Michael Vaughan, Harry Brook
Michael Vaughan (Image Credit: Twitter)

Former England captain Michael Vaughan felt that Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur should have bagged the man of the match for his excellent performance in the Oval Test. Rohit Sharma’s century seemed to have impressed the jury a lot more and it was indeed something extraordinary from the hitman as well.

Both the Mumbai cricketers contributed to one of India’s greatest wins in England at the Oval in the fourth Test. It has given a lead of 2-1 for the Indian team as well and they are well on track in taking the Pataudi trophy to India for the first time in 14 years.

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma (Image Credit: Twitter)

Michael Vaughan Explains The Impact Of Shardul Thakur

Michael Vaughan credited Rohit for playing a great knock but felt that Thakur deserved the man of the match for his impressive overall performance with both bat and ball. Vaughan highlighted the fact, of Thakur making an important 57 in the 1st innings and another important 61 in the second innings when the team was under pressure. He also noted about Thakur picking up crucial wickets of Joe Root and Rory Burns on day five which turned the game in India’s favour.

“Ahh, he should have got Man of the Match. No question. Rohit played great but Shardul Thakur impacted the game four times – twice with the bat and twice with the ball. Key wickets, that massive wicket of Ollie Pope (in the first innings), and then (in the second innings) Rory Burns first and then the captain. Two fifties – [India were] 117-7, he changed the course of the game in the first innings,” Michael Vaughan told on Cricbuzz.

Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur after reaching his fifty off 31 balls. (Image: Twitter)

“I Am Staggered He Wasn’t Man Of The Match” – Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan mentioned that Shardul Thakur’s innings under pressure had a great impact in the Test and helped the visitors to stage a comeback in the Test as well. He added he was surprised to see Thakur not being rewarded with the man of the match.

“Under pressure in the second innings, he went in and got another fifty. I am staggered he wasn’t Man of the Match,” He added.

Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan (Image Credit: Twitter)

The fifth Test at Oval starts on September 10 and England will certainly eyeing on bouncing back to level the series.

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