Australia versus India not cricket's greatest rivalry; nothing comes close to Ashes: Michael Vaughan

Over the past many years, India, Australia, and England have been branded as the three powerhouses of cricket. There have been plenty of high-octane clashes which have been played between Australia and India over the years, particularly in Test cricket.

The buzz has been building increasingly when it comes to the rivalry between India and Australia. There have been numerous discussions when it comes to tranferring the label of the greatest rivalry in the history of cricket from the Ashes to that between the other two nations. In his recent column, former England skipper, Michael Vaughan, differed with the aforementioned assertion. 

“There has been some talk out here and in India that this is now cricket’s greatest rivalry. I disagree. Nothing comes close to the Ashes for history and heritage. Across almost 150 years, the rivalry and hostility between England and Australia has run very deep,” Vaughan wrote for the Telegraph.

Vaughan shared that the series between the two nations will have to consistently provide enthrilling contests in the future to be considered to be the "greatest rivalry".

"It is the best series of this era, just as we used to look at West Indies playing in Australia or England as the best of the 1980s. We do not talk about those series now, because West Indies have faded. If Australia and India put together another generation or two of competition like this, perhaps we can have the 'greatest rivalry' conversation. For now, give me a break,” he added.

Also Check: WATCH: Michael Vaughan's hilarious apology to Matthew Hayden over Ashes dismissal 

In this generation, Australia and India have been the best two teams: Vaughan

However, Vaughan did admit that India and Australia have contested in a lot more even duels than the ones between Australia and England.

“What I will concede is that, in this generation, Australia and India have been the best two teams, and have consistently provided the most entertaining series. The Ashes have been thrilling in England, but one-sided Down Under. India have won the past four series (all of which have been four matches) 2-1, which shows that competition has been decent in both countries, even if India have the edge,” noted Vaughan.

Notably, India have not lost a Test series against Australia since the 2014-15 season, both home and away. On the other hand, England have been far less competitive when it comes to competing against the Aussies, especially on foreign soil.