I suggest a divisional set up in Test cricket: Michael Vaughan

An innings and 209-run win for the English team should make the countrymen happy and delighted but former England skipper Michael Vaughan is not impressed with the quality of cricket displayed by the visiting West Indies side.

The visitors were crushed inside three days in the 1st day/night Test match at Edgbaston. West Indies lost 19 wickets in one day after England registered 514/8 on the board. Former skipper Alastair Cook scored a sublime 243, whereas current captain Joe Root made a classy 136 before the Windies bundled out for 168 and then 137 in a single day.

The former right-handed batsman has further suggested that the governing body, International Cricket Council (ICC) could introduce the divisional set-up in the five-day format after two young teams, Ireland and Afghanistan were recently added to the fold, as a Full-Time ICC Members.

“I find it difficult to think they can go on without any senior players,” said Vaughan. “I really fear that this series could be one of the saddest for Test cricket. The current West Indies side also face the problem of constant and unfavourable comparisons to their ‘golden era’ teams, especially in England where the likes of Clive Lloyd (Lancashire), Gordon Greenidge and Malcolm Marshall (Hampshire) and Vivian Richards and Joel Garner (Somerset) all starred in county cricket as well,” he stated.

West Indies skipper Jason Holder didn’t hold back much, he said, “We just weren’t up for scratch. “We lacked consistency when we bowled and we didn’t put up any runs in either the first or the second innings. Each player has to look themselves in the mirror and see in what way they can improve. It’s important for us to regroup. This series is not lost. It’s important we don’t drop our heads. Obviously I believe. I have to believe.”

It will be encouraging to see the visitors make a comeback in the 2nd Test after such a humiliating defeat in the hands of England.