Former cricketer Nasser Hussain believes England will continue backing Zak Crawley despite his lacklustre performance in the first Test of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 against Australia. Crawley departed for a six and five-ball duck in the first and second innings, respectively, in a game that ended in less than two days.

Hussain opined that England will not make any major changes after the eight-wicket defeat in the series-opening clash, and will instead use the extended break ahead of the second encounter to regroup for the remainder of the tour.

“I don’t see them changing too much, to be honest.

It’s not a side to overreact and change. They’ve got a lot of time off now. There’s a two-day game in Canberra that I don’t think any of them are going to play, so they’re going to have a lot of time. It’s how they handle that time and how they get away from this, but also come together and be ready for Brisbane,” stated Hussain during a conversation with Sky Sports.

The cricketer-turned-commentator suggested that Crawley already has the backing of the management to come good in Australian conditions. He, however, felt that the top-order batter will have to introspect and sort out how he will be approaching playing the new ball in the upcoming matches. 

“I don’t see them making many changes. Crawley bagged a pair, and they have built Crawley up, and they’ve backed Crawley and let him be for this series. They believe that Crawley would go well in Australia because of the type of player he is, but two in two — he’s got two ducks — so he’s going to have to really dig deep and work it out. You can’t be driving at Mitchell Starc in the first over of an Ashes Test, because that will cause you problems," he added.

Despite claiming a 40-run first innings lead, England were unable to capitalise on their advantage. The tourists could only manage 164 in their second innings. Travis Head's blistering 83-ball 123-run mark guided the hosts to a smooth chase towards the target. Marnus Labuschagne scored an unbeaten 51 to guide his team home.

Mitchell Starc was awarded the Player of the Match award for his 10-wicket match haul (7/58 in 12.5 overs and 3/55 in 12 overs). The first match got over within two days' time. The second Test is scheduled to commence on December 4 in Brisbane.