'England's 3 key issues...' - Michael Vaughan uncovers the cracks after Jos Buttler-led team's T20 World Cup exit

Michael Vaughan, the former England skipper has questioned Jos Buttler's decision to bowl first in the second semi-final against India in Guyana.

As it turned out, India posted 171 batting first and the challenge was too stiff for England who struggled big time against the Indian spinners. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav to three wickets each with Jaspeit Bumtrah taking two as the Indian bowlers broke the back of the England batting lineup.

England were bowled out for 103 in the chase as India won the match by 68 runs and qualified for the T20 World Cup final. Vaughan in his column for the Telegraph, questioned the thought behind England's decision to bowl first after winning the toss. He said the thought might have cropped up as they successfully chased against India in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final in Melbourne.

"My belief is that England’s issues with these conditions run a bit deeper than just the coach and captain. They made some mistakes. It was a curious decision to bowl at the toss. I am sure the dodgy weather played its part but on a dry pitch like that against India’s spinners, surely you bat first. Perhaps England were stuck in their ways because they chased so well against India in Adelaide two years ago," wrote Vaughan.

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The former England skipper further spoke about a host of issues with the England cricket team after their loss to India.

"But there are three key issues in these conditions for England. First, they are not a great fielding team, and do not have enough athletes. They had a couple of good moments but are way below South Africa’s level. With the bat they lack the power game on slower pitches, and with the ball they are a bit predictable. It’s a bit unfair to compare them to Jasprit Bumrah, the best in the world, but how many of our seamers have slower balls that completely deceive the batsman" added Vaughan.

Further in his column, Vaughan questioned England's thought behind sticking on with the out-of-form Jonny Bairstow and not playing someone like Will Jacks who would have been a handful with his all-round abilities.

"It is not total panic stations as they have enough good cricketers coming through to ensure that remain a competitive white-ball team. They do need a chance, though. Will Jacks was dropped midway through the tournament and Bairstow backed despite looking past his sell-by date and struggles against spin. Jamie Smith needs to play more. They would love a really good left-handed batsman, but I’m not sure who that player is at the moment," explained Vaughan.

Michael Vaughan Calls For Cultural Decisions For England Ahead Of ICC Events in 2026 and 2027

He further advised the team to make a few "cultural decisions" ahead of the World Cups in 2026 and 2027 and understand what they need as a team to win big tournaments.

"I would encourage England to make a cultural decision to look ahead to the World Cups in 2026 and 2027, and the exact skills they are going to need. They will be looking at 30 or more players, and they must decide which of them have the game to thrive in those tournaments" Vaughan concluded saying.

England lost to Australia in the group stage and were almost on the brink of elimination. However, wins against Oman and Namibia helped them secure a place in the Super 8s. They did play good cricket in the Super 8s but was found out in the semi-final against India.

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