"Nothing comes close to Ashes": Michael Vaughan refutes India vs Australia as "greatest rivalry"

As the rivalry between India and Australia continues to soar high, the questions started raising whether this intense rivalry has overtaken the iconic Ashes rivalry between England and Australia. With fiery Test matches in recent years, some fans and experts have started calling the India-Australia encounters the “greatest rivalry” in world cricket.

However, former England captain Michael Vaughan has dismissed these claims, reminding fans and players of the Ashes' deep-rooted history and heritage. Vaughan boldly stated that nothing comes close to the iconic Ashes, which has been played for nearly 150 years and is deeply rooted in both England and Australia’s cricketing cultures.

Michael Vaughan dismisses India-Australia rivalry as cricket's 'greatest'

Michael Vaughan compared the present India-Australia rivalry to the golden days of the West Indies team in the 1980s, saying that the intensity between these two powerhouses is undeniable, but their on-field rivalry has yet to reach the historical significance of the Ashes.

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The Englishman has emphasized that the Ashes is still the greatest cricketing rivalry, no matter how fierce India and Australia may become in the future. Well, Vaughan hailed the thrilling cricket played between India and Australia in recent times but urged fans not to call the India-Australia rivalry the "greatest rivalry" until it has been sustained over generations like the Ashes.

Michael Vaughan says India-Australia rivalry can't match Ashes’ legacy

Michael Vaughan was quoted as saying by the Indian Express: “There has been some talk out here and in India that this is now cricket’s greatest rivalry. I disagree. Nothing comes close to the Ashes for history and heritage. Across almost 150 years, the rivalry and hostility between England and Australia run so deep.”

Vaughan added, “It is the best series of this era, just as we used to look at West Indies playing in Australia or England as the best of the 1980s. We do not talk about those series now, because the West Indies have faded.

If Australia and India put together another generation or two of competition like this, perhaps we can have the “greatest rivalry” conversation. For now, give me a break.”The former England captain admitted that India and Australia have been delivering the most exciting Test series.

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Competition has been decent in both countries: Vaughan

He also mentioned that the Ashes have been thrilling in England, but this iconic series has been more one-sided in Australia. Furthermore, Vaughan pointed out that India has won the last four Test series against Australia, each with a 2-1 scoreline, which shows the strong competition in both countries, even though India has had the upper hand.

Vaughan signed off by saying, “What I will concede is that, in this generation, Australia and India have been the best two teams and have consistently provided the most entertaining series. The Ashes have been thrilling in England but one-sided Down Under. India has won the past four series (all of which have been four matches) 2-1, which shows that competition has been decent in both countries, even if India has the edge.”