'I think they are absolute garbage' - Michael Vaughan lambastes ICC Test rankings

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has slammed the latest ICC Test Rankings while citing the positions of New Zealand and England in recent times. The ICC recently announced the Test rankings with India continuing to be at the top. They are followed by New Zealand with eight rating points separating the top two.

India are at the top with 120 points while New Zealand are second with 112 points. South Africa are third followed by England and Australia at number four and five respectively. However, Michael Vaughan is not at all impressed with the rankings as he said that New Zealand and England have not done well in recent times and thus do not deserve to be ranked in their current positions.

Michael Vaughan criticizes England’s recent performances

Speaking ahead of the ongoing second Test between Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne, Michael Vaughan called the rankings absolute garbage. He criticised England’s recent performances in Tests as he stated that the rankings are confusing. He also said that Australia do not deserve to be ranked lower than New Zealand.

“I will be dead honest about the ICC rankings. I think they are absolute garbage,” Vaughan was quoted as saying by The Sydney Morning Herald.

“I have no idea how – New Zealand have won plenty of series over the course of the last two years – but for them to be second, and where it stands out for me that the rankings can’t be right is that England in Test match cricket are third (now fourth), and England for three or four years have struggled in Test match cricket, particularly overseas.”

“They (England) have won a series at home. They have only just drawn the Ashes in English conditions, they only just beat Ireland. I think the rankings are a little bit confusing. I certainly don’t, in my opinion, have New Zealand as the second-best Test match nation in the world. I think, particularly over here in Australia, Australia are a far better Test match team,” he added.

Meanwhile, barring India, all the other top five Test sides are in action today. While Australia are taking on New Zealand in Melbourne, South Africa will later lock horns against England at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

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