With just 35 runs needed to win and four wickets remaining, former captain Michael Vaughan believes that England panicked on the last day of the fifth Test match against India in the absence of inspiring captain Ben Stokes.
India staged an incredible comeback to level the five-match series 2-2 on Monday, with England losing the match by six runs.
“…Ben Stokes in that team, England would’ve won this Test match. He plays such a big role in this team, the mentality… England did panic (on the fifth morning). They just needed one partnership. They panicked in the way that they can with the way that they play, they play with a huge amount of aggressiveness. Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, the Harry Brook dismissal did cause that collapse, but it’s the way England play,” Vaughan told BBC’s Test Match Special.
While pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were rested, Stokes, who was crucial for England with both bat and ball, missed the fifth Test because of a shoulder injury.
According to Vaughan, England’s exciting series against India should be the ideal prelude to the Ashes in Australia, which begin in November this year.
“It’s been a tremendous five matches for England. You’ve got to be realistic, this week they were down to 10 men, lost one of their bowlers early, and not got Ben Stokes. You’re looking at the team going to Australia and I think there’s more pieces in place. We’ll arrive in Perth for that first Test and know the top seven. It’s just a matter of the bowling attack and getting that right. Clearly Ben Stokes is going to have to get fit. With Ben Stokes in the England side they can beat anybody. Without him, they can lose to anybody,” Vaughan said.
With Harry Brook and Joe Root leading the home team to 301 for three on the fourth day, England appeared headed for a victory. However, Brook was caught by Mohammed Siraj off the bowling of Akash Deep. Before the fourth day of play ended, England lost two more wickets, including Root.
“(Harry) Brook had that thought process that he wanted to hit 30 or 40 quick runs. What Harry needs to learn is in an Ashes series, in a similar situation, just win. I love the way he plays, his approach. At times, he’s a genius. He plays the game in a fashion not many have ever played. I don’t want to take away from his positivity and flamboyance. But in Sydney, if England are 2-1 up, dig in Harry,” Vaughan said.
