Ashes 2023: Australia were psychologically affected by the Bazball juggernaut – Michael Vaughan

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan feels Australia was psychologically affected by the Bazball juggernaut in the fourth Ashes Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester, which ended in a draw after rain played killjoy on the final day.

England thoroughly dominated the fourth Test match as they came up with a relentless performance. The home team took a massive lead of 275 runs after they racked up 592 runs in the first innings.

Australia was skittled out for 317 runs in the first innings and then Zak Crawley played a magnificent knock of 189 runs off just 182 balls to put the hosts in front. Vaughan feels the visitors were psychologically affected by the aggressive approach of the home team as the Pat Cummins-led team could not do the basics right.

Michael Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “England completely dismantled Australia to a point where they were unable to deliver the basics. They were psychologically affected by the Bazball juggernaut. Australia forgot that in Test cricket if your best ball gets hit, don’t go away from bowling your best ball.”

The former England opener showered praise on Zak Crawley for scoring a blistering century. Vaughan hailed Crawley as a gift to England cricket and highlighted that the lanky batter has fallen prey to some soft dismissals in his young career. Crawley was also awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant knock.

“Zak Crawley delivered this week when Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Rob Key wanted: that one innings that massively affects a series. He is a gift. I don’t think I have ever seen him bat and think he is out of form. He just gets out.”

Vaughan elaborated: “I don’t think his technique or movements are wrong, he just plays iffy shots sometimes. His mindset of being destructive against quality attacks is so impressive. It was him who knocked Australia off their length and took them away from the basics.”

Vaughan observed that England’s aggressive batting approach rattled Australia’s plans as they veered off the track and could not execute their strategies.

Vaughan wrote: “England’s attacking instincts led to Australia suffering from amnesia. They stopped bowling the top of off heavy length delivery they have delivered at 85-90mph year after year.”

With this draw, Australia has retained the Ashes. The fifth and final Test match will be played at Kennington Oval, London from July 27.