Twitter Reactions: 22-year-old Zak Crawley's maiden double century leaves Pakistan reeling in the third Test

In the third and final Test between England and Pakistan at Ageas Bowl, 22-year-old Zak Crawley hogged the headlines on Day 1 after smashing his maiden ton in the traditional format. Ruling out Pakistan’s chances to establish their dominance on Day 1, Crawley scored 171 as England finished 332/4 at stumps.

Crawly was also assisted by Jos Buttler as the duo stitched an unbeaten 205-run stand for 5th wicket. Resuming the innings on Day 2, Crawley amassed his maiden Test century to put England in a commanding position. Crawley also became the third-youngest player to smash a double ton for England in red-ball cricket. Len Hutton and David Gower are the first two names in the list.

Crawley and Buttler registered highest fifth-wicket stand for England in Tests

Along with Crawley, Buttler also strengthened England’s run flow by reaching his ton, putting Pakistan under pressure in the process. England have now ticked the 400-run mark on the back of Crawley-Buttler stand. The two also etched England’s fifth-highest partnership in Test cricket, leaving the Pakistan bowling force in dismay. It was Buttler’s second hundred in Test cricket, coming in over two years.

Twitter was flooded with applause for Crawley, who is playing in his eighth Test match. He was slotted in the side in place of vice-captain Ben Stokes, who went back home to attend a family matter. Kent’s Crawley has now cemented his place in the Test side in Stokes’ absence.

With Crawley and Buttler in the middle, England is looking to dominate all the sessions, strengthening their chances of winning the final Test of the series. Being 1-0 up, the hosts are vying to seal the series by clinching the third Test. After losing four wickets on 127, England’s innings has been steadied by Crawley and Buttler. Crawley is currently batting on 230, hitting 28 fours and a six so far, while Buttler has gathered 127 runs until now.

Pakistan bowling force has failed to break the dominant partnership on Day 2. Yasir Shah, who has scalped two wickets so far, has been their most successful bowler. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have scalped only one wicket each, failing to leave their mark at Ageas Bowl. To plunge more misery on Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas has remained wicketless so far.

Here’s how Twitter lauded Zak Crawley: