Michael Vaughan has picked England as favorites for the upcoming Ashes against Australia due to Pat Cummins’s reported absence from the first few matches.
The former England captain doubts whether he will even be fit in time for the second Test in Brisbane, as as of now, Cummins is likely to miss only the first Test in the Ashes tour.
“If you have a stress fracture and you are not able to bowl in Perth on November 21, how will you be fit for the second Test starting on December 5? A stress fracture requires careful management. As much as the Ashes matter, and the temptation to recall him will be huge, Cummins has to realize that there are other series left as well,” Vaughan also commented on Cummins’ doubtful condition for the second Test. of.
“After the news of Pat Cummins’ injury, one or two people will think England are now favorites this winter” – Michael Vaughan
Former England captain Michael Vaughan feels that just like they won the Ashes in 2010-11, they can win it this time too, as most of the Australian team will be playing without their experienced captain Pat Cummins. He explained in detail the reasons why Australia would be weak on home soil.
“When you look at 2010–11, England’s only win in my time in Australia, some breaks went in our favour. Australia were unsure of their best XI, they hadn’t transitioned properly from the great side of the early 2000s, and they had lost a top bowler, Ryan Harris, to injury.”
The Australian captain will miss the opening Test in Perth due to a back strain injury. He said, “After the news of Pat Cummins’ injury, one or two people will think that England are now favorites this winter. I wouldn’t argue against it at the moment, but I would also say be very cautious.”
Pat Cummins’ absence will further weaken Australia’s batting department
Pat Cummins, the captain, has not only dominated with the ball but also has a stellar record with the willow in hand. The Australian captain has recently made an excellent record with the bat and has often contributed to the victory of the Australian team.
He said that his absence will also weaken the batting department. “But the balance he brings to the team is difficult to compensate for. Scott Boland is a very good stand-in as a bowler, but if Cummins is unavailable, suddenly Australia are struggling with a very long tail: Mitchell Starc, Boland, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.”
He wrote, “Alex Carey is a good player at No. 7, but when he looks behind him and sees Starc at No. 8, wow, that batting order is light,” he wrote, claiming that the Australian batting order would lack depth, while England are often known for having bowlers who can bat up to No. 8. 10th position, as seen in the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
He further added, “In the last few Ashes series, especially in Australia, their tail-enders have played a massive role in the series. England have struggled to bowl them out. But now, you feel, taking 20 wickets is looking a little easier for England, especially with Australia’s top three also looking weak.”
Vaughan praised Australian captain Steve Smith
Australia have an unstable opening pair and with Cameron Green faltering in his form, the Australian team will have to rely heavily on its bowling deck. They will also try to present a challenge against the British with their experienced spinners.
However, Australia has a significant advantage over England in the spin department. “They have a world-class spinner in Lyon and a good backup in the form of left-armer Matthew Kuhnman. Will we see Australia go for two spinners later in the series as it will take them a few Tests to realize what is the best way to beat this England team? One thing I wouldn’t rule out in the series since Adelaide is the element of spin,” he said.
He also praised Steve Smith’s experience and ability as captain of the Australian team. “Tactically, Steve Smith is an excellent captain, and he will lead Australia well in Cummins’s absence. A lot of Australia’s ideas come from Smith in the slip cordon anyway. He is always ahead of the game and England will see that when he is captain he has a fantastic record as a batsman – his batting average is 68,” he said.
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