Michael Vaughan sends Ashes warning to Australia

Michael Vaughan (PC: Twitter)

Michael Vaughan has backed England to reclaim the Ashes next year. The Ben Stokes-led side recently scripted a series win over South Africa at home, despite losing the first Test of their three-match series by an innings.

The win capped a successful home summer for England, one which saw them win six of the seven Tests they played under new captain-coach duo of Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

Michael Vaughan issues Ashes warning to Australia

After England’s series win over South Africa, former skipper Michael Vaughan stated that Stokes’ men have what it takes to win back the Ashes next year. The cricketer-turned-commentator also added that he would not have made such claims had England not delivered such remarkable results at home this season.

Speaking with the Daily Telegraph, Vaughan said:

“In the space of seven Test matches England have sent a message to me and to many others. At the start of April, if you had said they had a chance to win back the Ashes next year we would have said there was no way they could do it. But, on the back of a remarkable summer of Test cricket, it is clear: England can regain the urn next summer.”

Prior to the appointment of Stokes and McCullum as Test skipper and coach respectively, the Three Lions had won just one of their previous 17 Tests. Their poor run under Joe Root also included a 0-4 Ashes drubbing to Australia ‘Down Under’ earlier this year.

On England’s dismal Ashes record off late, Vaughan said:

“The England side who Australia meet next summer will be nothing like the side who lost 4-0 Down Under last winter. It could be an incredible summer of cricket. The Australians will think that England have no chance against their attack playing like this, but I think it is the way to unsettle them.”

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