Dan Lawrence, England’s makeshift opener for three Tests last summer reflects on his experience with rueful perspective. Now, looking back on his experience with the national team, he reflects on his journey. The Essex batsman made his chance count when Zak Crawley fractured a finger. This fortuitous injury thrust Lawrence into the starting position, enabling him to immediately showcase his fortunes. Even as he was unexpectedly forced into a new role though, Lawrence’s outlook on his time with the England team was all smiles.
Lawrence was asked to open the batting for England during the series against Sri Lanka, scoring 30 and 34 in the first Test at Old Trafford. No wonder the job was daunting even for a born destroyer. They couldn’t wrap their heads around what an opener was supposed to actually be. He embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm.
“Although it was a position that was a little bit alien to me, I got the chance to play and I would have been pretty silly to turn it down.” – Dan Lawrence
In the England dressing room, the messaging is clear: players are encouraged to be as free as they want to be. This philosophy was echoed by Lawrence, who found the experience both exciting and an honor, despite the challenges of adjusting his playing style.
“The messaging in the England dressing room is be as free as you want to be.” – Dan Lawrence
Lawrence’s 14-Test career so far has been almost defined by its stop-start nature. That early experience in the Bazballing age seemed tailor made for him. After an interval of more than two years between caps, he soon found himself bearing the drinks on the international circuit, biding his time for another opportunity. Through all of these disappointments, Lawrence continues to be positive and motivated and eager to help his team in whatever way possible.
“I don’t think it’s an unfair thing. It’s an honour and really exciting.” – Dan Lawrence
Sadly, Lawrence missed out on being picked for the tours to Pakistan and New Zealand. To reclaim his spot, he knows that he needs to put runs on the board for Surrey. His experience on the franchise circuit has brought a new level of variation and dimension to his off-spin bowling. This might go some way to filling the all-rounder shaped hole in Brendon McCullum’s side.
“Now there’s an opportunity to put my name in the mix. There are some serious players, but no reason why I can’t be involved in that conversation.” – Dan Lawrence
Lawrence missed the beginning of the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum regime. After recovering from a relatively serious knee injury incurred in the 2022 West Indies tour, our sincerest congratulations go to him for remaining committed to embracing whatever role is required of him. He’s even willing to open the batting at number 11 if required!
“If England asked me to bat number 11, I would.” – Dan Lawrence
He found it difficult to walk the line between aggression and conservatism, that tension creating an existential crisis for his naturally aggressive playing style.
“I struggled with the balance of wanting to play a certain style, which is really aggressive, and the other part in my head saying ‘you’re an opener; you need to see off the new ball’.” – Dan Lawrence
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