Former England captain Michael Vaughan labelled the side's win in Melbourne as a "lottery" and claimed that it wasn't a proper game of Test cricket. This comes after the MCG Test got concluded within two days with the bowlers completely ruling over the batters. The first day saw a total of 20 wickets fall and that was followed by 16 wickets falling on Day 2. England went on to win the match by 4 wickets and brought an end to an almost 15-year wait for a Test victory on Australian soil.
Despite the win, Vaughan believes that the England team still need to prove themselves by winning a proper game of Test cricket. They will have the chance of doing so in the fifth and final Ashes Test that will be held in Sydney and will commence from January 4.
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“I think it’s a massive game for England [in Sydney]. It’s nice to win a game of cricket, but let’s be honest, it was a complete lottery in Melbourne. It wasn’t a proper game of Test match cricket. For the future and for this management in particular, they need to win a strong game of cricket here … that’s not a two-dayer," Vaughan was quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald as saying.
Vaughan's remarks on Stokes and McCullum
Vaughan also feels that even though Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum are expected to continue in their respective roles, a defeat to Australia in Sydney will lead to serious conversations regarding their future with the team. Notably, the Three Lions have so far recorded 25 wins and 17 defeats in Tests under McCullum.
“For this management to carry on, the likes of Ben and Baz – I’m pretty sure they will carry on – but I think they need a good week for that to be absolutely rock solid. There’s a huge appetite within the group to keep [McCullum] on. But fundamentally, if they get pummelled in Sydney, there needs to be some honest conversations," Vaughan added.
Australia in a 3-1 lead
Meanwhile, Australia have retained the Ashes by already taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. They won the first three games rather comfortably before ending up on the losing side in Melbourne. Though England are only playing for pride, a win in Sydney will do wonders for their confidence.