Vaughan backs Smith to shine in England

[BlueBee]

Former England captain says Broad and Swann wrong to target the in-form Aussie and world's No.1 batsman Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann might think Steve Smith will be vulnerable at first drop in the Ashes, but former England captain Michael Vaughan has given short shrift to his compatriots' sledging. Key quick Broad and ex-spinner Swann have suggested England are licking their lips at the prospect of testing out Smith's technique at No.3 in the upcoming five-Test series. But Vaughan begs to differ. "I think he (Smith) will have a really good series," Vaughan told reporters in London ahead of the Cardiff opener starting July 8. "I know England are trying to pick at him a bit and his technique, and it is vulnerable against the swinging ball, but I think he's got as good a game awareness as I've seen. "His technique is not one that you'd get out of the coaching manual, but his hands are so good and his eyes are obviously so very good at picking up the length of the ball so quickly." Indeed, Vaughan believes the Qantas Ashes Tour of the British Isles could be Smith's time to shine. "He's gone to number one in the world, this is his moment. "Really great players, as soon as they get to an Ashes series, they go 'Right this is me'." Vaughan, who in 2005 led England to their first Ashes win since Mike Gatting was in charge in 1986-87, also lavished praise on Australian captain Michael Clarke. He was asked by hopeful English journalists if the hosts could capitalise on a perception that Clarke isn't beloved by all the Aussie players. "He's a great captain," Vaughan replied. "You say he's not as popular as some, but it works and it's working for Australia. "They probably all fear him a little bit, which is good. "His tactical nous is right up there with the best. I think he reads the game quicker than most captains and he's always ahead of the game by a few overs." Leadership: The 40-year-old is hoping England can put up more of a fight than when they lost to Australia 5-0 in 2013-14. At least four current England players could make the Australian first XI now, Vaughan said, whereas 18 months ago none would have. A combined team would see Alastair Cook at the top of the order with David Warner followed by Smith. Cook: Vaughan rates him better than Chris Rogers "(Then) Rooty (Joe Root) would get in, you'd want Clarkey to captain and Jimmy Anderson would sneak in with Jos Buttler ahead of Brad Haddin," Vaughan said at a Hardys of Australia wine tasting event in central London. The ex-England batsman said allrounder Ben Stokes could possibly make the grade ahead of Mitchell Marsh too. "(At least) four wwould get in, so I guess that makes it a little bit closer than the end of the Ashes last time when not one of them would have. "They're getting closer and playing at home is a big advantage."

[vvvslaxman]

He is shining bright :hatsoff: What a gun player he has turned into.

[putrevus]

This guy has 10 100s in 30 tests after a slow start, I never ever imagined this guy would become this good. Hats off to Aussies in persisting with him and giving him a chance to develop. Only in England and India they next insist on stupid technique which is easy on eye and can be classified as good for youngsters and if they don't have it they are dismissed. Sehwag changed that a little but we should be having so much talent on hand but for some reason this team and in near future we do not seem to have anyone that good.

[diga]

same here...at best I thought he would be another Warne clone,albeit with lesser bowling abilities..Now he is getting 100s for fun

[rkt.india]

I always knew that he was going to be future for Australia. In his early years, he was made to be sit out a lot in favor of lesser batsmen.

[Gollum]

Scored more runs in these 2 tests in England than the great Kohli will do in his lifetime.

[punjabi_khota]

Scored more runs in these 2 tests in England than the great Kohli will do in his lifetime.

Famous last words. Obviously since Kohli has scored centuries in Aus, NZ and SA, so the only place where he failed is all you are left with.

[Gollum]

Famous last words. Obviously since Kohli has scored centuries in Aus' date=' NZ and SA, so the only place where he failed is all you are left with.[/quote'] He did nothing useful in NZ too btw. I don't hate Kohli, I am just super pissed over how we let England boss us last time. This okish bowling attack were made to look like 80s Windians by Kohli and co.

[HippoSucks]

He did nothing useful in NZ too btw. I don't hate Kohli' date=' I am just super pissed over how we let England boss us last time. This okish bowling attack were made to look like 80s Windians by Kohli and co.[/quote'] When you are judging a player's performance overseas, it does not matter how useful the runs that he made are. If Kohli makes 5 centuries in New Zealand but none in a winning cause, you can not say that he has not done very well in New Zealand. Also as discussed in another thread, for India a batting collapse was always looming nearby around that time. So if it weren't for Kohli's runs, we may have even lost that test match instead of drawing it.