Zak Crawley has admitted that the mood in the England dressing room was “flat” on Saturday as the side faced the prospect of losing the Ashes within just three Tests, acknowledging that Australia were the superior team.
England still trailed by 228 runs, chasing a monumental 435 set by the hosts in Adelaide, with only four wickets remaining and a daunting final day ahead.
Should England fail to chase the target, the five-match series will be decided after Australia’s commanding victories in Perth and Brisbane by eight wickets.
“They’re just flat,” said Crawley, who top-scored with a composed 85, describing the atmosphere among his teammates.
“We came here to win the Ashes. We’re always an optimistic, upbeat team, and we’ll try to put up as much fight as we can. Obviously, it’s very disappointing,” he added.
Crawley admitted the challenge ahead was steep but insisted his teammates would give it their best effort on day five.
During his innings, Crawley produced gritty knocks, forging partnerships of 78 with Joe Root and 68 with Harry Brook. He played with composure, defending well and punishing loose deliveries. Ultimately, he was dismissed when spin bowler Nathan Lyon lured him down the wicket, allowing Alex Carey to stump him.
“While you’re at the crease, you never consider the game over. You always think there’s a chance as long as you’re there,” Crawley said. “Once you get out, those feelings change, but I felt we still had great players at the crease and coming in.”
England arrived in Australia with high expectations, but the series has largely been dominated by the hosts, despite pre-series hype suggesting it could be a classic. Crawley conceded that Australia had outplayed them with skill and consistency.
“They’re a very, very good side. It was always going to be tough coming here against them. They were favourites going into the series and have shown why,” he said.
“Obviously, we’ve been slightly below our best, but a lot of credit has to go to them. They haven’t allowed us to play to our strengths.”
