Zak Crawley: Sydney win would show England's unity and character after Ashes defeat
England opener Zak Crawley believes a victory in the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground would send a powerful message about the team’s unity and character, despite their inability to retain the urn. After losing the first three matches, England salvaged pride with a memorable two-day victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)—their first Test win in Australia for 15 years—and Crawley says another strong performance in Sydney would further demonstrate the squad’s resilience.
Crawley: “A win would show how united we are”
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Crawley emphasized that while the series outcome is already decided, England’s response in Sydney will reveal a lot about the team’s spirit and cohesion.
“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 said.
The opener’s comments reflect a team determined to finish the series on a high note and prove that their Melbourne triumph was not a one-off, but rather a sign of genuine progress under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
Potts set for recall: “He’s got the heart of a lion”
Crawley was also quick to praise England fast bowler Matthew Potts, who has been an unused member of the touring party throughout the series but is now poised to earn his 11th Test cap after being named in the 12-man squad for Sydney. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has also been added to the squad.
Potts last played a Test match against New Zealand in late 2024 and has spent the last two months working diligently in the nets, impressing teammates with his work ethic and attitude.
“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,” Crawley said.
Potts’ inclusion reflects England’s intent to keep Australia under pressure with a varied bowling attack, particularly on a Sydney pitch that may offer more turn and bounce than Melbourne’s green seamer.
England plan to attack Todd Murphy if selected
Crawley also warned that England will look to attack off-spinner Todd Murphy if he is selected for his first Test on Australian soil. Murphy is in contention to play after being omitted from the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, where Australia fielded 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,” Crawley said.
“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.”
Crawley’s comments underscore England’s aggressive “Bazball” philosophy, which prioritizes attacking cricket and putting opposition bowlers under sustained pressure—even when facing quality spinners on turning tracks.
Sydney Test begins January 4
The fifth and final Ashes Test begins on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with the series standing at 3-1 in Australia’s favor. While the urn has already been decided, England will be desperate to leave Australia with a 3-2 scoreline and renewed belief heading into future assignments.
Australia, meanwhile, will be eager to close out the series 4-1 and maintain their dominance at home, where they haven’t lost at the SCG since 2010-11.