'You cannot have four rabbits from 8-11' - Michael Vaughan suggests Ravi Ashwin's inclusion for the fourth Test

India’s ace spinner Ashwin has not been included in the playing XI for three straight Test matches. There have been a lot of discussions by the cricketing fraternity on his inclusion in the XI. Vaughan too feels that Ashwin needs to play the fourth Test match. He also stated that the resistance by the tail-enders at Lord’s provided India with a false sense of security.

“Surely they have to pick Ravi Ashwin next week. You cannot have four rabbits from 8-11. The resistance at Lord’s lulled them into a false sense of security about their tail. In reality, they cannot have Mohammed Shami coming in at eight.” Vaughan wrote in his Facebook post.

After facing defeat at Lord’s, England bounced back strongly by clinching victory by an innings and 76 runs in the third Test match. After this triumph, Joe Root became England’s most successful Test captain. This victory was Root’s 27th as the England skipper which took him past Michael Vaughan’s record of winning 26 Tests as captain.

The former England skipper Michael Vaughan heaped praises on Root for his captaincy. Root has stood out for his team on most occasions and has fashioned many triumphs for the side. In the ongoing Test series against India, he has shone with his willow, making valuable contributions and putting the team into the driver’s seat. Vaughan thus pointed that to lead the side for this long and make huge contributions with the bat is a commendable effort.

“When that happens he will realize his record may never be beaten because how much Test cricket will be played in the future? To captain England for 55 matches is a great effort in itself given how draining the job is, especially when he is carrying the batting to such a great extent as well.”

Vaughan further wrote that Root would channelize his efforts to win the Ashes series now. He asserted that for someone who is handed over the mantle of being the England captain, the sole focus is to beat Australia.

“Right now I am pretty sure he would swap some of those 27 victories for an Ashes series win. He wants more than anything to experience that feeling of holding up the urn because it is the only piece missing from his career,” Vaughan added.

England were perfect: Michael Vaughan 

Vaughan also appreciated the character and intent of England as they made a dominating comeback in the series. He credited it to Root and Chris Silverwood for creating an environment from where the players are able to turn things around and termed that the team was perfect.

“England have shown a lot of mental strength and character this week and that is down to Joe and Chris Silverwood. They create the environment, and whatever they have done allowed the players to turn this around quickly. They deserve credit for that after copping a lot of flak. Yes, I never have doubts about England when the ball is moving but they bowled well on Friday as well when it was good for batting. England were perfect. It is impossible not to give them ten out of ten,” Vaughan further wrote.