England ordered to axe Zak Crawley and replacement named after India duck

England cricket fans have lost patience with Zak Crawley after the opening batter was disastrously dismissed for a duck against India. A loose drive was easily caught in the latest tough moment for the 27-year-old.

Crawley was dismissed for zero runs as England faltered on day four of their second test against India. Ben Duckett and Joe Root also went early on, forcing Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum back to the drawing board. Fans have been left unimpressed by Crawley's part in England's downfall against India, which has left them needing 536 runs in 90 overs to claim a 2-0 lead in the test. Some onlookers want Stokes to axe Crawley who clocked up 19 runs in the first innings and 69 overall in the first Test.

Jacob Bethell has been suggested as a potential replacement. The 21-year-old made his test debut against New Zealand in November last year. Rehan Ahmed could be another candidate.

"Please explain why Crawley keeps getting picked? He is awful and offers nothing," said X user @cslfc95. "Get Bethell in, [or] even Rehan Ahmed."

@Shiv_rants added: "What's the point of a Zak Crawley when you have superstar talents like Bethell waiting in the wings? Fits the BazBall mould as well."

"Pathetic by Crawley! About time England brings Bethell in his place," said @BasitSubhani.

"Bethell for Crawley next game please," demanded @like_a_virgil_4.

Crawley also dropped a simple catch that would have halted Rishabh Pant's excellent performance at Edgbaston. Early in the India star's innings, a wayward shot flew towards Crawley, who dropped the ball over his right shoulder. Pant went on to score 65 off 58 deliveries.

After facing scrutiny for his recent performances, Crawley insisted that he remained confident that he could turn around his form. England captain Stokes will have a major decision to make, particularly with Bethell impressing for Warwickshire and in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

"They obviously think I'm the right man for the job, and I have that belief in myself as well," Crawley said last month. "I love being around this group, and when you play for your country you're going to be surrounded by good players, and that pressure is going to be coming all the time. Throughout my career, from when I was very young until now, I've always been made a better player by people around me doing well and forcing me to be better."