Michael Vaughan blasts Brendon McCullum and England for picking Dan Lawrence as their opener in Sri Lanka Tests

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan isn't amazed by England's idea to make Dan Lawrence open the innings in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. He said that it wasn't the right decision as the all-rounder is a middle-order batter, and he won't be suitable to open.

England National Cricket Team will be hosting Sri Lanka National Cricket Team for the three-match Test series. The first match will played on August 21 in Manchester. The second game of the series is scheduled to take place on August 29 while the last game of the series will be played at The Oval on September 6.

England have faced quite a few injuries ahead of the Test series. Opening batter Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the Test series. This has left an opening spot vacant in the team alongside Ben Duckett. However, with the right-hander getting ruled, it opens the for Dan Lawrence to make a comeback in the team.

All-rounder Dan Lawrence is all set to open the innings in the Test series against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder has played 11 Tests and has scored four fifties with a best of 91. He has batted in the middle order and to open the batting will be a different challenge for him.

Michael Vaughan feels that Dan Lawrence is making his comeback into the team after a while, and to make him open isn't the right decision. The former England cricketer pointed out that opening the batting is a position of respect. Writing in his column for the Telegraph, he explained:

"When Zak Crawley was ruled out injured, I was not surprised England chose to throw in Dan Lawrence to open against Sri Lanka, despite that not being his usual batting position. Nevertheless, I do not think picking Lawrence to open is the right decision. He is a really good middle-order batsman and has waited patiently for a spot to become available in the team over the past couple of years.”

“He has batted at No 3 for England and county level and has occasionally filled in as an opener. I just do not see him as a Test opening bat and I believe that while the game changes all the time, that remains a specialist position, particularly in England, and is worthy of respect. Let’s be clear."

Michael Vaughan said that although Dan Lawrence might have success against Sri Lanka as opener he expressed his concerns if the all-rounder would be able to do the same against top teams in India and Australia. He added:

“But sometimes things can go too far in one direction, and I fear this could be one such occasion. It is another example of England seeming to prioritise personality as much as playing ability in specific roles, Lawrence will probably have his moments in this series, but will it tell us that he can do it against the very best attacks? I am not sure. Against India next summer or Australia the following winter, they need a specialist opener with a really strong foundation in defense.

Because Crawley will return, Dan Lawrence is just a stop-gap, so they want to keep that free-flowing approach going - Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan stressed that Dan Lawrence is just a stop-gap for England as Zak Crawley will be returning.

He stressed that the all-rounder possesses the ability to play an attacking game, and he would be keen to play his shots rather than seeing off the new ball. He explained:

Dan Lawrence last played for England in the Test series against West Indies. The all-rounder after the sensational domestic performances will be making his comeback to the team.

He was part of the squad for the last series but didn't get an opportunity. However, this time around, it will be a massive opportunity for him to lock his position in the team, especially while opening the batting.