England’s highly anticipated tour of India next year is set to feature a five-match T20I series, a three-match ODI series, and a thrilling five-match Test series, starting on January 22, 2025. The action-packed India versus England series is expected to be a mouth-watering showpiece for the fans.
Ahead of England’s much-awaited India tour, Michael Vaughan has suggested a tactical change to the tourists’ batting order to better counter the threat of India’s star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, especially against right-handers.
Michael Vaughan suggests batting order change for England to counter Jasprit Bumrah
The former England captain believes that moving Ben Stokes to number three could be an effective way to minimize Bumrah’s impact, especially with the new ball in the upcoming Test series in India.
Michael Vaughan’s suggestion comes from a recent analysis in Australia, where the commentator has observed how Jasprit Bumrah’s deliveries pose a significant challenge to right-handed batters, swinging in sharply. Notably, India and Australia are currently competing in the BGT 2024-25.
He has pointed out that left-handers like Ben Stokes are generally more comfortable while facing Bumrah, and having the all-rounder higher in the order could prove beneficial for their top-order stability. Vaughan also feels this move might influence the opposition’s tactics and help England manage Australia’s bowling attack better as well.
Left-handers are better suited to facing Jasprit Bumrah: Michael Vaughan
The former England captain feels Jasprit Bumrah’s fizzily arced deliveries are an area that could be his weakness, and the left-handed batter can utilize it, as he claimed left-handers are better suited to facing the Indian pacer.
Michael Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “I think that simple swap is perfect for the year England has coming up. In one Test in Australia, I’ve seen live why England needs another left-hander in the top three. Jasprit Bumrah fizzily arcs the ball into the right-hander’s pads with the brand new ball and causes absolute carnage for the likes of Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith.”
He added, “Left-handers are better suited to facing Bumrah. It would be handy to have Stokes at No. 3 in Australia, too, because the extra left-hander might tempt Australia to use Nathan Lyon earlier, which in turn means the quicks are not bowling in the short window that the ball swings.”
India, Australia, and England all engage in Test actions
Currently, the Indian cricket team is on an Australian tour where they are playing the iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The tourists have already won the first Test by 295 runs in Perth, thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s 8-wicket haul, Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s centuries against Australia.
Now, the Indian team would love to extend their 1-0 lead in Adelaide when they will take on the host Australian side in the second Test from December 6. This will be a Day-Night Test match. On the other hand, England is currently playing a three-match Test series in New Zealand.
Ben Stokes-led England cricket team recorded an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the first Test at Hagley Oval on Sunday. Notably, Stokes missed four Tests this year due to a hamstring injury.