Following their two-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia at Edgbaston, former England captain Michael Vaughan stated that he cannot recall pacer James Anderson not taking the second new ball in England.
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Vaughan claimed that he could not recall the last time Anderson failed to take the second new ball under English conditions.
With just 27 balls and two wickets needed to win the first Ashes 2023 Test, Australia chased down 174 runs on Day 5.
Jimmy Anderson is not using the second new ball when he bowls. Jimmy Anderson never took the second new ball in English conditions, as far as I can recall. The lights were on, it was wailing.
“You just had the urge to tell Jimmy and Broady to head straight for Nathan Lyon. Vaughan predicted that he would play across the line off one.“
The victory at Edgbaston, he continued, “ It was crucial for Australia, and the five days of Test cricket there were particularly memorable. Australia’s spinner Nathan Lyon and captain Pat Cummins put together an unbroken 55-run stand to lead their team to a thrilling victory on the final day.”
Lyon provided solid support for Cummins, who finished with 44 runs off 73 balls to remain unbeaten. Lyon contributed 16 runs off 28 deliveries.
That span of five days was unique. The tension always arises at the conclusion of the game, but every single day we have witnessed two teams playing in divergent fashions, with Australia playing a safer or more traditional game and England playing one that is very expansive. It is very important for the Australian team to win, said Vaughan.
With this victory, Australia now leads the Ashes 2023 series of five games 1-0. The next game is scheduled to be played at Lord’s on June 28.
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