Crawley and Duckett provide hope for England

“It’s the hope that kills you…”

When the tired English fielders traipsed off after finally dismissing Australia for 511 and conceding a deficit of 177, fans and pundits alike were getting ready to stick the knife into England and their most recent Ashes ambitions.

However, just six overs later and there is cautious reason for optimism, with Zak Crawley (26*) and Ben Duckett (13*) having guided England to the dinner break on 45 – 0.

The opening English pair played positively and managed to nullify the threat of Mitchell Starc, surviving his first over for the first time this serious and Crawley, in particular, looked in good touch when driving through the off side.

Australia had made England toil, as Starc’s (77) and Scott Boland’s (21*) ninth wicket partnership extended to 75, with the former compiling his second highest Test score.

By the time Ben Stokes held onto the catch to dismiss Starc, narrowly avoiding a collision with Ben Duckett, and Will Jacks removed Brendan Doggett, Australia had cruised past 500 and piled the pressure on England.

The start from Crawley and Duckett though has provided some cause for English positivity, although they will need to continue to build their partnership after the break, if England are to seriously think about moving past Australia and setting them a serious total to chase.

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