Michael Vaughan launched a scathing critique of the England cricket team's excessive optimism following their substantial 434-run loss to Rohit Sharma-led India in the third Test at the Niranjah Shah Stadium in Rajkot. This defeat underscored the gap between the team's confidence and their performance on the field.
Michael Vaughan slams James Anderson
Vaughan's comments come in the wake of England's continued bravado, particularly after their defeat in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, where despite a 106-run loss while chasing 399, veteran James Anderson claimed England possessed the batting prowess to chase down targets around 600.
The optimism seemingly knew no bounds as, after day three of the Rajkot Test, Ben Duckett responded with "the more the better" when inquired about a feasible target England could realistically pursue.
Vaughan shocked by Ben Duckett's bizarre comment
This overconfidence was not just limited to their batting ambitions. Vaughan was particularly critical of Duckett's comments regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian batter who achieved the remarkable feat of scoring double centuries in consecutive Tests, becoming only the third Indian to do so.
Duckett attributed Jaiswal's success to England's aggressive 'Bazball' approach influencing the series, a statement Vaughan found bewildering.
"Listen to them, and you would think nothing is ever wrong. Jimmy Anderson said they would chase 600 in Vizag. Ben Duckett said "the more the better" in terms of their target this week, but they fell 434 short. Duckett also reckons they deserve credit for the way Yashasvi Jaiswal is batting, as if no player in history has ever played an attacking shot," Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph.
"They talk about not playing for the draw, but to me that's disrespectful to Test cricket. The draw is a crucial part of the game, and in five-Test contest has often provided the bedrock of some great series victories.
"They have to be careful that people around don't think they are smug, or above their station. Root's shot was another reminder that they are in a bubble. All that matters is their dressing room, and fun. There is a bit more to Test cricket than that," he added.
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Big talk, no walk: Ben Stokes' England implode under pressure of gigantic target after Yashasvi Jaiswal's record double ton
