WATCH: Zak Crawley walks back to a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd after his marathon 189-run inning in fourth Ashes Test, Steve Smith runs to congratulate 

Zak Crawley was dismissed by Cameron Green.

WATCH: Zak Crawley walks back to a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd after his marathon 189-run inning in fourth Ashes Test, Steve Smith runs to congratulate 

Zak Crawley gets a standing ovation (Images via Twitter)

England’s Zak Crawley hogged all the limelight on Day 2 of the fourth Ashes Test as the opening batter played a marathon inning of 189. After Australia posted 317/10 in their first inning, Crawley came to open the innings for England alongside Ben Duckett. While Duckett was dismissed cheaply by Mitchell Starc, Crawley stayed there. Partners kept changing but Crawley held one intact. 

Eventually, the 25-year-old reached his maiden Ashes century off 93 balls. While Crawley started slowly, the righty caught up quickly and scored some quick runs with luck on his side as well. The batter converted his 100 into a 150 and was looking set to score a double ton but it was not meant to be. 

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Cameron Green got the English opener as Crawley under-edged a delivery from the Aussie all-rounder onto the stumps. Although Crawley wore a disappointed look on his face, the batter was hailed by everyone at the stadium. While the crowd at Old Trafford gave Crawley a standing ovation, Australian players also ran to congratulate the batter. 

Also Read: Ricky Ponting is UNHAPPY with Australia letting a good opportunity slip with a shaky start in 4th Ashes Test

Zak Crawley’s 189, Joe Root and Moeen Ali’s half-centuries put England on top

zak crawley century
Zak Crawley celebrates his century (Image via ECB Twitter)

This marathon inning from Zak Crawley was backed well by Moeen Ali and Joe Root who scored half-centuries. While Ali, batting at No.3 scored an 82-ball 54, Root was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood after he scored 84 runs off 95 balls. 

These innings from Crawley, Ali, and Root put England way ahead of Australia. Although the three batters were dismissed before the end of Day 4’s play, England ended the day right on top. The hosts are 67 runs ahead in the first inning with captain Ben Stokes (24*) and Harry Brook (14*) still at the crease. 

For Australia, while Starc scalped two wickets (Duckett and Ali), Hazlewood and Green got a wicket each. Other than that, Australia did not enjoy much success on Day 2 as England completely dominated the visitors. Now, with six wickets left, England will go bonkers, and Australia will have a tough task to stop Ben Stokes and Co.

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