England opener Zak Crawley expressed that a potential victory in the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground would demonstrate the team’s unity, even though they cannot retain the urn.
After losing the first three matches, England found joy with their first Test win in Australia in 15 years at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
“I think there is a big difference, just internally in the group. It shows a lot about how united we are if we can get a win. It (the series) might not go our way, but if we can put in a good performance this week, I think it shows a lot about us,” Crawley told reporters on Friday.
Crawley praised England quick Matthew Potts for his work ethic and attitude during the long tour in Australia. Potts and off-spinner Shoaib Bashir have been added to the 12-man squad for the Sydney clash.
Though Potts has not played throughout the series, he is in line to earn his 11th Test cap after last featuring in the playing eleven against New Zealand in late 2024. “Every time I face him he impresses me. He’s got the heart of a lion, a lot of skill, and if he gets the nod this week, he thoroughly deserves it,” he remarked.
Crawley also mentioned that the touring batters plan to attack off-spinner Todd Murphy should he be selected for his first Test on Australian soil. Murphy is in contention for the last Ashes game after being left out of the Boxing Day match at the MCG, where Australia opted for an all-pace attack.
“Whoever plays, I think that’s the mantra of our team is to try and put pressure on people. Todd’s a very good bowler, but I can envisage us trying to put some pressure on him, like we would all their bowlers.
“That’s going to come with some risks, and if it’s turning, it’s definitely going to be a threat. But I think we’ll try and put pressure on all their bowlers,” he concluded.