'He's a talent, I believe in him' - Brendon McCullum backs struggling Zak Crawley

England’s Test team head coach Brendon McCullum shared his thoughts about opener Zak Crawley, who has had a tough summer and is yet to score a half-century over the last five Test matches. McCullum insisted that Crawley is a talented batter who is still learning.

McCullum said that it is going to take some time with Crawley, dismissing the idea of dropping the England opener from the team. McCullum stressed that when Crawley gets going, he can win matches for England. Crawley, in his last 15 innings has scored 218 runs at an average of 13.62 with the highest score of 46.

“He’s a talent, and there are not too many of those guys floating around. He’s still learning his game at this level. That will take some patience and persistence. I believe in him, that’s for sure,” McCullum was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Selection loyalty is really important: Brendon McCullum

McCullum said that the team must look at the overall package. He said that Crawley does not have the game that makes him a consistent player. “He’s not that type of player. He’s put in that situation because he has a game which, when he gets going, he can win matches for England,” expressed McCullum.

The former New Zealand captain said that the side wants to keep giving their players opportunities so that they can show their skillsets. He emphasised that they have to be positive with the language they use around Crawley and be consistent with the selections.

“Selection loyalty is really important. Not only does it build loyalty from guys in the side, it also builds loyalty from guys on the outside because they know when their opportunity does come they will be afforded the same loyalty,” said the 40-year-old.

Crawley scored 9 and 13 against South Africa in the first Test at Lord’s. England went on to lose the match by an innings and 12 runs and go 1-0 down in the three-match series. The second Test is scheduled to commence on August 25 at Old Trafford, Manchester.