England’s highly anticipated tour of India next year is set to include a five-match T20I series, a three-match ODI series and a thrilling five-match Test series starting on January 22, 2025. it is expected to be a mouth-watering show for the fans.
Ahead of India’s much-anticipated tour of England, Michael Vaughan has suggested tactical changes to the tourists’ batting order to counter the threat of India’s star batsman Jasprit Bumrah, especially against right-handers.
Michael Vaughan suggests changing the order for England to face Jasprit Bumrah
The former England captain believes that moving Ben Stokes to number three could be an effective way to reduce Bumrah’s impact, especially with the new ball in the upcoming Test series in India.
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Michael Vaughan’s suggestion comes from a recent analysis in Australia, where the commentator observed how Jasprit Bumrah’s delivery poses a serious problem for right-handed batsmen and swings sharply. Notably, India and Australia are currently competing in BGT 2024-25.
He pointed out that left-handers like Ben Stokes are generally more comfortable when facing Bumrah and having the all-rounder in the order could be beneficial to their top-order consistency. Vaughan also feels that the move could influence the opposition’s tactics and help England manage Australia’s bowling attack as well.
Left-handers best suited to face Jasprit Bumrah: Michael Vaughan
The former England captain feels Jasprit Bumrah’s gassy delivery is an area that could be his weakness and the left-handed batsman can exploit it as he says left-handers are better suited to counter the Indian pacer.
Michael Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “I think the simple exchange is perfect for the year England have ahead. In a Test in Australia I saw first-hand why England need a left-hander in the top three. Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball smashes the ball into the right-arm stumps and causes absolute carnage for the likes of Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.”
He added, “Left-handers are better suited to face Bumrah. Stokes will also come in handy at No.3 for Australia as the extra left-hander can get Australia to use Nathan Lyon earlier, which in turn means the fast bowlers won’t be bowling in the short window in which the ball spins. .
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India, Australia and England are all in Test action
Currently, the Indian cricket team is on a tour of Australia where they will play the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 champions. The tourists have already won the first Test by 295 runs in Perth, thanks to the 8-wicket haul of Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and Yashaswi Jaiswal’s centuries against Australia.
Now, Team India will look to extend their 1-0 lead in Adelaide when they take on hosts Australia in the second Test from December 6. It will be a day and night test match. On the other hand, England are currently playing a three-match Test series in New Zealand.
The Ben Stokes-led England cricket team registered an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Hagley Oval on Sunday. Notably, Stokes has missed four Tests this year due to leg injuries.
