‘Can’t recollect Anderson not taking second new ball’ - Michael Vaughan baffled with Ben Stokes’ captaincy at Edgbaston

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan was left surprised with Ben Stokes’ decision to not give the new ball to veteran pacer James Anderson towards the fag end of the fifth day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. Notably, the skipper bowled with Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson as Anderson had very little to do.

Speaking about the same, Vaughan mentioned that he can’t recall the last time when Anderson was not given the second new ball in English conditions. Interestingly, the veteran pacer had a tough time in the first innings but given his pedigree, Anderson could have been dangerous in the middle. However, Stokes didn’t change his mindset as Australia eventually went on to win the match by two wickets.

“Jimmy Anderson not bowling with the second new ball. I don’t recollect Jimmy Anderson never taking the second new ball in English conditions. It was crying out, the lights were on. You just felt, go on Jimmy and Broady - dead easy, nice and straight to Nathan Lyon. He’s going to play across the line of one,” Vaughan said while talking to Cricbuzz.

For the Aussies to get that win, that is huge for them: Vaughan

Talking about the entire match, Vaughan stated that it was special as both teams played contrasting cricket. England were all aggressive throughout the course of the match while Australia didn’t change their approach and eventually won a historic game at Edgbaston.

“That was a special five days. The end of the game always creates that tension, but throughout every single day that we have seen, two teams playing contrasting styles - the Aussies playing a safer game or traditional one and England playing a game that’s very expansive. For the Aussies to get that win, that is huge for them,” Vaughan added.

Meanwhile, both teams will now rest for a couple of days before starting to practise for the second Test, which is slated to begin from June 28 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.