England vs Australia, 5th Ashes Test: It was the worst I’ve ever seen Australia bat, says Michael Vaughan | Cricket News

Labeling Australia’s batting display on the second day of the fifth Ashes Test as the “worst I’ve ever seen Australia bat”, former England captain Michael Vaughan analysed that the visitors appeared to be playing with a considerable amount of fear at the Oval on Friday.

Australia managed to take a thin first-innings lead of 12 runs, thanks to a half-century by Steve Smith (71) and crucial contributions from their captain Pat Cummins (36) and off-spinner Todd Murphy (34) before being bowled out for 295 at stumps on day two.

The day saw Australian batters adopting a cautious and tentative approach, seemingly in response to the impressive control and discipline displayed by England’s seam bowlers.

“They are taking home the urn, but I’ve never seen Australia play with so much fear. They are usually so aggressive and try to take the game forward,” Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special.
“They have just sat in to bat a long period of time without remembering you have to put a bit of pressure on the bowlers. This morning (Friday) I thought it was the worst I’ve ever seen Australia bat in my time watching them. They never play like that,” he added.
However, England pacer Stuart Broad, who took 2-49, said he was not surprised by the tourists’ method.

“They stuck to the style of play that has been very successful for many years. Our style of play isn’t about wanting other teams to emulate it,” Broad said.
“It just works really well for us. Ultimately Australia are world Test champions, won every game in their home summer, and they are not going to change their style of play just because we have a different style,” he added.
(With agency inputs)