Former England captain Michael Vaughan sparked widespread criticism on social media after claiming the Ashes remains cricket's biggest contest, despite recent competitive Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia. Vaughan acknowledged that India-Australia matches in Australia have been more competitive lately, but insisted the Ashes generates unmatched excitement and build-up. His remarks went viral, drawing sharp reactions from fans who questioned his assessment. Critics highlighted England's woeful record in Australia over the past decade, with no Test victory on Australian soil since January 2011. England lost 13-0 across three tours, including a humiliating 4-0 defeat in 2021-22. Despite this, Vaughan expressed cautious optimism about England's prospects under Ben Stokes' leadership in the upcoming Ashes series starting 21 November 2025 in Perth, suggesting even a drawn series would represent significant progress for English cricket.
England's Struggles in Australia Undermine Vaughan's Claims
Social media users quickly reminded Vaughan of England's dismal Australian record, which weakens his comparison. England's last Test win in Australia came in January 2011 when they won the series 3-1. Since that triumph, England have endured three consecutive disastrous tours with an aggregate scoreline of 13-0 in Australia's favour. The 2021-22 tour ended in a crushing 4-0 defeat, prompting Joe Root to resign as captain. This humiliation triggered major restructuring in English cricket, with Rob Key appointed managing director, Brendon McCullum becoming head coach, and Ben Stokes taking over captaincy. The Ashes series begins on 21 November 2025 in Perth, with England fielding their most balanced pace attack featuring Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, and Gus Atkinson.
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