AUS vs ENG: "Never Seen Australia Play With So Much Fear"- Michael Vaughan

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has criticised Australia’s approach of play in the fifth and final Test at The Oval. Australia scored 295 in response to England’s first innings total of 283 earning a 12-run lead in the process.

While England continued to bat with an aggressive approach despite repeated criticisms, Australia batted with a tentative approach which surprised the former England skipper.

All of their batters were content to play sage with none of them looking to be aggressive against the England bowlers who were on the spot with their discipline. Michael Vaughan said it was the worst he’s ever seen Australia bat.

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Australia Played At Their Worst, They Never Play Like That: Michael Vaughan

“They are taking home the urn, but I’ve never seen Australia play with so much fear. They are usually so aggressive and try to take the game forward. They have just sat in to bat a long period of time without remembering you have to put a bit of pressure on the bowlers. This morning I thought it was the worst I’ve ever seen Australia bat in my time watching them. They never play like that” Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special.

On the other hand, former Australian skipper Mark Tylor urged his team to be a little more proactive.

“No doubt England bowled well, but you have to tell the opposition you are after them as much as they are after you. “I’m not suggesting for a minute we try to match Bazball, but be a bit more proactive,” Taylor said on Sky Sports commentary.

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Steve Smith top-scored with 71 before he was dismissed trying to play an aggressive shot and holding out to point. He scored 71 off 123 balls. Usman Khawaja (47) and David Warner (24) got starts but failed to make it big. Skipper Pat Cummins (36) and Todd Murphy (34) came up with crucial contributions to help Australia take the lead.

England will bat in their second innings when play resumes on day three and look to pile up a big score. The hosts need to win the Test match to level the series 2-2. Australia have already retained the urn.

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