England batsman Zak Crawley has insisted the hosts may have no hassle motivating themselves for this week’s fifth Test in opposition to Australia despite the fact that they will not regain the Ashes. What had regarded like being an exciting series-decider at The Oval has had among the edge eliminated after England’s quest to attract degree within the fourth Test at Old Trafford was thwarted by rain, with solely 30 overs attainable throughout the ultimate two days.

England dominated proceedings in Manchester, with Crawley’s excellent 189 in opposition to world Test champions Australia the standout particular person efficiency. But a rain-marred draw left England 2-1 down within the sequence with simply this week’s Test to return and Australia — because the holders — assured of retaining the Ashes.

Nevertheless, a win for England at The Oval would deny Australia their first away Ashes sequence victory since 2001. “We’re massively up for it,” mentioned Crawley, the sequence’ main run-scorer with 385.

He added: “As Ben Stokes says, we’re building as a team, this isn’t the end just because it’s the end of the Ashes. Hopefully, it’s very much the start.

“I feel 2-2 can be honest.”

Prior to this series, a run of low scores saw Crawley’s Test place called into question. But England captain Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum continued to back the 25-year-old opener, an ever-present in the ‘Bazball’ era.

“I really feel I’m pretty much as good a participant as I’ve ever been, I be ok with my recreation,” said Crawley. “Fast bowling fits my recreation and the Australian assault is a fast assault.

“I think a bit less when they’re faster.”

Crawley has lengthy been a goal for social media abuse, despite the fact that he has lengthy lower himself off from all networks.

“When I first went off social media I was doing alright,” he mentioned. “It was more getting away from it, even the good stuff, you can get carried away.

“I will not be studying it now I’ve acquired runs. I’ll be maintaining myself to myself, pay attention to shut family and friends whose opinions of me as a cricketer and an individual — they’re the one opinions I care about.”