Zak Crawley and Van der Merwe. (Source – Twitter/X)
Crawley has proved to be an inspired choice at the top of the order for England in Test cricket, being the symbol of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes’ attacking ‘Bazball’ philosophy. It will be Crawley’s first stint in South Africa’s premier domestic T20 competition SA20.
The 26-year-old has previous T20 League experience with the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia, while he also boasts a T20 century for Kent in England’s T20 Blast.
“I’ve always wanted to be a good white-ball player,” Crawley said recently. “I’m trying to add a few other shots to my game, but I feel like it’s quite suited and I’ve gone well in T20 cricket in the past when I’ve had a run at it. I’m trying to add a bit more power to my game, I’m working hard in the nets trying a few different things to hopefully hit more and bigger sixes.”
CRAWLEY STATS & FACTS
T20s: 76 | Runs: 1771 | Strike rate: 134.07 | 100s: 1 | 50s: 8 | Highest score: 108*
Van der Merwe, who is affectionately known as ‘The Bulldog’, was a revelation for the double SA20 champions in Season 1. The left-arm spinner was the joint leading wicket-taker with 20 scalps while boasting an economy of just 5.62. He was particularly influential in the inaugural final at the Wanderers, where he claimed 4/31 against the Pretoria Capitals, to win the Player of the Final award.
The 39-year-old also still boasts the best-ever figures in SA20 history of 6/20 against Durban’s Super Giants in Gqeberha. Van der Merwe was a firm fan-favourite amongst the passionate Sunrisers Eastern Cape support base and will certainly be welcomed back with open arms at St George’s Park.
VAN DER MERWE STATS AND FACTS
T20Is: 57 | Wickets: 60 | Best bowling: 4/35 | Economy rate: 6.57 | Average: 19.37 | Runs: 490 | Strike rate: 128.60 | 50s: 2 | Highest score: 75*
T20s: 343 | Wickets: 317 | Best bowling: 6/20 | Economy rate: 7.32 | Average: 24.18 | Runs: 3043 | Strike rate: 131.84 | 100s: 0 | 50s: 10 | Highest score: 89*
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