Win Projections to be updated soon
Brisbane, 2 December 2025:
Former England captain Michael Vaughan says England’s batters must know when to rein in their attacking “Bazball” instincts and switch to a more traditional, cautious approach in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Australia lead the series 1-0 after routing England inside two days in Perth, where the tourists’ aggressive shot selection came under heavy criticism. The upcoming day-night Test at the Gabba will be played with a pink ball, a format in which Australia have won 13 of 14 matches, including all three against England.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Ashes preview show, Vaughan said England showed an “arrogance” in their Perth approach and must display better game awareness in Brisbane.
“This England side dance down. They run towards the danger,” Vaughan said. “I’m not sure that’s the sensible way to go with the ball moving around. Play the old-school way.
“I’m not saying they need to go into a shell and bat like Geoff Boycott or Alastair Cook. But they need to use their sense when the ball is doing a bit. They’re great entertainers, but they haven’t won a five-match series in three or four years. I’ll give England a tip, it’s not working.”
Vaughan said England should aim to frustrate left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, widely considered the world’s best pink-ball bowler. Starc has taken 81 wickets at 17.09 in day-night Tests.
“When Starc comes on, he’s the aggressor and he’s there to take wickets,” Vaughan said. “If you leave a few outside off stump, he’ll eventually bowl straight because that’s his job. It’s about sense and awareness. Whatever England do, they must be better for longer periods.”
Vaughan also voiced concerns about how England’s bowlers will handle the Brisbane heat and said the team needs someone capable of delivering long spells. With Mark Wood expected to miss out through injury, selectors could look to a spinner such as Shoaib Bashir or turn to Will Jacks to bolster the batting.
But Vaughan believes England should commit fully to pace.
“England will get 20 wickets if they bowl well with the seamers,” he said. “I wouldn’t play a spinner. England don’t have a spinner suited to these conditions right now, so I’d play all the quicks.
“I can’t see Will Jacks or Shoaib Bashir taking four or five wickets at the Gabba. I love Josh Tongue, he’s a wicket-taker and he’d come in for me.”
Vaughan also said captain Ben Stokes should bowl himself earlier than he did in Perth.
“I like the idea of Stokes bowling early. It was crying out for him in Perth,” Vaughan said. “He needs to realise how good he is. To win down here, he has to grab the ball early. He’s the one who can spice things up and, like Ian Botham, has that knack of taking wickets.”
