Michael Vaughan slams 'Bazball' and seeks advice from Rishabh Pant for England's Ashes Tour
Published - 14 Mar 2024, 06:26 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:28 AM
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Former England captain Michael Vaughan sought advice from Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant on defeating Australia on their home grounds. Rishabh Pant suggested that cuts and pulls are more effective strategies than punching the ball due to the pitch conditions.
Rishabh Pant played a key role in India’s recent Test series victories against Australia in away conditions during the 2018-19 and 2020-21 tours. The Indian cricket team remains the last team to defeat Australia on their home soil, winning both series by a 2-1 margin.
During the 2018-19 tour, the Indian wicketkeeper batter scored 350 runs in 7 innings at an impressive average of 58.33, with his highest score being 159. Similarly, in the 2020-21 tour of Australia, he amassed 274 runs at an average of 68.50, including two half-centuries.
The 26-year-old batter played an unbeaten innings of 89 runs from 138 balls, featuring nine boundaries and a six. His crucial runs contributed to India’s historic victory at the Gabba in Brisbane in 2021, where the Indian cricket team breached Australia’s fortress.
They Already Know What They Need To Do – Rishabh Pant
During a conversation on the Club Prairie Fire podcast with Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan, Rishabh Pant advised focusing on playing cut shots rather than punching the ball due to pitch conditions.
“They already know what they need to do. As a batsman, I would say a simple thing, instead of punching the ball, look to cut the ball. That’s what I would say (to England’s Bazballers). Because when you punch the ball there is more chances of you getting caught, or just getting out. Australia is the best place for cuts and pulls. The fuller ball will not disturb you much. Mostly it’s going to be back of length. These guys bowl the fuller ball little wider off the off stump. In England, you can punch the ball in a better way,” Pant said.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan asked for advice from Rishabh Pant on how to beat Australia in Australia. pic.twitter.com/Q9VZ3i5AUj
— Duck (@DuckInCricket) March 14, 2024
England faced successive defeats in their last three Ashes tours to Australia, including a whitewash in 2013-14 and 0-4 losses in the subsequent series. The England national cricket team is scheduled to tour Australia again for a five-match red ball series in 2025-26.
Don’t Put Me In A Spot Like That – Rishabh Pant
Michael Vaughan jokingly suggested that Pant might be recruited by England’s coaching staff with his insightful advice, to which Pant responded by rejecting the idea, highlighting the potential awkwardness of such a situation.
Need A Little More Pace In Australian Conditions – Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant shared insights on taking 20 wickets in Australia, emphasizing the importance of pace in those conditions. He suggested that bowlers exceeding 140 kmph could make a significant impact on Australian pitches compared to those bowling at 130 kmph.
“You need a little more pace in Australian conditions. Balls in 130 kmph are the best for a batter in Australian conditions. If you have a more than 140 kmph bowler, that makes a lot of difference,” Pant further stated.
