Michael Vaughan, a former captain of England, said on Friday that he was very disappointed with Ben Stokes’ decision to bowl first in the first Test against India at Headingley. He called the move a clear tactical mistake.
India was in charge after being asked to bat, and they ended the day with a strong 359/3. Shubman Gill, the new captain, led the way with an unbroken 127 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the opener, hit 101 runs, and Rishabh Pant, the vice-captain, gave a consistent contribution.
Vaughan told British media that he was shocked by Stokes’ choice because the batting conditions were so good.
“I am a traditionalist from the old school. “Here in Leeds, you bat when the sun is shining and the weather is dry,” Vaughan remarked.
He said that the hot and dry weather didn’t benefit the bowlers much, and England’s bowling attack wasn’t very experienced, so they probably wouldn’t take advantage of the surface.
“You can see that the England team is strong in their batting. And the bowlers aren’t that experienced right now. “Ben clearly had a gut feeling, and sometimes it has worked,” Vaughan said.
Vaughan said that captains need to change their ideas based on the current conditions instead of what has happened in the past at a ground.
“You have to make your choices based on what is happening right now, not on things you did years ago or at other times.” “It can’t change what the decision is today,” he remarked.
Vaughan thought Stokes would stay positive and try to get back on track.
“It’s hard to stop runs when the pitch is good.” “Ben Stokes is still positive, and tomorrow he’ll say, ‘Let’s get seven wickets,'” he said.
Vaughan, on the other hand, said that it will be evident how flat or beneficial the surface is only after seeing India’s speed spearhead Jasprit Bumrah bowl on it.
“We won’t know for sure until we see Jasprit Bumrah bowl on it.” He can knock you out with anything. Vaughan said, “I will wait to see that before I decide how flat this pitch is.”
