England cricket team is looking for a replacement for injured Zak Crawley for the upcoming test series against Sri Lanka. Crawley fractured his finger during the third test against West Indies when he dropped a catch at second slip.
The X-ray confirmed the fracture of his index finger. With England set to play a test series against Sri Lanka beginning on August 21, Zak Crawley’s availability for the test series depends on his recovery.
During the second innings of the final test against West Indies, Ben Stokes opened on behalf of injured Zak Crawley where he smashed the fastest fifty by an England batter in Tests to ensure a 10 wicket victory for England.
If surgery is required, his recovery might not be possible before the series, which leaves an open-in England squad. Hence, England will be looking for a replacement to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett. Zak Crawley’s injury has ruled him out of The Hundred Men’s Competition 2024.
With England looking for a replacement, three players are considered as potential contenders for opening in the red ball series against Sri Lanka. Alex Davis, Keaton Jennings, and Dan Lawrence are the three players to be considered for the Sri Lanka series.
Alex Davies
The top-order batsman, Alex Davies has been a strong contender as he became the first Lancashire wicketkeeper to cross 1000 FC runs in a season. Despite injury concerns in his career, Davies has maintained an impressive FC record with 6630 runs from 128 matches.
He joined Warwickshire in 2021 and made a significant contribution to the side including a century against his former club Lancashire.
Keaton Jennings
Keaton Jennings who made his last appearance in an England squad during the 2022 series in Pakistan, remains an integral figure in county cricket. Jennings has not played a Test since 2019 but has amassed 854 runs at an average of 65.69.
Jennings’s strike rate and steady form could provide the stability needed at the top of the order. Additionally, his selection for The Hundred with London Spirit, replacing Zak Crawley indicates a frame for a test recall.
Dan Lawrence
Dan Lawrence has been a consistent presence in England’s squad as a backup batter, although hasn’t played a Test since 2022. Lawrence has been impressive in the County Championship representing Surrey, where he averaged 53.09 with a strike rate of 74.68 scoring two centuries and three fifties.
Lawrence has the flexibility to adapt having previously been considered as a backup opener. His adaptability and current form make him a strong contender to replace Zak Crawley.
England prepares for a crucial series against Sri Lanka to be played between August 21 and September 10 with the first test to be played at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
