Rob Key has left the door open for Zak Crawley to use his Test omission as a turning point after the opener became the highest‑profile casualty of England’s post‑Ashes shake‑up.
The 28‑year‑old has been taken out of the firing line for England’s three‑Test series against New Zealand, his struggles in the Ashes having shown no sign of improvement during the opening weeks of the County Championship season with Kent.
ECB managing director Key admitted Crawley knew the decision was coming but insisted he still has a future with England, provided he can rediscover his touch with the bat.
“There weren’t many batters who had done enough in the Ashes to say they were secure,” Key explained.
“If you look at the way Ben Duckett has come back and played, Zak was asked to do the same. Unfortunately for him, he hasn’t been able to do that.
“He’s now got the opportunity to go away and find a way to become an out‑and‑out run‑scorer.”
Asked how Crawley took the news, Key added: “I think he knew it was coming. Over the last few years, Zak has been one of the best people to have around in that setup in terms of his character.
“He’ll take this in his stride and he’ll come back. Hopefully, it’ll be the making of him.”
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Sky Sports’ James Cole analyses England’s new look squad for their first Test match against New Zealand
‘Crawley’s position had become untenable’
Sky Sports Cricket’s Michael Atherton said Crawley’s position at the top of the order had become untenable and that the time for change had arrived.
“England have stuck with Crawley for a long time – he has played 64 Tests now, averaging 31,” the former England captain said.
“His appearances are high on the all‑time list for England batters, but his returns don’t put him high up. His position had become untenable.
“His returns at Test level did not justify his retention, and his returns with Kent this season did not justify his retention. It was long expected he would be left out, and I think it was right to make a change.
“I never believe in closing the door on people. No team is good enough to do that – certainly not England at the moment.
“It is hard to see Crawley returning any time soon given the chances he has had – the players who come in now will need opportunities – but I wouldn’t say he’s finished for good.
“People need to feel they have a chance when they’re playing domestic cricket; otherwise, what’s the point?”
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Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain review the men’s refreshed squad for the first New Zealand Test
Uncapped trio Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker were the headline inclusions in England’s 15‑man squad, alongside the recalls of Ollie Robinson and Rehan Ahmed.
None of the five were involved in the Ashes tour, which ended in a 4-1 defeat, but the decision to extend an olive branch to Robinson and revive the Sussex seamer’s Test career raised the most eyebrows.
The 32‑year‑old boasts outstanding Test numbers – 76 wickets at 22.92 in just 20 appearances – but has not played since February 2024.
Concerns had been raised about his physical durability, his ability to maintain pace across a match, and his relationship with the team’s leadership. Key dismissed those concerns outright.
“When he’s fit and bowling at a decent pace – around 82, 83 miles an hour – he is world‑class,” Key said.
Zak Crawley and Ollie Robinson
“When you look at his record, he is one of the few bowlers who rank statistically among the best globally. Ollie has done that. That’s what we believe.
“We’ve monitored him closely. We’ve seen him bowl. He looks back to full fitness, and that’s what we required of him. Fitness permitting, if he can show he can maintain a threat throughout the game and be somewhere near his best, then he’s a world‑class bowler.”
‘England have makings of world-class attack’
Key believes Robinson’s quality can help unlock the potential of England’s evolving bowling attack.
“Ollie would add something to any team when he’s at his best. He’s unbelievably skilful and experienced,” Key said.
“He’s played a lot of cricket. We had a lot of guys in Australia who were very much first‑change bowlers at the start of their international careers. Ollie is slightly further along than them.
“But this is an evolving attack. With another 20 Test matches behind it, it’s going to be seriously exciting. This attack has the makings of being world‑class.”
England squad for first Test vs New Zealand
Ben Stokes (Durham) – Captain
Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire)
Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire)
Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Matthew Fisher (Surrey)
Emilio Gay (Durham)
James Rew (Somerset)
Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jamie Smith (Surrey)
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
England vs New Zealand fixtures
First Test (Thursday June 4 – Monday June 8) – Lord’s, London (11am)Second Test (Wednesday June 17 – Sunday June 21) – The Kia Oval, London (11am)Third Test (Thursday June 25 – Monday June 29) – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (11am)
Watch England’s home international summer live on Sky Sports, starting with a three-Test series against New Zealand from June 4. Not got Sky? Stream cricket contract-free on NOW.
