The deficiencies of England Test team were laid bare this week: Michael Vaughan

India bowled out England for 210 amidst the chase of 368 runs to secure a splendid victory by 157 runs in the fourth Test match. The Indian bowlers stole the show by rising to the occasion and outplaying the hosts. The former England skipper Michael Vaughan feels that this defeat of England to India has revealed all the deficiencies of the hosts.

Day five of the fourth Test match was an enthralling day with both teams having equal chances to win. Adding to that, England got an upper hand initially as their openers provided flying starts to the team. However, eventually, the England batters couldn’t hold the fort of the team as India went 2-1 up in the ongoing Test series. Vaughan stated that the hosts lacked a pace bowler of the caliber of Jasprit Bumrah. He further added that the ordinary fielding display by England added to their woes.

“With England’s attack lacking a pace bowler like Jasprit Bumrah or a mystery spinner, they cannot afford poor matches in the field, dropping Virat Kohli on 23 with the score 65 for three,” Vaughan added.

The former cricketer also reckoned that the fourth Test match revealed the deficiencies of the team in all three departments.

“The deficiencies of England’s Test team were laid bare this week in batting, bowling, and fielding. They were beaten by battle-hardened opponents who know how to win the key moments, whereas once again it was clear that England need conditions to give them a helping hand. It started with their catching on day one, continued through their batting in the first innings before their bowling was exposed on a flat wicket over the weekend,” Vaughan said in his column for The Telegraph.

This England Test team are dependent on the pitch helping them: Michael Vaughan

In India’s second innings, the hosts struggled a tad bit to pick quick wickets. Vaughan pointed that when there is no swing and seam, England seemed to be struggling.  He stated that the team vastly depends on the conditions and when they don’t favor them, England is on the back foot.

“In the second innings with the ball, England’s attack was found out because there was no swing or seam. England lacks pace and variation to make things happen in flat conditions. This England Test team are dependent on the pitch helping them. When that happens they look like taking 20 wickets as they did at Headingley, otherwise, they struggle,” Vaughan added.