Vaughan declares England ‘like LOSING’ after cheap Ashes wickets
Furious Michael Vaughan declares England ‘clearly like LOSING’ after more cheap wickets fell in another punishing Ashes session, as he hits out at Harry Brook’s ‘shambolic’ shot
- England were left teetering in the second Ashes Test after losing cheap wickets
- Ben Stokes, Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow fell with all playing costly shots
- Former captain Michael Vaughan hit out at their decision-making and Bazball
Michael Vaughan has again taken aim at England and declared they ‘clearly like losing’ after another poor session saw them surrender cheap wickets in the Ashes.
Australia wasted little time in attacking the hosts in the very first over and captain Ben Stokes fell victim to the second ball of the day to leave his side teetering.
Stokes, who had steadied the ship somewhat after a strong start to England’s innings was undone, had looked to turn through the leg side from Mitchell Starc’s delivery but could only muster up an outside edge, allowing Cameron Green to catch.
That left England five wickets down and shortly after, they fell victim to the short ball again, with Harry Brook dismissed shortly after reaching his half-century.
Brook looked to attack with a wild swipe but instead looped straight to Pat Cummins.
Vaughan then aired his irritation with Brooks’ decision live on Test Match Special.
‘Shocking shot. England clearly like losing,’ he said. ‘Yesterday they gifted Australia three wickets. They arrive on day three, the pitch is doing a bit more.
‘To see that wicket and Australia now know they are bowling to the tail.’
After drinks, England continued to be the architects of their downfall with Jonny Bairstow the next to walk after chipping a weak shot to Cummins at mid-on.
Ollie Robinson then fell to leave England’s tail-end on 324-8, before Stuart Broad was dismissed after playing a number of brave shots.
The collapse marked a stark contrast to their strong start yesterday, with Stokes’ side having moved to 188-1. They promptly went on to lose three quick wickets for 34 runs, however, with their batting line-up losing out to short deliveries at Lord’s.
The manner of their dismissals and the lack of urgency despite having a grip on the contest also irked former skipper Vaughan, who came down hard on Bazball.
‘England need to be realistic. They cannot mix entertainment with stupidity,’ he said. ‘For the first 188 runs, England played good cricket with proper shots.
‘Australian bowlers got no help as the ball was not doing anything, so they resorted to short balls. What came next was pure stupidity.’
