England Test coach Brendon McCullum has admitted Zak Crawley's "skillset is not to be a consistent cricketer", but he instead believes the under-pressure opener can be a match winner "when he gets going".
Crawley's place in the side has come under fire from fans and pundits alike following scores of nine and 13 in the innings defeat to South Africa. It has been a disappointing summer for Crawley so far, who has made just 164 runs at an average of 16.40 for England across five Tests.
He has also managed just 84 runs at 24.25 for Kent in the County Championship. However, McCullum says England will continue to pick Crawley despite his struggles.
"He's a talent, and there are not too many of those guys floating around," McCullum said. "He's still learning his game at this level. That will take some patience and persistence. I believe in him, that's for sure. You have to think about the overall package.
"We have some players that have been put in those positions because they have certain skillsets. I look at a guy like Zak and his skillset is not to be a consistent cricketer.
"He's not that type of player. He's put in that situation because he has a game which, when he gets going, he can win matches for England."
McCullum also rejected the suggestion that Crawley should be dropped for his own benefit, with former England opener Mark Butcher stating that continually selecting the 24-year-old is "starting to feel cruel".
Speaking on Sky Sports, Butcher said: "You hear people talk about duty of care in all walks of life, but I think this constant backing is doing Crawley more harm than good. You cannot keep failing and not have it affect you mentally.
"I think it is starting to get cruel. It is all well and good backing players but he is 24 years old, so it is not terminal for him to be left out now and come back a better player.
"So many guys before him have done it. He is not scoring runs in any cricket - whether it's for England, Kent or in The Hundred. Confidence must be at an all-time low.
"I don't care how many times you are patted on the back and told everything is going to be fine. A batsman's currency is runs - end of story - and he is not making any for anybody."
However, McCullum has said England will continue to back Crawley, explaining: "We want to keep giving guys opportunities, then their skill and talent can come out. We have to be really positive around the language we use with him and be really consistent with the selections around that, to keep giving guys opportunities.
"Selection loyalty is really important. Not only does it build loyalty from guys in the side, it also builds loyalty from guys on the outside because they know when their opportunity does come they will be afforded the same loyalty."
