Zak Crawley Biography: Birthday, Career, Stats and Records

Zak Crawley is an English right‑handed top‑order batsman who represents England in Tests and ODIs and plays domestically for Kent.

Zak Crawley was born on 3 February 1998 in Bromley, Kent, and emerged through the county’s youth system before becoming a professional with Kent County Cricket Club. A right‑handed top‑order batsman, he has represented England in both Test and One Day International cricket, while also featuring in domestic limited‑overs competitions such as The Hundred.

He made his Test debut against New Zealand at Seddon Park in November 2019 and his ODI debut versus Pakistan in July 2021. To date he has played 64 Tests, scoring 3,586 runs at 31.18, including five centuries with a highest score of 267, and nine ODIs with 205 runs. His performances earned him Wisden Cricketer of the Year honours in 2021 and a reputation as a technically sound opener.

Zak Crawley: quick facts

Born: 3 February 1998, Bromley
Team: England
Teams: Kent County Cricket Club

Zak Crawley career statistics

Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest	Average	Strike rate	100s	50s
Tests	64	117	3,586	267	31.18	65.50	5	21
ODIs	9	9	205	58*	25.63	94.91	0	2

Figures as of 11 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.

Zak Crawley’s early life

Zak Crawley was born on 3 February 1998 in Bromley, Kent. He attended New Beacon School in Sevenoaks before moving to Tonbridge School, where his cricketing talent began to emerge. His father, Terry, a former City of London futures trader, supported his early involvement in the sport. Crawley joined the Kent Cricket Academy and represented the county from the under‑11 level, playing club cricket for Holmesdale, Knockholt and Sevenoaks Vine. These formative years laid the foundation for his technique and temperament.

During his teenage years Crawley progressed through Kent’s age‑group sides and made his Second XI debut in 2013 at the age of 15. By the end of the 2015 season he had secured a professional contract with Kent, having become a regular in the Second XI and earning a place in the England Elite Player Development programme for London. A winter stint in Western Australian Grade cricket with Wembley Districts in 2016‑17 broadened his experience, preparing him for senior county cricket.

Zak Crawley’s domestic career

Crawley’s senior debut for Kent came in the 2017 Royal London Cup against Essex at Canterbury on 17 May 2017. He entered first‑class cricket later that month, scoring 62 on debut against a touring West Indies side on 6 August 2017 during Canterbury Cricket Week, and made his County Championship debut before the end of August. After four Championship matches he signed a contract extension in October 2017, confirming his place in the senior squad.

In 2018 Crawley became a fixture in Kent’s line‑up, playing every first‑class match and finishing the County Championship as the side’s third‑highest run‑scorer with 755 runs at an average of 31.46. He recorded his maiden first‑class century, 168 against Glamorgan at Canterbury in September, and later set a record in Sydney’s T20 Cup by hitting a 100 from 42 balls for Sydney Cricket Club. His performances earned a further contract extension and a brief spell in the 2017‑18 Regional Super50 tournament in the West Indies, where he made a 99‑not‑out against the Leeward Islands.

Zak Crawley’s international career

Crawley made his Test debut for England against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton on 29 November 2019. To date he has played 64 Tests, scoring 3,586 runs in 117 innings at an average of 31.18, with a strike rate of 65.5. He has recorded five centuries and 21 fifties, the highest score being 267 against Pakistan at The Rose Bowl, Southampton on 21 August 2020. Other notable innings include 189 against Australia at Old Trafford on 19 July 2023, 124 versus Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on 22 May 2025 and 122 at Rawalpindi on 1 December 2022. In the most recent international window (November 2025 to January 2026) he featured in five Tests, making 273 runs in ten innings with a top score of 85.

His One Day International debut arrived against Pakistan at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on 8 July 2021. Across nine ODIs he has amassed 205 runs in nine innings at an average of 25.63 and a strike rate of 94.91, with a highest score of 58 not out and two fifties. Crawley captained England in two ODIs against Ireland in 2023, demonstrating leadership responsibilities at the international level. He has taken eight catches in the format, reflecting his fielding contributions.

Zak Crawley’s franchise and league career

Crawley was drafted by London Spirit for the inaugural season of The Hundred, appearing once and scoring 64 as an opening batsman in a loss to Birmingham Phoenix. He remained with the franchise for the 2022 season. In the 2022‑23 Big Bash League he joined the Hobart Hurricanes, making a half‑century on debut and establishing himself as a capable overseas player in the Australian T20 competition.

His involvement in franchise cricket has complemented his county commitments, providing exposure to varied conditions and match‑ups. The experience gained in England’s short‑format tournament and the BBL has been referenced in coverage, such as the 23 July 2023 report on his contribution to England’s Ashes total, highlighting his adaptability across formats.

Zak Crawley’s playing style

Crawley bats right‑handed in the top order, often opening the innings in Test cricket. Coaches and commentators have described him as technically strong and a natural stroke‑maker, capable of playing a wide range of shots around the wicket. His ability to convert starts into big scores is evident from his double‑century of 267 and a 189 in the Ashes, while his strike‑rate figures indicate a measured approach in the longer format.

While his technique is praised, critics have noted occasional issues with shot selection, particularly the off‑drive, during periods of inconsistent form. Nevertheless, his temperament and composure under pressure have been highlighted as assets, especially in partnerships such as the record fifth‑wicket stand of 359 runs with Jos Buttler during his 267 innings.

Zak Crawley’s records and achievements

Crawley’s most prominent achievements include his 267‑run innings, the second‑highest maiden century by an England batsman and a record fifth‑wicket partnership of 359 runs. He became the third‑youngest double centurion for England and was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in the 2021 almanack. His 189 at Old Trafford placed him among the top scorers in the 2023 Ashes series, and his 122 at Rawalpindi set a new fastest century by an England Test opener, reaching the milestone in 86 balls.

In domestic cricket he amassed 755 runs in the 2018 County Championship and recorded a rapid 100 from 42 balls in Sydney’s T20 Cup, a competition record. He has taken 70 catches in Test cricket and eight in ODIs, underscoring his fielding reliability. Coverage in August 2025 highlighted his and Ben Duckett’s strong performances against India, while a July 2023 report noted his pivotal role in the Ashes fourth Test, reinforcing his reputation as a key opening batsman.

Zak Crawley’s personal life

Crawley’s father, Terry, is a retired City of London futures trader who previously worked as a carpet fitter. Zak attended New Beacon School and Tonbridge School before committing to a professional cricket career. He is a graduate of the Kent Cricket Academy and has maintained close ties with his home county throughout his career.

Rob Key, former Kent captain and England and Wales Cricket Board’s Director of Men’s Cricket, has acted as Crawley’s long‑standing mentor, providing guidance on and off the field. The pair meet regularly during the season to discuss technique and development, a relationship that Crawley credits for much of his progress.

Zak Crawley: frequently asked questions

When was Zak Crawley born?

Zak Crawley was born on 3 February 1998 in Bromley.

Where is Zak Crawley from?

Zak Crawley was born in Bromley, United Kingdom.

Which teams has Zak Crawley played for?

Zak Crawley plays international cricket for England. Zak Crawley’s other teams include Kent County Cricket Club.

When did Zak Crawley make an international debut?

Zak Crawley made a Test debut against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton on 29 November 2019. Zak Crawley made an ODI debut against Pakistan at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on 8 July 2021.