Kent and England cricket star Zak Crawley returned to his alma mater when he visited Tonbridge on Tuesday 7 May.
Zak, 26, a pupil at Welldon House between 2011 and 2016, spent the afternoon watching the School’s cricketers at net practice, chatting to the boys and signing all manner of shirts, bats, balls and caps.
He met boys from The New Beacon, too, where he was also a pupil.
After a reception in Skinners’ Library, when he met up with England rugby player Ben Earl, a schoolmate at both The New Beacon and Tonbridge, Zak took part in a sold-out ‘in conversation’ event at the School’s EM Forster Theatre.
Admitting it was his very first time on the stage, Zak appeared alongside former players Mark Nicholas, television presenter, columnist and President of the MCC, and Ed Smith, a former Tonbridge pupil and one-time chief national cricket selector. It was Ed who handed Zak his England debut in 2019.
The three discussed Zak’s career, shared anecdotes and reflected on topics such as the technique and temperament needed to succeed in the modern game, before taking questions from the audience.
In discussing his attacking approach to batting, Zak revealed he watches lots of footage of former players, naming Viv Richards and Ricky Ponting as among his favourites. “I try and take a little bit from players like this and I’ve always loved those guys who played the game properly, with a bit of flair,” he said.
In terms of match preparation, his routine is a type of meditation. “I sit in a dark room, turn the lights off and think about what I want to do in the game.”
Zak also said he enjoyed being back at Tonbridge and meeting his former teachers, eight years after leaving the School and starting his journey from club and district sides to his current elite level.
Zak’s 267 for England against Pakistan in 2020 became the second-highest maiden century scored by an England batsman in Test cricket, and he became the third-youngest double centurion for England. He had an outstanding Ashes series last year, finishing with 480 runs at an average of 53.3.
At the conclusion of the Ashes, the Guardian wrote: “Zak Crawley’s sunlit summer was full of fearlessness, energy and vibes. In batting like he always does – and always will – the England opener joins greats of the modern age.”
The day before his visit to Tonbridge, Zak had been part of the Kent side winning at Lancashire in the County Championship, and in July he will be joining the England squad for the Test series against the West Indies.
Pictured below, from top:
Zak with Ben Earl, Tonbridge Headmaster James Priory and The New Beacon Head Sarah Brownsdon;
In the nets with Tonbridge boys;
With Mark Nicholas and Ed Smith;
‘In conversation’ in the EM Forster Theatre.
- sport