Vaughan Criticizes England's Panic in Fifth Test Against India

London, Aug 5 (PTI) England's former captain, Michael Vaughan, has criticized the team for panicking during the final day of the fifth Test against India. England, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand, succumbed to a surprising six-run defeat as India clawed their way back to level the series 2-2.

Vaughan opined that the presence of Ben Stokes, an inspiration to the team, could have turned the match in England's favor. "With Ben Stokes in that team, England would've won this Test match. He plays such a big role in this team, the mentality... England did panic on the fifth morning. They just needed one partnership. They panicked in the way that they play, with a huge amount of aggressiveness. Yesterday afternoon, the Harry Brook dismissal caused that collapse, but it's the way England play," Vaughan remarked on BBC's Test Match Special.

Stokes missed the match due to a shoulder injury, while pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were rested. Vaughan believes that this intense series against India is an excellent precursor for the Ashes series in Australia, set to commence in November.

"It's been a tremendous five matches for England. You've got to be realistic; this week, they were down to 10 men, lost one of their bowlers early, and didn't have Ben Stokes. Looking ahead to Australia, I think there are more pieces in place. We'll arrive in Perth for that first Test and know the top seven. It’s just about getting the bowling attack right. Clearly, Ben Stokes needs to be fit. With him, England can beat anybody; without him, they can lose to anybody," Vaughan stated.

England seemed poised for victory as Harry Brook and Joe Root pushed their team to 301 for three on the fourth day. However, Brook's dismissal by Mohammed Siraj off Akash Deep's bowling triggered a collapse.

Referring to Brook, Vaughan commented, "Brook had that thought process that he wanted to hit 30 or 40 quick runs. What Harry needs to learn is in an Ashes series, in a similar situation, just win. I love the way he plays, his approach. At times, he's a genius. He plays the game in a fashion not many have ever played. I don't want to take away from his positivity and flamboyance. But in Sydney, if England are 2-1 up, dig in Harry."