"Whoever Wins This Test Will...": Ex-England Skipper's Bold Prediction On Ashes

20.06.2023 - 15:17 sports.ndtv.com

The ongoing first Ashes Test between England and Australia is becoming more fierce with every passing day. As the match has reached it's Day 5 with Australia needing 174 runs to win, former England captain Michael Vaughan made a bold prediction about the five-match series.

Australia lost three wickets in the form of David Warner, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne on Day 4 and currently have opener Usman Khawaja and nightwatchman Scott Boland standing unbeaten at the crease.

Vaughan stated that the winner of the first Test at Edgabaston will eventually claim the series. According to Vaughan, England will be under the scanner regarding their decision to declare in the first innings, if they end up on the losing side in Birmingham. "It all comes down to today - it will define this Ashes series.

If England get the win, then Ben Stokes will continue to go ultra aggressive. If England lose they face so many questions about the declaration, their batting approach at times," Vaughan was quoted as saying on BBC Test Match Special. "If Australia lose, then Pat Cummins is under the spotlight and there are questions about spreading the field.

Australia Cricket Team Ben Stokes England Cricket Team Test on David Warner Pat Cummins Scott Boland Stuart Broad Steve Smith Michael Vaughan Australia Birmingham

Chris Woakes led the way with the ball before England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett held firm to give England the upper hand in a must-win third Ashes Test for the hosts against Australia at Headingley on Saturday. Woakes, playing his first Test since March last year, took 3-68 as Australia were dismissed for 224 in their second innings on a rain-marred third day. That left England, who trail 2-0 in the five-match series, needing 251 to win.

England vs Australia, 3rd Ashes Test, Day 3 Live Score Updates: Start Of Play Delayed Due To Rain

ENG vs AUS, 3rd Ashes Test, Day 3 Live: England eye early wickets on Day 3 as Australia resume their second innings at 116/4 in the third Ashes Test at Headingley. The visitors lead by 142 runs with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh unbeaten on 18 and 17, respectively. Earlier, England captain Ben Stokes's dynamic 80, his latest dashing innings kept the hosts' Ashes hopes alive before Moeen Ali struck twice in quick succession before stumps. Australia were 116-4 in their second innings at stumps on the second day, a lead of 142 runs, as they looked to go 3-0 up. (Live Scorecard)

"He Is A freak...": Australia Star Praises England Skipper Ben Stokes

Following his side's 43-run win over England in the second Ashes Test on Sunday, star Australian batter Steve Smith called Ben Stokes' innings "an unbelievable player who has done some incredible things." Ben Stokes' incredible knock of 155 runs couldn't secure the win for his side as Australian bowlers bounced and won the 2nd Ashes Test by 43 runs at the Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday.

ENG vs AUS: Australia Win 2nd Test Against England, Lead Ashes 2-0

Australia took a stranglehold on the Ashes series after beating England by 43 runs in a fiery and controversial second Test in Lord's on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. England captain Ben Stokes hit a stunning 155 after Jonny Bairstow was controversially given out stumped after straying out of his ground on the last day. But England were bowled out for 327 chasing a stiff target of 371. Australia captain Pat Cummins led the attack with 3-69.

England vs Australia, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 5, Live Score Updates: Ben Stokes, Ben Duckett Steady For 6-Down England vs Australia

ENG vs AUS, 2nd Ashes Test, Day5, Live Updates:England will begin the fifth and final day of the ongoing second Ashes Test against Australia from 114/4 with Ben Duckett (50*) and Ben Stokes (29*) standing unbeaten at the crease. The Stokes-led side need 257 runs on Day 5 to win with only six wickets in hand. Mitchell Starc sparked an England collapse at Lord's on Sunday before Ben Duckett was given a controversial reprieve as the hosts maintained their bid for a remarkable win in the second Ashes Test. Starc, recalled following Australia's thrilling two-wicket win in last week's first Test at Edgbaston, reduced England to 13-2. (Live Scorecard)

England vs Australia, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 4: Mitchell Starc Strikes Before Reprieved Ben Duckett Gives England Hope

Mitchell Starc sparked an England collapse at Lord's on Sunday before Ben Duckett was given a controversial reprieve as the hosts maintained their bid for a remarkable win in the second Ashes Test. England were 114-4 at stumps on the fourth day, still needing a further 257 runs to reach a target of 371. Left-handed opener Duckett, who made 98 in the first innings, was 50 not out and captain Ben Stokes unbeaten on 29, with England looking to level the five-match series at 1-1. Starc, recalled following Australia's thrilling two-wicket win in last week's first Test at Edgbaston, reduced England to 13-2.