Michael Vaughan hits at England cricket team with Pep Guardiola reference: 'He is their boss'

Add as a preferred source on Google

Michael Vaughan has slammed the England cricket team following their 1-4 defeat against England. India won the fifth Test by an innings and 64 runs on Saturday, to seal the series 4-1. England lost four consecutive Test matches after emerging victorious in the first match.

Vaughan accused the team management under head coach Brendon McCullum of going too soft on players, and used Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as a reference to explain that taking ruthless decisions on selections and training regimes to bring the desired result.

''The team message is never to doubt anything, never admit they were wrong or they could have done things differently. Everything is very cosy. Everyone is mates: players, coaches, backroom staff. That does not breed an environment of ruthlessness.

''I know I bang on about how brilliant Pep Guardiola is, but you don't hear about him being mates with Manchester City players. He's their boss and he doesn't always do what his players want him to.'' ''He makes ruthless decisions about selection and training regimes.'' Vaughan was least amused with the English players spending time in Abu Dhabi and playing golf in Bengaluru when there were long breaks between Tests," Vaughan wrote in his column for Daily Telegraph.

Vaughan pointed out that Ben Stokes-led England took a break and spent time away from cricket in Abu Dhabi in the 10-day gap between the second and third Test. He explained why players should have instead sweated it out in the training session.

''England's management give the players just about everything that they want, like a break in Abu Dhabi with no cricket kit and a golf trip to Bangalore in the middle of the tour.

''I am not one for old-school preparation, with three first-class matches at the start of a tour. Those days are gone, and it's not needed. But surely with two long breaks, you need to get some cricket into the outside of the team, so they are ready if required, and to keep those in the XI on their toes.

''It also might help players in the team find form. By doing nothing, you get yourself into a Catch 22.'' He added, ''I do worry it's a backroom team made up of cheerleaders. That's based on what I hear in public, and maybe it's different in the changing room, but players need challenging and questioning at times.''

England suffered their first series defeat under the 'Bazball' era where their players have focussed on playing aggressive cricket irrespective of the situation.