The attacking opener was one of the stars of the 2023 Ashes, averaging 53 and striking at 89, with a knock of 189 off 182 at Old Trafford his high point of the series. England, coached by Brendon McCullum, came from 2-0 down to draw the series 2-2, rain spoiling the Manchester Test with the hosts in a dominant position.

Crawley, not part of England’s T20I plans, has travelled to Australia to represent Perth Scorchers in the BBL, having played eight games for Hobart Hurricanes earlier this year in the previous edition of the competition.

His arrival was greeted by a full back page on the West Australian, with an image showing Crawley draped royal attire, and the headline reading ‘The King of Bazball’.

“Well if I didn’t laugh I think I’d cry,” said Crawley, asked by Channel 7 about the feature. “I’ll try and see the funny side of it. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I’m copping a lot of stick and quite rightly.”

Zak Crawley's been copping it after being named the 'King of Bazball' 😂@FootyRhino | #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/gw18mIgjoo

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 20, 2023

Crawley lived up to his new title on debut, hitting an unbeaten 65 off 41 balls to guide his side to a nine-wicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes, 173 chased down in 16.1 overs. Crawley’s knock included six fours and a six.

Perth Scorchers sit second in the BBL table with two wins from three games. Crawley’s next Test engagement for England comes in the new year, against India in India.