Zak Crawley notches his third Test century: Key stats
What's the story
England opener Zak Crawley brought up his third Test century during the series opener against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The right-handed batter played positively as Pakistan bowlers failed to contain the flow of runs. From Naseem Shah to Haris Rauf, the youngster spared none as he reached his ton off just 86 deliveries. Here we look at Crawley's stats in Tests.
Context
Why does this story matter?
England won the toss and opted to bat in Rawalpindi. Crawley and his opening partner Ben Duckett justified the decision by playing attacking knocks. Both dashers went after the bowlers from the outset as the Brits were 174/0 in 27 overs in the morning session of the opening day. Crawley touched the three-figure mark in the second session.
Career
A look at his Test numbers
Crawley, who made his Test debut in 2019, has so far scored over 1,400 runs in 29 Tests (50: 1). The 24-year-old averages just below 30 in Tests. While Crawley's overall Test strike rate is just over 56, he has been striking over 65 ever since Brendon McCullum became England's Test head coach. Meanwhile, Crawley has completed 700 runs in 13 Tests this year.
Information
Eighth England opener to score a Test ton in Pakistan
Meanwhile, Crawley became the eighth England opener to score a ton on Pakistan soil. Marcus Trescothick and Michael Atherton are the only other English openers to notch a ton in the Asian nation in this century.
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Joint-fourth-fastest Test century for England
Meanwhile, Crawley smashed the joint-fourth-fastest ton by an England batter in Tests. While he shares the feat with the legendary Ian Botham (twice), Ben Stokes (85), Jonny Bairstow (77), and Gilbert Jessop (76) top the charts.
Partnership records
Historic partnership between Crawley and Duckett
Meanwhile, Crawley and Duckett scripted history by becoming the first England pair to add 200 or more runs for the opening wicket against Pakistan in Tests. They also became the second visiting opening pair to be involved in a double-century partnership on Pakistan soil. The duo joined India's iconic pair of Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag, who added 410 runs in January 2006.