'We won that last hour' - Crawley hails England's 'perfect' end to the day in Brisbane

Zak Crawley believes England seized the momentum in Brisbane after what he described as a “perfect” final hour, hailing his side’s discipline, clarity, and resilience on a day that swung dramatically between both teams. Speaking after stumps, Crawley said England’s strong finish had not only steadied nerves but also injected fresh confidence into a contest that had been finely balanced until the evening session tilted decisively in their favour.

Crawley highlighted how crucial the final stretch was at the Gabba—a venue known for brutally exposing lapses in concentration. England, he noted, were determined to stay patient and wait for breakthroughs rather than chase them. That approach paid off as the bowlers finally found rhythm under the fading light, extracting movement, hitting tighter channels, and capitalising on Australian errors as wickets began to tumble.

According to Crawley, the shift was not accidental but the product of deliberate tactical adjustments made during the drinks break. With Australia previously looking comfortable, England regrouped, recalibrated their lengths, and tightened field settings. Once the pressure built, the mistakes followed. “We stuck to our plans, and it all came together beautifully,” he said. “We felt like we won that last hour convincingly.”

The opener also praised his teammates for showing composure in a situation where England sides of the past might have allowed frustration to creep in. Instead, the bowlers remained relentless, the fielders sharp, and the energy levels high—elements Crawley believes are essential for competing in the cauldron of Australian conditions.

For England, ending the day in ascendency was more than just a scoreboard boost—it was a psychological win. Crawley acknowledged that Brisbane has historically been a fortress for Australia, but insisted that such sessions can influence the tone of an entire Test match. “You have to take your moments here,” he said. “This was ours, and we made it count.”

As the teams look ahead to Day Two, Crawley stressed that England must now convert their promising position into a sustained advantage. But for now, he was content to savor a final hour that showcased exactly the fight, discipline, and tactical sharpness England came to Australia hoping to deliver.