Tag: Michael Vaughan

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has taken a hilarious dig at India for their dismal fielding performance in the first Test at Headingley. 

England defeated India by five wickets in the first Test of the five-match series at Leeds, with Ben Duckett shining with a swashbuckling 149 runs.

With England requiring 350 runs on the final day, the hosts put on a record 188-run opening partnership, thanks to a shambolic fielding display from the visitors.

Michael Vaughan took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the Indian team’s poor show on the field.

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“Just to let you all know, I have offered myself to India as a fielding coach .. My academy does a roaring trade,” he wrote.

The defeat turned the spotlight on the Indian fielders, with Yashasvi Jaiswal dropping four catches in the match. The southpaw dropped Ollie Pope on day two, who went on to score a century in England’s first innings.

Not only that, Yashasvi Jaiswal also dropped Ben Duckett in the first innings when he was batting on 67. The 23-year-old also handed a reprieve to Harry Brook while batting on 83 in the first innings; however, he was eventually dismissed on 99.

Perhaps the first innings drops did not hurt India much, but in England’s final essay, Jaiswal fumbled an easy catch of Ben Duckett when he was on 97.

READ: WATCH: Mohammad Abbas, Ishan Kishan win hearts in County Championship

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has questioned Three Lions captain Ben Stokes’ readiness for the five-match Test series against India, which is set to begin tomorrow at Leeds. 

While speaking with an English news outlet, Vaughan expressed his amusement over Ben Stokes’ lack of match practice ahead of a packed summer.

“I’ve been staggered by the lack of time in the middle that Ben’s had as a batter. He didn’t have a great year last year when he got his injuries,” Vaughan said.

He also questioned England’s skipper’s absence from the Lions’ practice game against India A.

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‘A Scottie Scheffler or a footballer going into a major event would be playing. He’s had no game time. Why wouldn’t you want to play for England Lions just for a knock, not to bowl?

He was bowling against Zimbabwe, and clearly he’s fine, but why wouldn’t you just want a bit of time in the middle? Call me old school, but I think it’s quite nice to go out and hit a few balls,” he added.

The 50-year-old hailed Ben Stokes as an intelligent captain, deeming him a vital cog in England’s chances down under.

“England can only win in Australia with him, and that’s him being the all-rounder. If he goes to Australia just as the batter, that completely breaks the balance of the team and as much as he’s a genius captain, the team are 30-40 per cent better when he bowls. To win in Australia, he has to be bowling and batting well,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Ben Stokes returned for the first time after knee surgery, playing against Zimbabwe in a one-off historic Test.

The all-rounder did not have a good outing with the bat, scoring only nine runs; however, Stokes was impressive with the ball, taking three wickets in the match.

READ: Major blow for India as key player likely to miss first Test against England

Former England captain Michael Vaughan threw his support on Tuesday behind a two-tier structure “to save” Test cricket with the ICC reportedly meeting this month to discuss the issue.

Vaughan joined former India coach Ravi Shastri in urging a shake-up which would include relegation and promotion to help ensure the survival of the red-ball game.

Both men were on commentary duties during the thrilling five-Test series between Australia and India which the hosts won 3-1 in front of huge crowds.

“It has been a series that has only served to strengthen my views on where the game is headed and what administrators should be looking at,” Vaughan said in a column for The Telegraph in London and The Sydney Morning Herald.

“I believe it is a four-day product with a set number of overs each day enforced, three matches minimum per series and two divisions of six, including promotion and relegation.”

Shastri said the Australia-India series proved Test cricket continued to hold its own in the face of ever-increasing T20 franchise cricket.

But, like Vaughan, it only reinforced his view that to survive, the biggest teams needed to be playing each other more often.

The Herald reported Tuesday that Australia, England, India and the International Cricket Council’s new chairman Jay Shah would meet this month to discuss a two-tier structure.

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Any move to two divisions would kick in after the end of the current Future Tours Programme in 2027, it added, citing sources with knowledge of the talks.

“I was delighted to read in this masthead the ICC are considering a two-tier structure from 2027 which could see the Ashes staged twice every three years,” said Vaughan.

“I have been saying for a long time this is the way to keep Test cricket relevant by ensuring the best play the best as often as possible, and we get fewer mismatches.

“There is much to iron out before any major changes are made for 2027, but there is time.”

The ICC has been contemplating a two-tier system for years but the plans have never got off the ground.

A proposal for a de facto premier league featuring the top seven sides was on the agenda of the world governing body in 2016.

It was scrapped after the powerful Indian board led a backlash.

While India stand to gain from playing more matches against teams such as England and Australia, the BCCI said at the time the cost to smaller cricketing nations was too great.

READ: John Cena makes massive announcement to kick off farewell tour

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has named star batter Babar Azam among his list of top three Pakistani batters of all time.

Pakistan, under newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan, defeated Australia in the third ODI by eight wickets in Perth to win their first series Down Under since 2002.

The visitors lost the first match of the three-match series by two wickets, however, they staged an impressive comeback to win the series 2-1.

Vaughan, who was part of the broadcast team during the series, discussed Pakistan’s best batters ever in his conversation with former Australian batter Adam Gilchrist.

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The former English captain revealed that he would place Babar Azam at number three among the best Pakistani batters of all time.

He acknowledged Babar’s recent struggles in Test cricket, however, expressed hope that the star batter would get back in form soon.

“I am going to go with a modern-day player, a modern-day asset. Just lost his place in the Test team, but I’m sure he’ll get it back. He is world-class across all formats,” Michael Vaughan said.

“His average is 47 across those formats, and in ODIs, he’s nearly averaging 57.”

 

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Vaughan went on to name former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq as the second-best batter from Pakistan, highlighting his ability to hit big shots.

“The Big Inzy… you get him across all formats. He didn’t rely on running between wickets. He didn’t need to because he could just whack it out of the ground,” he said.

Meanwhile, legendary batter Javed Miandad was placed at the number one position among the best Pakistani batters of all time.

“I had this player in my top three Pakistan players of all time two nights ago – Javed Miandad. What a player,” Vaughan said.

“Just a wonderful competitor! Back in the 80s, skill and ferocity. He was probably the first I ever saw who swept the ball brilliantly across all formats.”

READ: Pakistan secure historic ODI series victory in Australia after 22-year drought

Former England cricketer and renowned commentator Michael Vaughan reacted to Pakistan’s shocking defeat in the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Vaughan lauded the Bangladesh cricket team for their historic victory before asserting that Pakistan cricket was in a “mess”.

“What a great win for Bangladesh .. !! High-quality performance .. Pakistan really are in a mess,” wrote Michael Vaughan on the social media platform.

Earlier, another former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen reacted expressed his concerns regarding the current situation of the Pakistan cricket team, mainly pertaining to their shocking defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test on Sunday.

“What happened to cricket in Pakistan? When I played the PSL, the standard of that league was tremendous, the players had a very good work ethic and the youngsters on display were magic. What’s happening there?,” Pietersen wrote on X.

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Pakistan succumbed to a 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the opening Test of the two-match series, underway in Rawalpindi.

The defeat was Pakistan’s first ever against Bangladesh in Test cricket.

Following the defeat, several strategies came under question; such as going with an all-pace attack, declaration and batting failure in the second innings.

Pakistan, after being put into bat first, accumulated 448/6 and declared their first innings in the dying minutes of the second day. Bangladesh, in response, piled up a mammoth total of 565, courtesy of Mushfiqur Rahim’s marathon 191-run knock, before bundling out in the third session of the fourth day.

The first Test was assumed to be heading towards a draw but Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered on the final day and could score 146, setting Bangladesh a meagre 30-run target.

The Bangladesh openers made no mistake in chasing down a paltry total and steered their side to a historic victory over Pakistan.

READ: Pakistan suffer another setback after Bangladesh loss

Former England cricketer and renowned commentator Michael Vaughan slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for allegedly favouring India during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Vaughan, a notable voice in world cricket, spoke about Afghanistan’s tight schedule for their semi-final against South Africa and stressed that India and England should have played the first semi-final.

“Surely this [Afghanistan vs South Africa] semi should have been the Guyana one .. but because the whole event is geared towards India it’s so unfair on others,” he wrote in a post on X.

“So Afghanistan qualify for the WC semi winning in St Vincent on Monday night .. 4 hr flight delay on Tues to Trinidad so no time to practice or get accustomed to a new venue .. utter lack of respect to players I am afraid,” Vaughan added.

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Michael Vaughan then went on to accuse India of getting an unfair advantage throughout the T20 World Cup 2024.

“Surely this [Afghanistan vs South Africa] semi should have been the Guyana one .. but because the whole event is geared towards India it’s so unfair on others,” he further stated.

Earlier, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott also expressed dissatisfaction with his side’s tight schedule as they got less time to prepare than their opposition.

“Playing the last group game and then playing the first semi-final isn’t ideal – travelling and not really having, a day off if you like. But that’s not a reason we didn’t win.

“We knew the schedule, so that’s not an excuse as such. In tournaments you can’t have everything your own way, you’ve got to fight and play against the odds. We have done that at times and I’m very proud of that.”

READ: Wet outfield delays India-England semi-final toss

Former England captain and renowned commentator Michael Vaughan made a massive claim as he called Afghanistan the second-best Asian team following the side’s astonishing victory over Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Vaughan lauded the Afghanistan cricket team, stating that it has extremely skilful players, who were led brilliantly by star spinner Rashid Khan.

“Great win for Afghanistan .. they have a genuine chance now of reaching the final. They will fancy beating any of the teams in the other group in Trinidad with their bowling attack,” wrote Vaughan.

“It’s no surprise anymore that Afghanistan produce performances like we have just witnessed .. Extremely skillful set of players & brilliantly led by [Rashid Khan],” he added.

Michael Vaughan then acknowledged a user’s remarks, who said Afghanistan is the second-best team in Asia, but the former cricketer specified the claim to white-ball cricket.

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Afghanistan, on Saturday, created history, when they registered a comfortable 21-run victory over one of the most dominant forces in the world, Australia.

The victory also revived Afghanistan’s chances to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024 as they now need to win their last Super Eights fixture against Bangladesh and hope India beat Australia.

Put into bat first, Afghanistan registered a formidable total of 148/6 in the allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a solid start provided by the openers.

Both Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran scored half-centuries while the rest made modest contributions.

In response, Australia were bundled out on a paltry 127 and thus succumbed to a gut-wrenching defeat.

Glenn Maxwell waged a lone battle for the 2021 champions with a gutsy half-century but his efforts were not enough to steer his side to victory.

READ: Rain likely to play spoilsport in crucial India-Australia Super Eights fixture

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has commented on the decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to not continue with former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez as the team director.

Vaughan took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to express his opinion on the situation while responding to Hafeez’s post.

“You were doing a really good job .. Madness why they wouldn’t want you to carry on !!!,” Vaughan posted.

You were doing a really good job .. Madness why they wouldn’t want you to carry on !!! https://t.co/xTRwJnLTSd

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 16, 2024

Vaughan and Hafeez were famously involved in an online rift during the ICC World Cup 2023 in India.

For the unversed, the PCB in an official statement on Thursday, announced that it has parted ways with Hafeez.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board extends heartfelt gratitude to Mohammad Hafeez, Director Pakistan men’s cricket team, for his invaluable contributions,” the statement read.

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Hafeez then took to his official X account and revealed that he was given the role for a four-month period which was cut short to two months instead.

He further asserted that he would “reveal all the cricketing and other amateur non-cricketing facts which ensure bad performances”.

“I always prioritised and represented Pakistan with dignity and pride. I accepted the new role as a Director PCB with great passion to make positive reforms but unfortunately my designated tenure which was offered by [PCB] for 4 years was cut short for 2 months on the account of new chairmanship,” wrote Hafeez.

READ: Hasaranga claims Sri Lanka has ‘one of the best bowling’ attacks in world

Former England captain Michael Vaughan took a jibe at India following the side’s humiliating defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Centurion’s Supersport Park.

India lost their series opener by an innings and 32 runs inside three days. Rohit Sharma’s side scored 245 in their first innings on the back of KL Rahul’s century.

In reply, South Africa managed 408 as Dean Elgar top-scored with 185 and Marco Jansen and David Bedingham scored 84 and 56 respectively.

India, that were already trailing by 163, were dismissed for just 131 as Nandre Burger returned with a four-wicket haul. Star batter Virat Kohli was the lone ranger as he top-scored with his 76.

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Michael Vaughan, who is covering the ongoing three-match Test series between Australia and Pakistan, shared his views on dismal India’s performance. He called them an “underachieving” team who are nowhere near winning a major ICC tournament.

“I think they are, yeah,” Michael Vaughan said while answering a question whether if India are an underachieving team. “Well, they don’t win anything. When was the last time they won something? With all the talent they have, all the skillsets… they won here (Australia) twice, magnificent but the last few World Cups, been nowhere, T20 World Cups, nowhere.

“You go so South Africa, who are, you know, useful in Test match cricket and to produce a performance like that… I mean, with all the talent they have, and the resources they have, I don’t think they win anything.”

India’s latest heartbreak in a global cricketing tournament came in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at home turf. Rohit Sharma’s side, who were unbeatean before the finale, were outplayed by six wickets by Australia.

READ: South Africa skittle India to claim innings win in first Test

LONDON: Former England captain and renowned commentator Michael Vaughan has been cleared of racism charges by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) disciplinary committee.

According to the ECB, the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) has today published its decisions in relation to charges brought by the ECB against Yorkshire CCC and a number of individuals.

In light of the CDC decisions, Michael Vaughan has been found not liable for a breach of ECB Directive 3.3, which states: “No such person may conduct themself in a manner or do any act or omission which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the game of cricket or any Cricketer or group of Cricketers into disrepute”.

Vaughan took to Instagram in advance to reveal that the charges against him had been dismissed.

“Now that the ECB’s charge against me has been dismissed, I want to thank the panel for their careful attention in very difficult circumstances and to thank all of those who have given me their support during an incredibly difficult period in my life,” he wrote on Instagram.

 

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However, a number of prominent former England cricketers Tim Bresnan, John Blain, Andrew Gale, Matthew Hoggard and Richard Pyrah have been found liable for a breach of ECB Directive 3.3 for their alleged use of racist and/or discriminatory language.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Zimbabwe batter Gary Ballance had previously admitted charges of breaching the same Directive.

It is pertinent to mention here that the ECB started the investigation after the former Yorkshire CCC player Rafiq made racism allegations and claimed to have experienced ‘inhuman behaviour’, within the club.

READ: India-Pakistan deadlock persists over Asia Cup, World Cup participation