England's Zak Crawley Emphasizes Team Unity Ahead of Fifth Ashes Test

Crawley Highlights Team Spirit

In Sydney on January 2, England's opener Zak Crawley expressed that a victory in the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground would reflect the team's solidarity, even though they have not been able to retain the Ashes urn.

Following three consecutive losses, England celebrated their first Test win in Australia in 15 years at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

"There’s a significant change within the group. Achieving a win would demonstrate our unity. Although the series may not end in our favor, a strong performance this week would reveal a lot about our character," Crawley stated during a press conference on Friday.

He also commended England's fast bowler Matthew Potts for his dedication and attitude during the lengthy tour in Australia. Potts, along with off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, has been included in the 12-man squad for the upcoming match in Sydney.

Despite being a non-playing member of the touring squad throughout the series, Potts is likely to earn his 11th Test cap, having last played against New Zealand in late 2024. Crawley remarked, "Every time I face him, he impresses me. He possesses immense skill and courage, and if he gets the chance this week, he truly deserves it."

Crawley also cautioned that the visiting batsmen would target off-spinner Todd Murphy if he makes his debut Test appearance on Australian soil. Murphy is in the running to play in the final Ashes match in Sydney after being left out of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, where Australia opted for an all-pace attack.

"Regardless of who plays, our team's strategy is to apply pressure on the opposition. Todd is a talented bowler, but I can see us trying to put him under pressure, just as we would with all their bowlers. This approach carries risks, especially if the pitch is turning, but we aim to challenge all their bowlers," he concluded.