‘That is the Australian team I have known’ – Michael Vaughan praises bowlers’ performance on Day 3 of first Ashes Test

Pat Cummins and Michael Vaughan. (Photo Source: Twitter)

On Day 3 of the opening Ashes 2023 Test at Edgbaston on Sunday, June 18, Australia made a stunning comeback, which earned them accolades from former England captain Michael Vaughan. He expressed his opinions about Australia’s outstanding bowling performance and said that they were very consistent it was typical of the Australia he had always known.

On a rain-drenched Day 3, Australia resumed at 311/4. They lost their final four wickets for 14 runs and were eventually bowled out for 386. In the second innings, the Australian bowlers fought back hard and quickly sent the England openers packing. As a result, England concluded Day 3 at 28/2 before the rain stopped play.

Vaughan lavished praise on Australian bowlers while speaking on BBC, and lauded their efforts in the second innings, which led to England losing their opening batters cheaply.

“That is the Australian team I have known for all of the time I have been watching Test cricket. There has been help with the conditions, and the ball started to move, but it is just the mindset. Australia have said to the batters ‘we are here to get you out, not just spread the fields and let you knock it around’,” Vaughan said.

Bazball needs some sleep, a kip and to come back tomorrow: Vaughan

Vaughan has previously criticized the Pat Cummins-led Australian side for deploying defensive fields during England’s opening innings. In the meantime, Vaughan had earlier advised England to forego the Bazball strategy on Day 3 and save it for Day 4. Having lost two early wickets, England will have to get their ‘Bazball’ strategy in play. Speaking of the same, Vaughan added:

“My worry for England would be if they go too hard too soon, they could find themselves four done very quickly. Bazball needs some sleep, a kip and to come back tomorrow.”

England will resume Day 4 at 28/2, with both Ollie Pope (0* off 2) and Joe Root (0* off 8) looking to open their accounts. Earlier in the innings, skipper Cummins got his side the first breakthrough by dismissing Ben Duckett (19 off 28), and Scott Boland dismissed Zak Crawley for a 25-ball seven.