Michael Vaughan criticizes England's approach after T20 World Cup exit

Former England captain Michael Vaughan shared his thoughts following England's defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final at Guyana's Providence Stadium on Thursday.

England, unable to chase down India's 172-run target, faltered against India's spin duo Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, who collectively took six crucial wickets including those of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, and Harry Brook.

Vaughan criticized England's decision to bowl first after winning the toss, suggesting that batting second on a dry pitch against India's spinners was bound to be challenging. In his column for The Telegraph, he noted, “My belief is that England’s issues with these conditions run a bit deeper than just the coach and captain. They made some mistakes. It was a curious decision to bowl at the toss. I am sure the dodgy weather played its part, but on a dry pitch like that against India’s spinners, surely you bat first. Perhaps England were stuck in their ways because they chased so well against India in Adelaide two years ago."

Reflecting on England's performance, Vaughan highlighted their struggles in adapting to slower pitches, which impacted their power-hitting capabilities. Despite the difficult conditions, India managed to post 171 runs, emphasizing England's need to improve in key areas such as fielding and bowling variation.

“But there are three key issues in these conditions for England. First, they are not a great fielding team, and do not have enough athletes. They had a couple of good moments, but are way below South Africa’s level. With the bat they lack the power-game on slower pitches, and with the ball they are a bit predictable. It’s a bit unfair to compare them to Jasprit Bumrah, the best in the world, but how many of our seamers have slower balls that completely deceive the batsman?,” he further added.

The T20 World Cup 2024 final will take place at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29 between India and South Africa.