'Bumrah had more fielders in the boundary than Pant’ – Michael Vaughan criticizes England’s ‘completely wrong’ tactics in Lord’s Test

While Test cricket was at its best throughout the second match between England and India, proceedings of Day 5 exceeded all expectations. India’s victory seemed the last possible outcome at stumps on Day 4 as the visitors were reeling at 181/6 with their lead being just 154 runs. Moreover, Rishabh Pant, the last of the recognized Indian batters, got dismissed inside early on the final day.

While the English camp looked ecstatic, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami dented their plans. The two speedsters put up a batting exhibition and took England bowlers for cleaners. The duo added 89 runs for the ninth wicket as India declared at 298/8, subsequently winning the game by 151 runs. While Shami and Bumrah stunned the cricket world with their brilliance, former England captain Michael Vaughan feels Joe Root’s defensive approach allowed the duo to thrive.

England got the tactics completely wrong: Michael Vaughan

Calling England’s tactic completely wrong, Vaughan criticized Root for putting more boundary riders than close-in fielders for Indian tailenders. “Jasprit Bumrah had more fielders on the boundary than Rishabh Pant. How can that happen when you’ve got players like Joe Root and James Anderson who have played over 100 Test matches? They got the tactics completely wrong,” Vaughan told BCCI.

Notably, England opted for a bizarre approach of intimidating Shami and Bumrah with bouncers. However, their move entirely backfired and the result is hidden from none. “They were all over the place. I’ve got no idea what they were thinking. The key when you’re under pressure is to keep things simple. You’re bowling to tailenders, bowl to hit the top of off stump, don’t bowl short and wide,” Vaughan added.

Meanwhile, India now are 1-0 up in the five-match series and would be raring to clinch the series. The third Test gets underway at the Headingley in Leeds on August 25. Needless to mention, Virat Kohli’s would be fired up and one can expect them to come all guns blazing. On the other hand, the Three Lions would be under the pump after their below-par performances in the first two games. However, the home advantage is still in their favour. Hence, writing them off won’t be wise for the visitors.