Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed surprise at Ben Stokes’ decision not to give the new ball to veteran pacer James Anderson during the closing stages of the fifth day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. Vaughan noted that it was unusual for Anderson, who has a remarkable record in English conditions, to be overlooked for the second new ball.

Despite Anderson’s tough first innings, his experience and skill could have been crucial. However, Stokes stuck with Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson, and Australia went on to win the match by two wickets.

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“I don’t recollect Jimmy Anderson never taking the second new ball in English conditions. It was crying out, the lights were on. You just felt, go on Jimmy and Broady – dead easy, nice and straight to Nathan Lyon. He’s going to play across the line of one,” Michael Vaughan commented during an interview with Cricbuzz.

Reflecting on the overall match, Michael Vaughan described it as special, with both teams playing contrasting styles of cricket. England exhibited an aggressive and expansive approach, while Australia stuck to their traditional game. The historic victory at Edgbaston was significant for the Australian team.

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“That was a special five days. The end of the game always creates that tension, but throughout every single day that we have seen, two teams playing contrasting styles – the Aussies playing a safer game or traditional one and England playing a game that’s very expansive. For the Aussies to get that win, that is huge for them,” Michael Vaughan added.

Both teams will now have a couple of days’ rest before beginning their preparations for the second Test, scheduled to commence on June 28 at the iconic Lord’s.