Zak Crawley’s sunlit summer was full of fearlessness, energy and vibes

Zak Crawley scored 73 crucial runs in England’s second innings against Australia on day three of the fifth Ashes Test. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Observer

Even Zak Crawley’s farewell edge, the final act of his own sublime, genre-defying, really quite confusing Ashes series, was a lovely thing. Some people are just great edgers. Michael Vaughan’s edges always seemed to fly, elbow high, dreamy timing, with a lovely crisp clear woody sound.

Crawley was on 73 at the time. Pat Cummings was bowling the second over after lunch. The ball was not quite there for the drive, but on the other hand very much there for the drive because, well, Crawley, feelings, moments, team energy.