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The England cricket team is facing a challenge, with Zak Crawley's finger injury potentially sidelining him for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Crawley fractured his finger during the third Test against the West Indies when he dropped a catch at second slip. He was rushed to the hospital, where an X-ray confirmed the fracture.
With the Test series against Sri Lanka beginning on August 21, concerns are rising regarding Crawley’s availability. If surgery is required, his recovery might extend beyond the start of the series, leaving England in need of a replacement to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett.
Zak Crawley's injury has already ruled him out of The Hundred Men's Competition 2024, and England must be thinking about alternatives.
3 players who can replace Zak Crawley if he is ruled out of Sri Lanka Tests
#3 Alex Davies
Known for his reliability and versatility as a top-order batsman, Alex Davies is a strong contender. In 2017, he became the first Lancashire wicketkeeper to cross 1,000 first-class runs in a season. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Davies has maintained an impressive first-class record, with 6630 runs from 128 matches.
His move to Warwickshire in 2021 rejuvenated his career, where he contributed significantly, including a century against his former club Lancashire. Davies' extensive experience and proven track record in domestic cricket make him a viable option to fill the void left by Zak Crawley.
#2 Keaton Jennings
Keaton Jennings, last seen in an England squad during the 2022 series in Pakistan, remains a prominent figure in county cricket. Jennings has not played a Test since 2019 but continues to accumulate runs consistently in the County Championship. This year, he has amassed 854 runs at an average of 65.69, recently scoring a One Day Cup century (on July 28).
Despite not being the aggressive opener typically favored by England’s current regime, Jennings' improved 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, suggests he is still in the frame for a Test recall.
#1 Dan Lawrence
Dan Lawrence has been a consistent presence in England’s squad, often serving as the backup batter on various tours. Although he hasn’t played a Test since 2022, Lawrence’s recent form in the County Championship has been impressive. Representing Surrey, he averaged 53.09 with a strike rate of 74.68, scoring two centuries and three fifties.
Primarily a middle-order batsman, Lawrence has the flexibility to adapt, having previously been considered an emergency opener. His adaptability and current form make him a compelling candidate to replace Zak Crawley, whether as a direct opener or by promoting another player to the top of the order.
England’s search for a reliable opener in the potential absence of Zak Crawley presents an opportunity for these three players to step up. Dan Lawrence’s adaptability and recent form, Keaton Jennings’ consistency and improved strike rate, and Alex Davies’ extensive experience and resilience make them strong candidates to partner with Ben Duckett. As England prepares for the crucial series against Sri Lanka, selecting the right opener will be pivotal to their success.
