Vaughan Urges England To Blend Bazball With Old-School Discipline

Former captain Michael Vaughan says England must temper their attacking ‘Baseball’ approach with old-school discipline to stand a chance in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.

The visitors are looking to make a strong response after losing the opening test by eight wickets with Australia bowling for under 200 in both innings. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc took 10 wickets in the match, seven of which came in the first innings.

“The England side are dancing. They’re running towards danger,” Vaughan said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I’m not so sure it’s a sensible way to go when the ball is rushing around. Play the old style.

“I’m not saying you should always go into a shell and play like Geoff Boycott or Alastair Cook. But please use your senses as the ball spins gently.”

England have won only three series in Australia in the last 50 years; the last one in 2010-11. Since then they have not won a single test match Down Under.

Since taking over in 2022, McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have implemented an ultra-aggressive style of play known as “Basball”.

“They’re great entertainers but they haven’t won the five-match series in the last three or four years. I’ll give England a tip. It’s not working,” Vaughan said.

“Whatever England do, they need to play much better. They need stronger play for longer periods of time.”

The second test, a pink-ball affair, begins in Brisbane on Thursday.