Former England captain Michael Vaughan has delivered a scathing assessment of his nation's Ashes preparations following their humiliating eight-wicket defeat to Australia in Perth.
Crushing Defeat Sparks Preparation Concerns
Ben Stokes' side suffered a dramatic collapse in the opening NRMA Insurance Ashes Series Test, losing inside just two days at Optus Stadium. England's two innings combined lasted only 67.3 overs, with their batting lineup failing spectacularly after the bowlers had given them a fighting chance.
The defeat has intensified scrutiny on England's limited warm-up schedule, which featured just one practice match before the series began. Vaughan, who led England to Ashes glory in 2005, didn't mince words when discussing the team's planned approach to the upcoming pink-ball Test in Brisbane.
'Amateurish' Approach Must Change
Vaughan described any decision to rest key players from a two-day practice match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra as "amateurish." Speaking to BBC's Test Match Special, he emphasised the critical importance of preparation under lights ahead of the day-night Test at the Gabba starting December 4.
"What harm is playing two days of cricket with the pink ball under lights?" Vaughan questioned. "What damage is it going to do you as a team and a player to play a pink-ball game to prepare yourself to play a pink-ball Test."
England head coach Brendon McCullum hinted they might reconsider their original plan to skip the practice match, a decision Vaughan believes could prove crucial to their chances of levelling the series.
Batting Collapse Proves Costly
England's troubles began after winning the toss and being skittled for 172. Their bowlers, led by Ben Stokes' impressive five for 23, fought back magnificently to dismiss Australia for 132, giving England a narrow first-innings lead.
At 65 for one just after lunch on day two, leading by 105, England appeared in control. However, what followed was a dramatic implosion as they collapsed to 164 all out, setting Australia a manageable victory target of 205.
"The batters have completely let the team down," Vaughan stated bluntly. "England have got all the tools required to be successful in Australia, but you can't win if you don't use the tools correctly."
Head's Historic Innings Seals Victory
Australia's response was spearheaded by a breathtaking innings from Travis Head, promoted to open in place of the injured Usman Khawaja. The left-hander smashed a magnificent 123 from just 83 balls, featuring 16 fours and four sixes.
Head's century came off only 69 deliveries, making it the second-fastest hundred in Ashes history. No England player has ever scored a quicker Test century, highlighting the gulf in aggressive batting between the two sides.
Former Australia coach Justin Langer noted England's missed opportunity, telling TNT Sports: "There was a chance for England to show a killer instinct and absolutely blow Australia out of the water and they didn't do it."
With the second Test rapidly approaching, Vaughan's warning serves as a stark reminder that England cannot afford to repeat their Perth mistakes if they hope to keep the Ashes alive.
