The largely poor red-ball form of Kent’s England international opening batsman Zak Crawley has been defended by head coach Matt Walker. Crawley has struggled to show his best form for Kent – bar a double century against Somerset this month – despite a prolonged period with the county due to a later start to England’s Test summer. A former batsman himself, Walker understands why Crawley has made a slow start to the summer, him and opening partner Ben Compton often tasked with batting after lengthy spells in the field. Crawley added a first-innings 16 in 12 balls and one during Kent’s heavy loss…
