Zak on the defensive over performance with the bat

During England’s dramatic 1-1 series draw in New Zealand, Crawley scored just 58 runs in four innings, leaving him with an average of 27.60 from 33 Tests.

ZAK Crawley defended his technique after a disappointing winter with the bat during England’s thrilling tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.

An Ashes year increases the attention on players and with Jonny Bairstow stepping up his recovery from a broken leg towards the end of last summer, someone is likely to have to make way from the current squad.

In both New Zealand Tests, Crawley was dismissed for single figures in the first innings, against an experienced bowling attack, but the batter insisted his defence was not something he needed to work on.

“I have got a good defensive technique,” the 25-year-old said. “When you are playing against the best sides in the world it might look like it’s not.

“It’s not something I need to work on. It’s something I need to keep backing.