‘Better to play him as an opener in 5-6 Test matches’: Pak cricketer suggests major change in ENG line-up for 3rd Test

Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal opined that Crawley could be a better opening option than Burns and Sibley who have been struggling to put a strong opening stand and provide good starts to the team against India.

England’s batting line-up is currently drawing flak from the cricket pundits and fans for their inconsistency in the ongoing Test series. The opening pair of Rory Burns and Dom Sibley are already in hot waters after getting out for ducks during the chase of 272 at Lord’s while the rest, besides captain Joe Root, are getting slammed for their lack of intent.

England's Dom Sibley (L) and England's Zak Crawley watch as captain Joe Root leaps to take a catch during a practice session (AP)

England’s biggest concern remains the top-order which has disappointed massively so far in the series. Suggesting a major change to the line-up, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has said batsman Zak Crawley could be played as an opening batsman in five to six games.

Speaking in his latest YouTube video, Akmal opined that Crawley could be a better opening option than Burns and Sibley who have been struggling to put a strong opening stand and provide good starts to the team against India.

“Sorry to say, I don’t want to disrespect anyone, but I haven’t seen such a weak opening pair (Rory Burns and Dom Sibley) in England’s history. I think it is better for England to play Zak Crawley in 5-6 Test matches as an opener. He is a much better cricketer. The more he plays, he will improve that much. He can be as good as Joe Root in the times to come. He played at No. 3 and unfortunately got dropped. But I think England need to think in that direction now,” Akmal said.

“As per my analysis, their rotation policy, though meant for good, perhaps damaged their Test cricket a bit. They have experimented a lot, as a result, players are not being able to settle in. Apart from Joe Root, no one is scoring runs.

“Earlier, England had a middle-order comprising the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell. They could build partnerships. So even if England lost wickets at the top, these batters could steady the innings,” he added.

India defeated England by 151 runs to go 1-0 up in the series. The third Test will be played in Headingley, which begins on August 25. Meanwhile, the hosts are likely to announce their squad for the next match.