Michael Vaughan, former England cricket captain, has criticized Ben Duckett for his remarks regarding England’s performance in the 3rd Test against India in Rajkot.
Vaughan expressed disagreement with Duckett’s assertion that England deserved credit for Yashasvi Jaiswal’s batting display in the second innings. Moreover, Vaughan, aged 49, suggested that England’s statement of not playing for a draw undermines the sanctity of Test cricket, implying disrespect for the traditional format of the game.
On Day 3 of the match, as Yashasvi Jaiswal aggressively played against England’s bowling attack, Ben Duckett highlighted in a press conference that England should receive credit for inspiring such aggressive play from other players. Duckett, the left-handed opener, remarked that it was enjoyable during their summer to witness several players emulate England’s ‘Bazball’ style.
That’s disrespectful to Test cricket- Michael Vaughan on England not playing for a Draw
In his column for The Telegraph, Michael Vaughan responded to Duckett’s comments and England’s approach. Expressing his disagreement he wrote,
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. 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.”
Jaiswal’s return to bat after Gill’s dismissal on Day 4 was remarkable, and he went on to score an unbeaten 214, smashing 12 sixes in the process. Among his impressive shots was the feat of hitting three consecutive sixes off James Anderson in a single over.
Two incredible innings do not define a batting unit’s tour- Michael Vaughan on England’s batting
Michael Vaughan emphasized that despite the remarkable centuries from England’s Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, the team’s batting unit as a whole has been underperforming. He suggested that these exceptional individual performances should not overshadow the broader issues within the team’s batting lineup.
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. If England are honest, their batting has been poor on this tour. They have made two of the best hundreds I have ever seen, from Ollie Pope and Duckett. Let’s not let them paper over the cracks: two incredible innings do not define a batting unit’s tour.”
England faces an uphill battle to avoid defeat in the remaining two matches of the series against India. The 4th Test is scheduled to begin on February 23 in Ranchi, and Vaughan believes that England will need to produce exceptional performances to turn the tide in their favor.
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