Under Ben Stokes‘ captaincy and Brendon McCullum’s coaching, the England Test squad has established a reputation for chasing down massive totals in the fourth innings. However, Michael Vaughan has recommended them to abandon their ultra-aggressive ‘Bazball’ tactics on Day 5 of the Edgbaston Test against India, where they must chase down an implausible total of 608 runs in the fourth innings.
England has already lost three wickets in 16 overs and scored 72 runs as the second Test in Birmingham enters its final day. Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep have been in fine form in the Test match, and Vaughan believes that a draw would be the best result for England.
“Bazball is going to be asked the ultimate question tomorrow. Will the team and players go fully against their natural instincts? You must take advantage of the best offers available. “And what’s best on offer right now is a draw,” Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special.
Vaughan pointed out that in the 34 Tests under Stokes’ leadership, the Three Lions have only drawn once (in a rain-affected game), winning 21 and losing 12. The cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted that England will need to adjust their thinking in order to win significant series, particularly against top teams such as India and Australia.
“If you want to win a huge series at home against India in five matches and then travel to Australia, I don’t think it’s feasible to have the mindset that we just want to win. We do not play for draws. A draw for England from this position, and I hope they get more success; if they can leave here with a draw, it’s almost better than last week’s triumph because it’s entirely against their natural trade,” Vaughan said.
Michael Vaughan also chastised Ben Stokes for electing to bowl first after winning the toss in the Edgbaston Test, even though the conditions were favourable to the hitters.
“They won the toss and elected to bowl again, which was bound to backfire in these English circumstances in the UK with the ball and surfaces. And I’m interested in seeing how this team discusses what they’re going to do in the locker room and then executes it the next day,” Vaughan added.
The former England captain pushed the England batsmen to bat all day and save the Test match since the pitch is still suitable for batting.
“Because the pitch is still good, and if England has the urge to play aggressively, they can bat all day tomorrow. “They really can,” Vaughan said.
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