Former England skipper Michael Vaughan slammed Joe Root’s side after they suffered series defeat against New Zealand. It was Root’s first defeat as a captain in a home Test series. New Zealand sealed the Edgbaston Test comfortably and bagged the series by 1-0.
Despite making six changes in the playing XI, New Zealand thrashed England on their home turf. England collapsed massively in the second innings and posted a modest 38-run target for Kiwis to win.
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Michael Vaughan criticized England’s decision of not playing a single spinner in the XI.
“They got lucky at Lord’s because it rained. But to make the same mistake two weeks in a row is a glaring tactical error. The wicket was not gripping and offering a lot of turn, but you need a variation when it is hot and dry at Edgbaston,” he told The Telegraph.
“You actually end up bowling your seamers more in a four-man seam attack each than with three seamers and the spinner so if they had picked Jack Leach, Joe Root could have also kept his seamers fresher. I hope England do not make the same mistake against India.”
Vaughan urged England to learn how to play on good pitches and win. He further went on to mention England will not do themselves good by playing on green-top pitches against India.
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“Even though England have struggled on these pitches, I believe they have to continue playing on good wickets, which is what Chris Silverwood said he wanted this summer. I do not believe playing on green tops against India, even if it gets them a couple of cheap Test wins, will do them any good whatsoever as they build to Australia away and beyond. They need to learn how to play, and win, on good Test pitches,” he added.
England are scheduled to travel Down Under later this year to play the Ashes series.
“The past few weeks have been perfect wickets for Test cricket and regraded the team who has played the better cricket. England just have not been good enough. It has been a stark reminder that this Test match team have a long way to go before they can really think about beating Australia in Australia,” Vaughan mentioned.
India will face England in a five-match Test series, which is scheduled to begin in August.
