‘Picking players who aren’t first choice at their counties’ – Michael Vaughan not impressed with England’s selection style

Michael Vaughan. (Photo Source: Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

England have made strange but bold calls in red-ball cricket in recent times. They weren’t shy to back inexperienced spinners Shaoib Bashir, Rehan Ahmad and Tom Hartley during the India series and in the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s, they decided to bench Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes for Jamie Smith.

Looking at the developments, former England captain Michael Vaughan has analysed England’s strategy and stated that the team management does not view County Cricket as a tool to select for international cricket but they look for the right players that fit the system.

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“They are not looking at County cricket. They are just looking at the players. Bashir is not the first-choice spinner at Somerset, Jack Leach is. Ben Foakes is the first-choice keeper at Surrey and not Jamie Smith. England are picking players that aren’t first-choice at their counties. I don’t think they are looking at County cricket as a tool to say ‘You are an international cricketer,” said Vaughan on The Vaughany and Tuffers Podcast.

Bashir over Jack Leach is an intriguing one: Vaughan

Vaughan was surprised to see England backing Bashir over Jack Leach in the series against West Indies. He believes that the 33-year-old is “England’s No. 1” and should be given chances to maintain his confidence, especially as he can be key against Australia in Ashes 2025.

“Bashir over Jack Leach is an intriguing one. I would have gone for Jack Leach. Bashir is a wonderful talent and no doubt that in a two-man spin attack he would be the second spinner. But Jack Leach has earned the right for being England’s No.1. In Australia, a left-arm spinner against their right-handers, they haven’t got many left-handers. Left-arm spin is quite a good option in Australia,” Vaughan said.