. A brilliant catch, but an overeager shot. GUILTY
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