I hope England do not make the same mistake against India: Michael Vaughan

After the first Test match between New Zealand and England ended in a draw, the hosts produced a below-average performance at Birmingham. In their first innings, England were bundled out for 303 runs. This was followed by the Kiwis making 388 while the Three Lions could manage only 122 runs in their next batting innings. 

A poor show with a willow resulted in England setting an easy target of 37 runs against the Blackcaps. New Zealand chased the target early on Day 4 to win the match by eight wickets. Former England captain Michael Vaughan carried out a detailed analysis of England’s loss.

Vaughan believes that England did a blunder by not including a spinner in the Playing XI. England played with four seamers in both the Test matches against New Zealand. England is next scheduled to host India in the five-match Test series, starting from August 4. Thus, Vaughan warned Joe Root & Men to not make the same mistake again.

“They got lucky at Lord’s because it rained. But to make the same mistake two weeks in a row is a glaring tactical error. The wicket was not gripping and offering a lot of turns, but you need a variation when it is hot and dry at Edgbaston.

“You end up bowling your seamers more in a four-man seam attack each than with three seamers and the spinner so if they had picked Jack Leach, Joe Root could have also kept his seamers fresher. I hope England do not make the same mistake against India,” Michael Vaughan told the Telegraph.

England need to learn how to play and win, on good Test pitches: Michael Vaughan

The former skipper also advised England to not prepare green tops against India. Vaughan believes that such pitches might help them in securing a victory but they will ruin their game for the Ashes in Australia later this year. The veteran wants England to play on good wickets that provide them some challenge. 

“Even though England have struggled on these pitches, I believe they have to continue playing on good wickets, which is what Chris Silverwood said he wanted this summer. I do not believe playing on green tops against India even if it gets them a couple of cheap Test wins will do them any good whatsoever as they build to Australia away and beyond. They need to learn how to play, and win, on good Test pitches,” he said.