Ashes 2017/18: Michael Vaughan Feels England Cricket Needs a Transformation To Succeed Down Under

The former England captain Michael Vaughan believes England needs a transformation like they have transformed in limited-overs format to improve their record in Australia, and says this series loss has not been a surprise, as it has replicated performance of previous English team in Australia.

The Ashes loss on Monday has again raised a question on England’s capability to win Down Under and their player’s ability to perform in conditions which are not quite English.

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England surrendered on a WACA wicket which had huge cracks and relatively bowling friendly. Australia regained the Ashes at WACA after winning the third Test by an innings and 41 runs which led to many former players and pundits raising questions about what England need to change to perform well in an away Ashes.

The Ashes has fairly been a case of the home team winning the series in this century. Out of the 10 Ashes series played in the 21^st century, only two series have been won by the touring side, Australia winning in England in 2001 and then England winning Australia in 2010-11.

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Before this series, England had been whitewashed twice in their last three trips Down Under. Baring their 2010-11 triumph, England hardly had anything to cheer about, as out of the 23 Test they had played in Australia in this century, they have lost 18 resulting in a loss percentage of 78 percent.

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On the other hand, the Aussies had lost 11 out of the 25 Tests played in England, a loss percentage of 44 percent.

“This isn’t the first England team to come here and struggle. It’s just been a common trend … when England come to Australia. Apart from that one series (in 2010-11), and the England side back then were very, very good but they weren’t that good or better than any other England side. It’s just that they came up against an Australian team that wasn’t quite what we’re seeing now. I think English cricket has to sit down (and) go through the basics of what is required to win on these kind of wickets with the Kookaburra ball.”

He also said that something needs to be changed as soon as possible in the bowling department, as it is clear that English bowling style doesn’t suit in Australian conditions,

“(Australia are) not fearful of the attack because there’s no movement. You’re fearful of Jimmy Anderson as soon as the ball swings, but it hasn’t swung. You’re not scared of the pace, and you haven’t got a spinner who’s spinning it in these conditions. So there’s not a great deal to fear for an Australian player. But it’s nothing to be surprised by. This has happened too consistently in the 21st century.”

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