Ashes 2023 | 'This is Stupid Cricket': Michael Vaughan Slams England Team
England still trail by 138 [AP Photos]
Former England captain Michael Vaughan and Geoffrey Boycott have lambasted Ben Stokes and Co. for throwing away the promising start on Day 2 of the second Ashes Test taking place at Lord's.
Having bowled out Australia for 416, England kickstarted their innings with a blazing start as their openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett forged a brilliant 91-run partnership for the opening wicket.
However, Crawley's aggression got the better of him as he lost his wicket to Nathan Lyon, falling prey to a stumping while going for a big shot.
Duckett then went on to play a magnificent knock and fell just two runs short of a century, becoming a victim of Josh Hazlewood for 98 runs.
England found themselves in a commanding position at 188/1, but their brilliant start was cursed as they slipped to 222/4 before Harry Brook and captain Ben Stokes himself came to the rescue, steering the hosts to a respectable score of 278 without any further wickets falling at the end of the second day’s play.
Weighing in on the same, Michael Vaughan didn't mince words, stating England's style of play was not entertaining at all rather it was ‘stupid Test cricket’. Here’s what Vaughan told BBC Test match special:
“For the first 182 runs, I saw an England side that went out to bat and play with great entertainment because they played proper cricket strokes. What came after that for the next hour or so was absolute stupidity.”
"That is not entertaining, I’m sorry, that is stupid Test match cricket and Australia will be delighted with that method because when the ball is not swinging over the next few weeks, guess what they are going to do.”
Vaughan also came hard on Crawley for throwing away his wicket after a good start:
“Zak Crawley has just done what Zak Crawley does. Plays nicely, plays beautifully, you think come on, it’s your day. He gets to 48 and then just gifts an easy wicket. That’s the problem with this England side, they don’t realise when they’re on top.”
Australia keeps playing on England's ego: Geoffrey Boycott
Meanwhile, Geoffrey Boycott also didn't hold back on his criticism, labelling Ben Duckett as a ‘silly boy’ for giving away his wicket at 98. He also added that Australia keeps playing on the hosts’ ego and Englishmen are falling in their trap.
"They want to attack everything and never be tied down. So when you’re like that, ego takes over and it got Pope and Duckett out. Australia kept playing on England’s ego and Joe Root obliged.”
Still trailing in the match, England will look to consolidate the innings, with two set batters at the crease.
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