Current training environment in Eng similar to Aus in early 2000’s: Crawley

London, June 26 (IANS) England’s current training environment is similar to what the dominant Australian team of the early 2000’s had, according to batsman Zak Crawley.

The 22-year-old is part of the England squad that will take on West Indies in a three match Test series in July. Crawley has played four Tests thus far in his career and knows that he has his work cut out in trying to break into the England top order.

“It’s great to see. I remember the Australia team of the early 2000s – some really good players didn’t get in that side and that is why they were so strong,” Crawley was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“They had such good training environments, where everyone is always trying to improve and it feels like we have something similar at the moment. We’ve got strength in depth and that’s what pushes you harder,” he said.

Crawley also said that he would like to see recreational cricket resume soon in the United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent statement about the cricket ball being “a natural vector of disease” confirmed that recreational cricket won’t be allowed to resume in the near future in the country. The statement has no effect on the West Indies series though, or on the resumption on County Cricket.

“I’d like to see that decision reserved to get community cricket back on. The England players are well aware of it – we have friends who want to play. I feel like it’s time to bring it back,” Crawley said.

“You can social distance easily in cricket. You can’t put saliva on the ball at international level, and you could easily do that at community level,” he added.

–IANS

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