'Make the sacrifice this winter and go to Australia' - Michael Vaughan wants England to prioritise Ashes ahead of the T20 World Cup

The Ashes is a high-profile clash between two of the strongest opponents- England and Australia. The five-match Test series is set to be held after the upcoming T20 World Cup. Many players, who are supposed to be a part of the Ashes, are currently engaged in the IPL and post that would head to play in the multi-nation tournament in the UAE.

Former England captain, Michael Vaughan, however, wanted the multi-format players to prioritise the Ashes ahead of the World Cup. Vaughan felt that England can triumph over the Tim Paine-led side only if they are thoroughly prepared for the contests. He also added that the chance to play in an away Ashes series arrives after every four years and that, on the other hand, the WC will be repeated next year.

According to Vaughan if the England players choose the Ashes ahead of the T20 World Cup, then it will send a strong message about the importance of Test cricket.

“The only chance England have of beating Australia is committing early and getting a group of players together who are ready to go through ten tough weeks. What disappoints me is the fact, not one player has said he is willing to miss the Twenty20 World Cup to play in Australia,” Vaughan wrote in his column for telegraph.co.uk.

“We have another T20 World Cup next year but it will be four years before there is another Ashes tour. I would love to hear a player say he will miss the T20 World Cup and the West Indies tour in March to play in the Ashes. What a message that would send about what Test cricket means,” he added.

If Test cricket really is the pinnacle then show us: Michael Vaughan

England will tour Australia to renew the oldest rivalry in Test cricket. However, the ongoing pandemic has already caused a few threats to the series in Australia. The first match is scheduled to be played from December 8 at The Gabba in Brisbane.

Vaughan thus pointed that few players have been saying that red-ball cricket is the pinnacle but their actions do not match their words. He then added that if that’s the case then the players should make a sacrifice this winter and head to Australia.

“We can’t have players picking and choosing when they play for England… I have no problem if players choose T20 cricket over Test cricket – that is their choice – but be honest about it.

“I just get fed up when they say Test cricket is the pinnacle but their actions don’t back it up, they are just saying what people want to hear. If Test cricket really is the pinnacle then show us. Make the sacrifice this winter and go to Australia,” Vaughan added.