Moeen Ali says Zak Crawley is an "absolute gun player" and backed the England opener to fill his boots once his game clicks into gear.
Crawley came into the Ashes as the English batter under most pressure for his place after a disappointing home summer last year, but while he is yet to make a match-defining score, he has made several encouraging contributions across the first three Tests.
The Kent man made a first-innings half-century in the series opener at Edgbaston and has since added scores of 7, 48, 3, 33 and 44, often looking in superb touch against men such as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, before succumbing in frustrating fashion.
"He's really good," said Moeen. "He's an absolute gun player. The faster and better the bowlers, he plays better. He's one of the best players around. I know his average probably doesn't say that, but the way he bats is proper. Hopefully, when it clicks for him, he'll score a lot of runs."
Crawley's opening partnership with Ben Duckett has blossomed since the latter was introduced to the side ahead of last year's tour of Pakistan, with the duo averaging just shy of 48 together. Their 91-run opening stand during the Second Test at Lord's was England's best in Ashes cricket since Sir Alastair Cook and Sir Andrew Strauss during the 2010-11 series, and the pair have been praised for their positive intent against Australia's high-class attack.
"I think what's really impressive is the way that the two openers have been going about it and the way that they've been scoring and not allowing the Australian bowlers to just bowl, and I think that's where we struggled in the other series I played in," Moeen added. "These two have just gone out and put the pressure back on.
Moeen is preparing to bat at No3 when the Fourth Test starts tomorrow, having been promoted in order to keep Harry Brook in his preferred slot at No5.
" It's obviously going to be challenging batting three," Moeen added. "But I've done it in county cricket. It's not totally alien and I've done it before for England. I'm looking forward to it."
James Anderson returns to the XI in place of Ollie Robinson in the only change from the Third Test.
