India Have Done Very Very Well So Far In These Conditions: Michael Vaughan

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has heaped praises on the Indian team for their batting performance so far in Southampton. The second day of the ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand witnessed a riveting action after the first day resulted in a washout due to persistent rains. Michael Vaughan feels India have done well not to lose more wickets in such challenging conditions.

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After winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson announced that they have opted for four pacers in Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult. Though off-spinner Ajaz Patel, who performed well against England at the Edgbaston, made it to the 15-man squad, he did not earn a spot in the playing XI. On the other hand, India chose three pacers and two spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Nevertheless, New Zealand has managed to control the run-flow in the ongoing final in Southampton by keeping the run rate below 2.50. Though Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane are building a match-defining stand, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, and Neil Wagner one wicket each. Jamieson broke the opening partnership of 62 by removing Rohit Sharma. Wagner dismissed Shubman Gill on the third ball of his spell, while Boult delivered the massive breakthrough of Pujara.

Meanwhile, after praising the Indian team for batting well and not losing wickets in a heap, Michael Vaughan feels that around 225 should be par at the Ageas Bowl. Nevertheless, the 2005 Ashes-winning captain triggered the Indian fans on day one when no play was possible. He tweeted that the weather probably saved India and had earlier backed New Zealand to win the final.

Below is Michael Vaughan’s tweet:

225 looks around par to me in Southampton … India have done very very well so far in these conditions not to have lost a lot more … #worldtestchampionshipfinal … Anyway it’s time for a G & T up north … #OnOn #INDvsNZ

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 19, 2021