'These Cricketers Are Quite Rich' - Former England captain takes brutal dig at Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes

After witnessing just 75 overs bowled on Day 2 of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s, former England captain Michael Vaughan voiced his frustration over the declining over-rates in Test cricket. India had bowled 83 overs on Day 1, while less than 75 overs were managed on Day 2, creating a deficit of nearly 23 overs across the first two days. Vaughan, speaking on BBC Sport, called for a stricter approach, urging the authorities to enforce the completion of 90 overs on all five days of a Test match.

Vaughan argued that monetary fines for slow over-rates were ineffective, as today’s players are financially well-off. “I don’t think fines work. I think these lads (cricketers) are quite rich. I don’t think the cash is going to affect them,” he said bluntly. The ex-skipper, who played 82 Tests for England, questioned why full quotas are rarely completed during the first four days of a match, yet always achieved on the fifth. “(It's) been a problem for Test match cricket for a while. I know it's hot. I know we've had a few injuries. But when we get to the fifth day, we have to bowl the 90 overs.”

He insisted that if teams are capable of doing it on Day 5, the same should be expected every day. Vaughan’s remarks came amid growing concerns about time-wasting and delays, particularly involving captains like Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes, who are seen as influential figures responsible for the on-field tempo.

“Make It Simple—Bowl the 90 Overs”

Vaughan emphasized that Test cricket would benefit immensely if a hard rule for 90 overs a day was enforced. “Surely the game just moves on by saying, ‘on day one there’s 90 overs. Guess what we’re going to do? We’re going to bowl 90 overs on day 2 exactly the same’,” he stated. He highlighted how urgency and discipline return only on Day 5, when players and umpires are aware that the full quota must be completed.

He concluded, “There won’t be as many drink breaks, and there won’t be as many delays because they know that 90 overs have to be bowled. So I’d make it very, very simple. You have to bowl the 90 overs. I would guarantee that would improve the pace (of the matches).”