Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan did not hold back from trolling Wasim Jaffer after India were swept 2-0 at home by South Africa. Taking to X, Vaughan tagged the former Indian opener and wrote, "Don’t worry. I know how you are feeling." His post came moments after India’s crushing defeat in the Guwahati Test.

India were already in deep trouble while chasing an improbable 549, ending Day 4 at 27/2. On the final day, the hosts folded quickly, losing their remaining eight wickets for just 113 additional runs. This result gave South Africa their first Test series victory on Indian soil in 25 years and was a historic red-ball triumph for the visitors.

Simon Harmer was the star of the series, picking up six wickets in the second innings to finish with 17 wickets at an excellent average of 8.94, earning him the award for Player of the Series. With this loss, India crashed to fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, severely denting their chances of reaching the 2027 WTC final.

Vaughan–Jaffer Banter Continues as India Suffer Heaviest Home Defeat

The trolling wasn’t out of the blue; Jaffer had earlier taken a dig at Vaughan when England were thrashed by Australia within two days in Perth. Vaughan hit back during the Guwahati Test, especially after Marco Jansen dismantled India with a six-wicket haul on Day 3.

Don’t worry @WasimJaffer14 .. I know how you are feeling .. #INDvSA

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 26, 2025

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India’s 408-run defeat in Guwahati stands as their heaviest Test loss by runs at home. South Africa dominated from the start, putting up 489 in the first innings and stretching their control by adding 260 more after choosing not to enforce the follow-on. Ravindra Jadeja fought hard with a 54 off 87 balls, but the rest of India’s batting lineup faltered once again. With this win, Temba Bavuma became only the second South African captain after Hansie Cronje to win a Test series in India.

The former England captain, Michael Vaughan, has ripped apart the Ben Stokes-led side’s batting during the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. In the first innings, they were bundled out for 172 runs in just 32.5 overs, with Harry Brook being the only half-century in the department. 

Vaughan reckoned that the approach from the tourists in this game was not up to the mark as he lamented a few specific shots from the England batters against the left-arm Australia pacer, Mitchell Starc, who enjoyed 10 wickets in the two-day Test match.

See Also: Watch: Kuldeep Yadav dismisses Wiaan Mulder during IND vs SA 2nd Test in Guwahati

“And I am looking at this England team, thinking, why did you play so many shots to a world-class bowler like Mitchell Starc. He got 10 wickets. But there were lots of mistakes from the batters. And we have been telling it for a long time that to win in Australia, you can’t play one expensive way down under. This has never been done before for a reason.” Vaughan expressed on Fox Cricket’s commentary.

Watch: Michael Vaughan suggests England learn after Ashes 2025/26 Perth defeat

Vaughan also felt that this only Bazball way of batting won’t be able to push England to win in Australia. Down under, they have now lost 14 of their previous 16 Test matches as the former Ashes-winning leader wanted this side to learn from their mistakes this week.

 

 

 

 

 

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“This England side needs to learn, and that too very quickly. You've got to go up and down through gears. You can’t go for those big drives, especially at the start of their innings. If England continues to play this aggressively, they will be great entertainers. Let’s be honest- we have all been entertained greatly in these two days. But they are not going to win.” The former Yorkshire batter added.

“To bat for 67 overs in a Test match is not good enough. I just worry that on this side, they have enough competitors from 1 to 11 in a game. But you just can’t be competitive without brains. You can’t just play one way. They have to learn from the mistakes.” Michael Vaughan concluded.

The upcoming Ashes 2025/26 is just a couple of weeks away before its commencement on November 21 between Australia and England at the Optus Stadium. The biggest news of the series is that the home side’s captain, Pat Cummins, has been ruled out of the curtain raiser with Steve Smith returning to don the captain’s blazer for another time.

But going into the series, the discussion has been around whether the Ashes brings more hype to the fans than the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is played between Australia and India. The final-match series between the two sides last year attracted a huge fanbase, while the Ashes contain the history and memories of the game.

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“No question the India v Aussie series of late down under has been more competitive .. but don’t tell them they are bigger than an Ashes .. the buildup down in Oz for this Ashes is absolutely huge .. you don’t do that for an IND v Oz series.” The former England captain, Michael Vaugh, sparks controversy with his statement on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Michael Vaughan fires controversy on X ahead of Ashes 2025/26 in comparison with BGT

Australia is currently featuring in the five-match T20I series against the Suryakumar Yadav-led side. The home side is 2-1 down in the series heading into the fifth and final game at the Gabba in Brisbane. Before the T20I leg, the focus for them was on the three-match ODI series, which the Mitchel Marsh-led side won by a 2-1 margin.

No question the India v Aussie series of late down under have been more competitive .. but don’t tell they are bigger than an Ashes .. the build up down in Oz for this Ashes is absolutely huge .. you don’t that for an IND v Oz series .. #Fact #OnOn

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 7, 2025

Since announcing their Test retirements respectively, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returned to the ODI format after playing their last international clash for India during the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. The former smashed an unbeaten half-century during the third ODI at the SCG while Rohit remained unbeaten for a century.

Australia’s several players have shifted their focus to the Ashes by preparing in the Sheffield Shield game. The management decided to drop Sam Konstas for the series after his poor returns of 50 runs in six innings with two ducks in the Caribbean earlier this year.

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan predicted something huge about the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup amid the ENG vs SA 2025 series. Vaughan feels that South Africa has the highest chance to win the elite title of cricket. The marquee event will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

On Thursday (September 4, 2025), South Africa defeated England at Lord's by defending a total of 330 runs, and with the second consecutive win, they won the 3-match ODI series as well. The remaining match of the series will be arranged on September 7 at The Ageas Bowl. 

2025 has been proving a remarkable year for South Africa, as they already won the World Test Championship final (WTC Final) by defeating Australia. After that, the ODI series win against England was their first 50-over series win in England since 1998. The Proteas are always considered a major force in the cricket world, but their habit of losing at the high time of ICC tournaments earned them the tag 'chokers.' During the 2023 World Cup, they came close to claiming the trophy, but they fell short against Australia and did not qualify for the final. 

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South Africa, the 5-time semifinalist

As of now, SA on five different occasions looked strong enough to win the World Cup but did not go to play the final. During the 1992, 1999, 2007, 2015, and 2023 World Cups, they participated in the semifinals. This year, things are looking slightly different for them. Winning the WTC mace can be the sign of breaking the jinx. 

South Africa to win the World Cup in 2027 me thinks …

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) September 4, 2025

Vaughan took to his official 'X' account and wrote, "South Africa to win the World Cup in 2027, methinks." If the former cricketer's prediction turns true, then that will be huge. 

The former Indian opening batter, Wasim Jaffer, has laughed at the former England captain, Michael Vaughan, as he continues their leg-pulling scandal after the Harry Brook-led side faced a huge and embarrassing defeat against South Africa at Leeds in Headingley, during the opening game of the three-series.

Jaffer posted a picture on social media, which was displayed during the live game by the home broadcaster, Sky Sports. It was on the eighth ODI rank of the 2019 champions at the current stage, as India sits at the top of the table. England didn’t enjoy a healthy time in white-ball cricket during the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ODI World Cup 2023.

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“England at No.8. Surely against the spirit of cricket. ICC should look into this.” Jaffer wrote on his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) and tagged the renowned cricket commentator, Michael Vaughan, who brought that prospect many a time during the recently concluded Test series against India this summer.

Wasim Jaffer takes a jibe at Michael Vaughan after England’s embarrassing defeat

Winning the toss, the Protea captain, Temba Bavuma, decided to bowl first on a surface that he expected to get better for batting under lights in the evening. England’s opening batter, Jamie Smith, fired a fine 54-run knock in just 48 balls at a strike rate of 112.50 with the help of 10 boundaries. But the next best score in the list was 15 by Jos Buttler.

England at No. 8… surely against the spirit of cricket. ICC should look into this. @MichaelVaughan pic.twitter.com/txSFOtJnh0

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 3, 2025

They were 82/2 in 13.5 overs before they lost their next eight wickets for just 49 runs in just over 10 overs. Keshav Maharaj ran through the batting line-up of the Three Lions to end with a fine figure of 4/22 in just 5.3 overs. On the other hand, Wiaan Mulder ended with 3/33 in seven overs.

The 121-run opening stand between Aiden Markram and wicket-keeper Ryan Rickelton provided a fine start to the Rainbow Nation in the chase as they completed it with seven wickets in hand and nearly 30 overs to spare. Markram smashed a fine knock of 86 runs in 55 balls at a strike rate of 156.36 with 13 boundaries and a couple of sixes.

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.