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Former England captain Michael Vaughan took exception to the “Bazball” approach from English batters on the second day of the third and final Test match against Sri Lanka at the Oval in London. England were 261/3 at one stage in their first innings before their batting lineup threw wickets away in pursuit of quick runs, which led to Michael Vaughan speak about whether they will play in the same manner against India and Australia.
Notably, England captain Ollie Pope and Harry Brook were in the midst of a good partnership of 70 runs before the latter flashed at a wide delivery from Milan Rathnayake, only to find Kamindu Mendis, who took a good catch to his right. Following that, the England batting lineup suffered a collapse, losing their final six wickets within 10 overs, to get bundled out for 325 despite Ollie Pope’s scintillating 154 off 156.
Would you be employing "Bazball" approach all day against India and Australia?: Michael Vaughan
In his latest interview, Michael Vaughan spoke about the meek way in which England lost their wickets against Sri Lanka, while trying to bat aggressively as per the “Bazball” approach. He was quoted as saying to BBC, as per APF, “I would ask England, ‘were you on it all day like you would be against India and Australia? If they look themselves in the mirror and say they were, I would say they are lying.”
The 49-year-old also singled out Harry Brook, stating that he was taking his innings lightly, which shouldn’t be the case against any opponent at the Test level. He said, “There are cricketing gods up there and in a year’s time there are tougher challenges (ahead). Just be careful, Harry Brook. He is an incredible player but don’t take the mick out of the game (treat it lightly). England delight me a lot in the way they play, I like that they do things completely differently, but I sometimes watch and say be careful because this game has a way of biting you.”
As of this writing, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 263 runs in the first session on day three of the third and final Test match in response to the 325-run first innings total from England at the Oval in London.
