Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has launched a scathing attack on the team's preparations for the second Ashes Test, using bizarre analogies involving golf legend Tiger Woods and former football manager Thomas Tuchel.
Vaughan's Unlikely Sporting Comparisons
In a passionate rant on the 'Stick to Cricket' podcast, Vaughan questioned the logic behind England's build-up to the day-night Test in Brisbane. The tourists, led by Ben Stokes, are aiming to bounce back from a heavy eight-wicket defeat inside two days in the first Test at Perth's Optus Stadium.
Vaughan drew a parallel with Tiger Woods, suggesting England's preparation was as ineffective as the golf icon "going on the crazy golf and getting a couple of shots through the windmill" before competing at The Masters. He extended his critique to football, hypothesising a scenario where Thomas Tuchel prepared for a World Cup match by playing 45 minutes on a slow, long-grass pitch with reserve players.
Questionable Pink-Ball Preparation
The core of Vaughan's criticism centres on England's approach to the upcoming pink-ball contest at The Gabba. Australia possess a formidable record in day-night Tests, having lost only once with the pink ball. Star fast bowler Mitchell Starc recently claimed ten wickets in such a match, underlining the hosts' prowess.
Despite this, England's chosen warm-up involved a two-day day-nighter against a Prime Minister's XI where none of the first-Test players participated. "I just don't think England have given themselves the best chance," Vaughan stated. He expressed disbelief that several players might arrive at The Gabba to play their first-ever pink-ball match at Test level.
"Am I so old-school to suggest that by playing a game of pink ball cricket to prepare yourselves to play a pink ball game is professionalism?" he added.
Stokes Forced into Team Change
England's on-field challenge has been compounded by injury, with captain Ben Stokes forced to make one change to the side that lost in Perth. The injured Mark Wood has been replaced by all-rounder Will Jacks for the crucial second Test, which begins on December 3rd, 2025.
Vaughan's comments add to growing scrutiny from pundits and former players regarding England's strategy for the iconic series. With the team 1-0 down and facing a formidable Australian side in conditions they dominate, the pressure is mounting on Stokes and his squad to overturn the deficit at The Gabba.
