Michael Vaughan predicts 5-0 loss for England in Ashes

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has made some bold predictions for the upcoming Ashes. The series was in jeopardy after several senior England players expressed their concerns about playing the series under strict COVID-19 curbs. However, with the restrictions not as rigid as expected, the players gave their consent after which the ECB green signalled the series.

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While England are most likely to go with a full-strength squad minus Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes, Vaughan predicted England could lose 5-0 if they didn’t get off to a good start. “This series could be 5-0. You’ve got to be realistic. In the last four tours of Australia, England has lost 5-0 twice and 4-1 once. Obviously, they won in 2010-11, 3-1. I think this England Test match team if they get on a roll, keep playing well, will be fine. But if they start badly, it’s going to be a long tour for them,” Michael Vaughan said on ABC Sports.

England have blown hot and cold in the last few months. They defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 in an away series and started the India tour with a win in Chennai. However, they lost the following three Tests before losing the Test series against New Zealand at home. They were trailing 2-1 against India before the fifth Test was abandoned due to the COVID-19 scare in the Indian contingent. Vaughan highlighted the inconsistency of the England team and said they can beat good teams but can lose to anyone.

“They went to India on the back of a series win in Sri Lanka, won that first Test because Joe Root put a huge score on the board, and then they lost the series convincingly. They do have it in them to beat good sides, but they also have it in them to lose against anyone,” Vaughan added

The Ashes get underway in Brisbane on December 8.