Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, remains active on social media most of the time. He always shares his views on different aspects of the game, as he did during the recently concluded five-match Test series between England and India, as the tourists drew the series at 2-2 after gaining a victory during the fifth and final game at Kennington Oval.

The former Ashes-winning captain has shared a video from the ‘Gems of cricket’ where he mocked his running between the wickets, commenting, ‘quicker between the wickets than I was.’ Just like several batters in the game, Vaughan struggles to find pace in between the wickets and has been dismissed in many instances.

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The viral video shows that in a mountain, a few lads were playing a game in the mud. As the bowler bowls the ball, the striker nails it and skids through the mountain to come at the bottom. On the other hand, the non-striker makes it hard to climb up the mountain, using a lot of energy.

Watch: Michael Vaughan reposts viral video to mock his running between the wickets

Vaughan finished his career with 5719 runs in 147 Test innings at an average of over 41 and a strike rate of 51.13, thanks to 18 centuries and 18 half-centuries at the best score of 197 runs. In the 50-over format, he scored 1982 runs in 83 innings at an average of 27.15 and a strike rate of 68.39 with 16 fifties at the best score of unbeaten 90 runs.

Quicker between the wickets than I was .. https://t.co/oGWKFjjGSc

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 11, 2025

Recently, on BBC Test Match Special, he questioned England’s approach in the chase at Oval, highlighting that they lost the clash under pressure, opting for several risky strokes instead of focusing on partnerships.

“You have to say that England did panic. The ball was swinging around, and they went for this high-risk attacking option. They just needed one partnership. They panicked in a way that they can with the way that they play. It’s not panic — it's just the way that they play. They play with a huge amount of aggression.” Michael Vaughan expressed on the BBC Test Match Special.

The Anderson-Tendulkar trophy is over, but the 'war' between two former international cricketers will continue, declared Wasim Jaffer on social media today (August 5, 2025). With a comedic sense, he said that the reports that USA president Donald Trump has tried to ease the situation between Jaffer and Michael Vaughan are absolutely false; they will continue their rivalry using social media platforms.

"Reports of Donald Trump negotiating a ceasefire between me and @MichaelVaughan are BASELESS and UNTRUE. The social media war will continue. Thank you for your attention to this matter," the former cricketer said.

When India and England locked their horns during the 5-match Test series, the exchange of words between Jaffer and Vaughan on social media was entertaining for cricket fans. The former England captain was confident about England's dominance over the Shubman Gill-led team India. At one point in the series, the host was leading the series by 2-1, and India was under the pressure. Then during the second innings of the final Test of the contest, the boys in the blue brigade turned the stone and made the scoreline 2-2 by winning the thrilling battle at The Oval.

Reports of Donald Trump negotiating a ceasefire between me and @MichaelVaughan are BASELESS and UNTRUE. The social media war will continue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. #ENGvIND

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 5, 2025

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Siraj dominated Day 5 

Vaughan predicted that England would win the series, which proved wrong. Throughout the series, Vaughan and Jaffer exchanged words and cheeky social media posts with each other in a friendly manner. Jaffer had the last laugh as India did not lose the series.

India, coached by Gautam Gambhir, won the 5th game by a 6-run margin. Mohammed Siraj produced his career-best Test performance, well accompanied by Prasidh Krishna. Jasprit Bumrah was not a part of the match; on the other corner, Ben Stokes was sidelined due to injury. Without multiple stars, the England vs India 5th Test did not lack any spark. 

Former England captains Michael Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen are at loggerheads over whether Test cricket has become easier in the modern era. The debate began after Kevin Pietersen claimed that batting in Test cricket was far more difficult 20–25 years ago than it is now. According to him, the level of bowling during his time made scoring runs significantly harder.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the 45-year-old backed his argument by listing 22 legendary bowlers from that era and challenged fans to name 10 current bowlers who could match their caliber. “Waqar [Younis], Shoaib [Akhtar], [Wasim] Akram, [Saqlain] Mushtaq, [Anil] Kumble, [Javagal] Srinath, Harbhajan [Singh], [Allan] Donald, [Shaun] Pollock, [Lance] Klusener, [Darren] Gough, [Glenn] McGrath, [Brett] Lee, [Shane] Warne, [Jason] Gillespie, [Shane] Bond, [Daniel] Vettori, [Chris] Cairns, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Murali[tharan], Curtley [Ambrose], Courtney [Walsh] and the list could go on and on… I’ve named 22 above. Please name me 10 modern-day bowlers that can compare to the names above.” Pietersen wrote.

However, Michael Vaughan hit back strongly and dismissed Pietersen’s comments during a live show on Sony Sports Network. Vaughan said, “I think he’s talking nonsense.” He argued that Test cricket remains extremely challenging and that the quality of bowling in the current era is on par with any previous generation. Vaughan highlighted today’s elite bowling units, particularly praising India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, along with Australia’s renowned trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.

Vaughan Defends Modern Bowlers, Calls Test Cricket Competitive

Vaughan didn’t stop there. He also lauded South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen and New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Trent Boult. “You look at the Indian seamers now; they are as good as they ever were. You look at the Australian attack; that trio that Australia had is as good as they have had. You go to South Africa, Rabada and Jansen. You go to New Zealand, Boult, Southee,” he said.

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Vaughan stressed that Test cricket has remained exciting and competitive in recent years. He also noted that modern batters play with more aggression and bravery. “I’ve loved the last few years of Test match cricket because it has been competitive. I don’t think it has been any easier than any other era. You still have to score runs. Irrespective of the bowling you are facing, you still have to go get the runs.” He concluded, “Don’t take anything away from the current players. Look at the way they have batted. They have batted with a lot more aggression than earlier times, maybe not during Kevin Pietersen’s time.”

The former England captain, Michael Vaughan, has called for a change of captaincy during the times when Ben Stokes, the regular leader, would be out of the team, whether due to a break or injury management. He thought that Ollie Pope, despite being the best vice-captain of the side, doesn’t guarantee to be a great leader of the team.

Ben Stokes had to sit out of the fifth and final Test of the series against India at Kennington Oval with a shoulder injury that he picked up during the fourth fixture at Old Trafford in Manchester. There is a countdown for him to get fully prepared for the upcoming opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at Optus Stadium in Perth.

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‘The England side with Ben Stokes as a captain, I think they can beat anybody. The England side without Ben Stokes, I think they can lose to anybody. I think he is that big a player. What they have got to be careful of, and I have said that before, is that sometimes, and I have a look at Ollie Pope, who looks a fantastic vice-captain. He is a brilliant person to have next to the captain and come up with ideas.’ Michael Vaughan expressed this during the BBC Test Match Special show.

Watch: Michael Vaughan wants Harry Brook to lead England in Ben Stokes’ absence

‘Sometimes, vice-captains are not brilliant captains. You know, Marcus Trescothick was a magnificent vice-captain for me, but you wouldn’t want to give him the captaincy. And I just think whether it’s worth England thinking, Harry to me looks like a leader. He looks like a born leader. We have seen him in white-ball cricket.’ The Yorkshire batter observed.

Should Ollie Pope stay as England vice-captain when Ben Stokes is out injured?@MichaelVaughan believes Harry Brook has what it takes to step up as captain in the event of another absence 🫡 #BBCCricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/nvVMLwHs07

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 2, 2025

He also pointed out that the side wasn’t in a bad state due to Pope’s leadership, but because of the catches they dropped throughout the innings, it gave India a chance to pile up the runs and put pressure on them.

‘And if Ben Stokes is injured in the future, can’t Ollie just stay as the vice-captain and Harry Brook get the leadership role? Look, it’s not Ollie Pope’s fault that England are in this position. It’s certainly not his. It’s the catching that lets them down. But I just want the best captain who is the best leader leading the side.’ Vaughan concluded.

The former England captain, Michael Vaughan, has blamed the home management for the selection of the young players in the fifth and final Test of the series against India at the Kennington Oval. He reckoned that the players, who had played just one first-class game this summer, shouldn’t be judged on their performance here. 

England’s hands were tied behind their backs in selection after their captain, Ben Stokes, was ruled out of the game with several injuries. They also decided to give rest to Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, keeping an eye on the Ashes 2025/26 trip, which opened the gate for young left-arm spin all-rounder, Jacob Bethell, into the side.

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‘It has been an epic. It has been a brilliant series. I think this England side, on this kind of pitch, I liked the way they played today. The only thing I will say, in terms of selection, is that they have picked players who have played no cricket. And to throw them into the hotbed of international cricket in front of the amount of people, with so many more watching, not just here, but on TV screens around the world, it’s not an easy game.’ Vaughan expressed on ‘Test Match Special.’

Watch: Michael Vaughan lashes England management for selection of inexperienced Jacob Bethell

The veteran reckoned that considering the situation of the series and how it was standing at a 2-1 margin coming into the game with India putting their all, it wouldn’t be right to put the 21-year-old Bethell into the hotbed kind of a situation.

“I don’t think you’re giving a kid the best chance at this level” 🗣️ @MichaelVaughan

Were England wrong to throw inexperienced Jacob Bethell in at the deep end at The Oval? 🤔 #BBCCricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/CmuZYIdEZA

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 1, 2025

‘If it were that easy, anyone could have played Test match cricket. If you are throwing a 21-year-old into this situation on the back of the one first-class match in our summer, I find that extraordinary. I don’t think you’re giving a kid the best chance of succeeding at this level.’ Vaughan added.

Bethell, who got a handful of overs on the green seam-friendly surface, contributed with just six runs in 14 balls before getting leg before the stumps by Mohammed Siraj. He, however, will have another chance to change the equation in the second innings.

Since the incident on the fifth evening session of the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, where the two Indian batters, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, refused the proposal from the home captain, Ben Stokes, to draw the fixture once the last hour began. 

However, both batters stood there as they were nearing their respective centuries. Jadeja was on their route to score the second red-ball century in England while Sundar was just a few runs away from the maiden Test century. That’s where Shubman Gill, the touring captain, showed his dominance, as Dinesh Karthik pointed out.

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We have got a bona fide super superstar in our captain, Shubman Gill, with the bat, in how much he has shown his guts. Because of how much he stands his ground about what he believes in. That last 10-15 minutes, the way it unfolded, he was just standing there on the balcony, literally poker-faced, saying Get out there. Get your 100. Ben Stokes and team, I guess you guys have to field long because it’s your opportunity, and I quite like that in terms of body language.’ Karthik reckoned in a discussion on Cricbuzz.

Watch: Dinesh Karthik and Michael Vaughan react to Shubman Gill's captaincy in ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

Apart from captaincy, Gill has done an incredible job with the bat, having been the leading run-getter of the series with 722 runs in eight innings at an average of 90.25 and a strike rate of 65.28 with 79 boundaries and 12 sixes. Michael Vaughan has also shed light on that matter.

'Superstar in Shubman Gill' @DineshKarthik & @MichaelVaughan laud the India captain, right here#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/N9WOZML77D

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) July 29, 2025

‘You are in your right. If you want to bat a bit, you can bat as long as the overs are being played. You are allowed to stay out there and get more runs for your players. I liked watching a young captain with that authority. He wasn’t scared of poke the bear. It’s just standing for your team. So far, I have seen a captain in Shubman willing to do that.’ The former England captain explained.

The series is still on 2-1 towards the home side, as the tourists will have the chance to walk off with a drawn series result with a victory in the fifth and final game of the series at the Kennington Oval in South London.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes India cannot afford to let England gain a substantial first-innings lead in the ongoing fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, Manchester. With England finishing Day 2 at 225/2 in response to India's 358, Vaughan warned that a lead of over 90 could tilt the game heavily in the hosts' favor. He emphasized that for India to survive in the series, they will need to set a fourth-innings target of at least 200 runs.

The England openers, Ben Duckett (94 off 100) and Zak Crawley (84 off 113), both halted and nullified India's bowling with their aggressive innings, taking England to a commanding position. Vaughan, speaking on Cricbuzz, said, "I would expect England to get a lead, but if India bowls really well on Day 3 and takes their chances, the lead shouldn't be more than 80 or 90. If that's the case, they should back themselves to score 300 in the second innings. And then they say to England, go and try and chase 200-210 on the last day or late on day four, where spin would play a part. That's what India's mindset has to be."

He further added that India batted commendably in difficult conditions but was struck by misfortune. According to Vaughan, the pitch eased up after India's innings, and the injury to vice-captain Rishabh Pant only added to their woes. "For India to get 358, I think that was probably par for what they had to play, if not a little bit more than par. The problem India had was that they didn't bowl well enough, and the conditions did change. So, they had a bit of bad luck. They've had bad luck with the Rishabh injury, and they've had bad luck with the conditions," he remarked.

Vaughan expects pitch to aid spinners later in the Test

Vaughan expressed optimism about India’s chances despite trailing in the match. He highlighted that England still trails by 133 runs with eight wickets in hand, and the pitch is expected to deteriorate as the match progresses. He pointed out that this could bring India’s spinners, especially Ravindra Jadeja, into play on Days 3, 4, and 5. "As the day went on, the sun started to shine, and England had to capitalize because I do think this pitch will deteriorate, and spin will play more of a part. I know England has got 133 (trail by) and eight wickets, and they bat so deep, but India is not out of this Test match."

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Vaughan specifically mentioned Jadeja’s delivery to dismiss Zak Crawley as a key indicator of things to come. He said, "That ball I saw Jadeja bowl to Zak Crawley, he bowled a couple to Ollie Pope, and I'm thinking this may be a wicket that Jadeja will come into play if the Test match gets into Day 3, Day 4, or Day 5." Jadeja, who bowled eight overs on Day 2, could play a crucial role alongside fellow spinner Washington Sundar as India looks to script a comeback.

Rishabh Pant suffered a serious injury on Day 1 of the Manchester Test against England. He inside-edged a reverse sweep onto his foot while playing a shot off Chris Woakes. The Indian team's vice-captain was in a lot of pain, and the physio rushed onto the field to help him. Pant lay on the ground for several minutes. The 27-year-old could not put any weight on his foot and had to be taken off the field. Later, a golf cart-like ambulance was used to take him out of the playing area, and Rishabh Pant was officially ruled out of the rest of the series.

Addressing the matter, former England captain Michael Vaughan questioned if it was fair to continue a high-stakes Test series with one team playing with only ten players. He also gave a suggestion after this incident.

Michael Vaughan Bats for Injury Substitution Rule in Tests

In a social media post, former England captain Michael Vaughan said, "Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests — we should allow like-for-like subs. We have concussion subs, so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabh's..."

Earlier, on BBC's Test Match Special, he said, “I don't like the fact that we've got four days left in the game — four days of action in what has been an incredible series — where we are going to have ten versus eleven.” Calling for a rule change, Vaughan said the game should evolve to allow injury substitutions during the first innings.

Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests we should allow like for like Subs .. we have concussion subs so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabhs .. https://t.co/MComKbHbyn

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 24, 2025

“Once they brought in concussion subs, I was crying out, saying, ‘Well, just have substitutions then in the first innings of a game.’ That would be my stepping point,” Vaughan added.
“If someone breaks a hand or a foot, it’s so clear they are in real pain and can’t carry on. I think it’s very clear — you should be allowed a sub.”

Also Read -Three players who can replace Rishabh Pant in ongoing ENG vs IND Test series

Parthiv Patel Disagrees

However, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel disagreed. He said the rules are already in place and should not be changed.

"There are already quite a few grey areas that teams try to exploit. Like in T20 cricket, we’ve seen the concussion rule, and people try to take advantage," said Parthiv during a media interaction as a JioHotstar expert. "So, in an ongoing game, if someone gets injured, what do you do? I think it’s only fair. At least now the rule has changed so that a wicketkeeper can do wicketkeeping. Earlier, even that wasn’t allowed."

Pant’s Injury Raises Wicketkeeping Concerns Again

The injury occurred when Rishabh Pant attempted a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes in the 68th over on Wednesday. Blood was seen seeping through his sock, his foot was swollen, and he had to be helped off the field on a buggy, unable to walk on his own.

Pant’s absence now leaves the wicketkeeping duties open again. While Dhruv Jurel is in the squad but hasn’t been used, KL Rahul — who last kept wickets during the 2023–24 South Africa tour — could be asked to step in. This creates a tactical problem for the Indian team in such a crucial game.

This is Pant’s second injury in the series. Earlier, during the third Test at Lord’s, he had bruised a finger while keeping, which forced him to give up the gloves mid-match.

It was in the evening session of the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford in Manchester when Rishabh Pant went for a premeditated sweep and got hit on the bridge of his foot. He looked in serious pain and left the field on a golf cart, as questions remain if he could bat in the remainder of the clash.

Now, the former England captain, Michael Vaughan, has sparked a new debate on the issue, arguing that teams should be allowed to make substitutions in cases of these injuries. He reckoned that this would keep the balance and excitement in a game.

See Also: [WATCH] Rishabh Pant leaves field with injury during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

‘I don’t like the fact now that we have got four days’ of action left in the game, where we have an incredible series and have ten versus eleven. I prefer that you have a sub. Once they brought out the concussion sub, I was crying out that let’s have substitutions in the first innings of the game, and that would be my stepping point, that if it goes into the second innings of the game.’ Vaughan expressed during a recent interaction on Test Match Special.  

Watch: Former England captains debate on substitution after Rishabh Pant’s injury in ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester   

‘I feel teams might break the rules or engage in skullduggery. When someone breaks a hand or breaks a foot or ruptures a calf, it’s obvious that they can’t carry on. It's very clear to me that you should be allowed for a sub.’ He added.

Should Test cricket introduce substitutions?

Rishabh Pant's injury has prompted some fierce debate on the TMS podcast 🗣 🤔#BBCCricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/1jfAbpRs6y

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 23, 2025

Another former leader of the side, Sir Alastair Cook, was unsure about accepting the idea, given that he raised a different part of the story and questioned the discrepancy between a broken foot and a bruise.

‘Just say, we have seen Pant walk off there and look all kinds of pain. And it’s not broken. So, there is nothing on the X-ray. It’s just a bruise. Then he has to play on. But he says I can’t walk. If he has broken his foot, then it’s different. But in case you get hit in the arm, I can’t move. Then you get replaced because it’s uncomfortable, but you can’t hold a bat as you would have liked, but you only have a bruise.’ Cook shed light.

Even though Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, had a fabulous week with both bat and ball besides showing his magic in the field during the 22-run victory in the third Test at Lord’s to go 2-1 up in the five-match series, questions and concerns are still fresh on the veteran’s batting position, especially when they will be making a trip in winter for the Ashes 2025/26. 

Since the start of 2024, Stokes has an average of under 28 for England in the longest format, which is the lowest among their top seven batters. He has been dismissed to the spinners 17 times in this passage at an average of under 20, while against the pacers, the average is nearly 45 with just 10 dismissals. The former captain, Michael Vaughan, dissected the same issue.

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‘I like his batting against the seamers. He lines up pretty well against Bumrah, and his technique is good. But against spin, there are issues. He likes to stay back, and even when the ball doesn’t spin, he gets trapped on the back foot. The spinners know that they can bring him forward and fire one on the back.’ Vaughan expressed during a discussion on Cricbuzz.

Watch: Michael Vaughan suggests Ben Stokes’ batting position for ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

'I think Australia will do that whenever Stokes comes in at number six, they will bring Nathan Lyon. I thought, last year, there could have been a chance of him batting at number three because he plays pace well. It will also be helpful for Ollie Pope at number six. The question is whether you need the same number three in both innings, and, if Stokes bowls a lot, then he can go down.’ Vaughan extended during the interaction.   

Dismissed 1⃣7⃣ times to spin in Tests since 2024 😯 @MichaelVaughan & @DineshKarthik dissect Ben Stokes' batting form, on Cricbuzz Chatter#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/51VqZyvujC

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) July 19, 2025

The former captain highlighted the best probable combination to help the side with more exposure in the batting department. He also shed light on how this team would need to improve when batting first in games. The veteran also wondered if the management could be flexible, just like the white-ball games.

In the longest format, the southpaw has batted only twice at number three and smashed 61runs at a strike rate of 64.89, thanks to the best score of 42 runs. But most of these occasions were when they would be chasing a huge score. Pope hasn’t done well at Lord’s and Edgbaston, and with the Ashes awaiting, Stokes at number three could be an option.