Newspapers crucify Vaughan

2008-07-31 22:10

Altus Momberg

Birmingham - England cricket captain Michael Vaughan faces increasing pressure after his team's poor performance on the opening day of the third Test here at Edgbaston.

Even before the start of the second day of the match, newspapers had castigated the home team, with Vaughan and struggling Paul Collingwood coming in for scathing criticism.

"England shambles: Paul flops again as poor England hit a new low," the Daily Star trumpeted after England were bowled out for 231 runs on the first day.

The Sun did not hold back either, blasting away with headlines such as: "Run out of ideas" and "England comical and Colly heading for the scrapheap".

The Daily Mail used Proteas fast bowler André Nel's name in a little word play: "You (Nel)lies: Vaughan bunglers on rack after farcical batting show".

England's decision to bring Collingwood back in place of Stuart Broad was heavily criticised. Most reporters agreed that an additional batsman had to included, but all questioned the selection of struggling Collingwood.

Some reporters wrote it seemed Vaughan and the other members of his team had wanted their pal back in the team rather than the best batsman.

Selectors start contemplating changes

Vaughan was dismissed first ball in England's first innings and more and more questions are being asked about his batting.

The Independent pointed out that Vaughan's batting record as captain amounted to an average of 36.2 runs per innings.

Graeme Smith has an average of 47 per innings in matches as South African captain, Australia's Ricky Ponting stands at 62 and Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene as 67.88.

Vaughan would not have taken so much flack had England done better, but when a captain and his team struggle, selectors start contemplating changes.

Vaughn is still a national hero after leading England to their first Ashes victory in 18 years over the Aussies in 2005 but now the heat is on.

In his 13 Test innings this year, Vaughan has scored an average of 24 runs.

Stephen Brenkley wrote in The Independent that England, under Vaughan's captaincy, had performed like world champions against New Zealand and the West Indies. However, they "disappeared" when they were up against India, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Richard Hobson has already reported in The Times that Alastair Cook could take over from Vaughan.

- Die Burger