Former Captain Vaughan Calls Out England's Mediocrity, Advises To Learn From Australia

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has strongly criticised the way England select players for Tests in the wake of Australia’s convincing performance in the 2025–26 Ashes series, where they are leading 2-0. In a column for The Telegraph, Vaughan contrasted England’s approach with Australia’s more merit-based system, calling for a rethink. 

Vaughan admitted that many in the English cricket community had initially “laughed at the age profile of Australia’s team.” But with age on their side, the Australians have backed experience over youth and rewarded those who have “earned the right” through consistent domestic performances. 

“We had a laugh at the age profile of Australia’s team, and there are some cracks that England have failed to open up. But the Australian system has always been about earning the right,” he wrote. 

Pointing to one recent example, he said that a player like Jake Weatherald, who's now 31, would never have been seriously considered in England at that age, despite his readiness. 

“At 31, he has been around the block and earned the right. He has been a hardened cricketer over 10 years. I do not think we would even consider looking at someone like him in English cricket. But he just looks ready,” Vaughan wrote. 

Vaughan also argued that English cricket often “gifts” youngsters a chance too quickly, which he believes undermines long-term success. He described this approach as symptomatic of “weak men” making decisions. 

“Until English cricket addresses all this, and remembers that Test cricket is a tough game that does not allow for shortcuts, the mediocrity will continue. You hear suggestions of weak men. That is what our system has created,” the former Ashes-winning England skipper added.  

Vaughan also took aim at the “Bazball” culture under current English leadership, saying it had become counterproductive. According to him, players were being constantly fed confidence regardless of poor performances, making the system blind to flaws. 

“The team are told how good they are, and backed constantly, whether they play well or not. English cricket is reaping what it has sown,” he wrote.