Kent’s Zak Crawley believes a successful Ashes series could prove to be career-defining.

Crawley has been named in England’s 17-man squad for this winter’s series. It will be a first Ashes tour for the batter and he headed Down Under earlier this month.

He said: “I’m enjoying my practices and getting ready at the moment. I know, if I do well, it’s career-changing stuff.

“You put yourself in the history books if you have a good Ashes series. I’m hoping to make the most of it.”

Opener Crawley has represented England 15 times at Test level but only seven of those have been at the top of the order. The majority of the rest have been at number three but Crawley says he will bat wherever he is asked to.

“It’s just about playing well in the nets and impressing the coaches. I will bat wherever I’m needed,” he said.

“Australian pitches tend to be really good pitches to bat on.

"I have no qualms about where I bat.”

Crawley, though, says it’s a shame his friends and family will not be able to head to Australia to watch him play due to Covid issues.

Asked what their reaction had been to his call-up, he replied: “I’m very lucky to have a good support system.

“They would have liked to have come out, and Australia is a great place to watch cricket.

“But hopefully, in four years’ time, I can come back and they can come and watch then.”

Crawley has experience playing in Australia, having played for Wembley Districts and Sydney, but admits an Ashes tour will be an entirely different experience with the series set to get under way on December 8 at the Gabba.

He said: “I have been there a couple of times. I have played in Sydney but I have not played at these big grounds.

“You are playing in front of 90,000 at the MCG and 60,000 at the SCG. It’s very exciting.

“So I have some idea of what cricket is about over there. I know what to expect.

“It’s just about putting all my plans into practice.”

Kent team-mate Joe Denly, who played against Australia two years ago, has given an insight on what to expect from their attack.

Crawley added: “I have spoken to him about their bowlers.

"He has been really helpful, actually.”

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