Kent opener Zak Crawley handed new England central contract

Kent opener Zak Crawley has been handed a new England central contract.

The 24-year-old got his first England central contract in 2020 and is one of 18 players handed annual central deals for 2022/23.

Crawley struggled for form in the 2022 season for England, also playing nine County Championship games for Kent in which he scored 467 runs at an average of just 27.47 in what he described as "probably the worst summer I've ever had", but he finished the summer on a high - and England's hierarchy, once again, have shown their faith in him.

He closed with an unbeaten 57-ball 69 at The Oval to steer England to a nine-wicket win over South Africa last month and 79 to help Kent to safety in their final County Championship Division 1 win against Somerset.

Managing director of England men’s cricket and former Kent captain Rob Key said: “I feel we have rewarded those players who have made a significant impact over the previous 12 months and those we expect to be part of England's plans over the next period.

“The international game continues to evolve and we must be mindful that we have to lead the way in player performance across the sport.

“The aim is to develop world-class players in all three formats as we strive to become the best team in the world.

“I would like to congratulate all the players offered agreements for the coming year.

“They will all play a pivotal role in England's efforts over the next 12 months.”

Overall, 30 players have received offers - 18 England central contracts, six England increment contracts, and six England pace bowling development contracts.

Margate-born fast bowler Ollie Robinson, now of Sussex, is another to have been handed a new England central contract.

England, who are hoping to win the T20