Former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged the national team to dial back their ultra-aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach and adopt a more traditional, disciplined style ahead of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
His comments come after England suffered a stunning two-day defeat in the first Test in Perth, where their shot selection and lack of restraint drew heavy criticism.
England, now trailing 1-0 in the five-match series, face Australia in a day-night encounter at the Gabba — a venue notoriously unforgiving to visiting teams and one where the pink ball poses an added challenge. Australia boast an extraordinary record in day-night Tests, having won 13 of their 14 matches under lights, including all three played against England.
Vaughan, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Ashes second Test preview, stressed that England’s batters must recognise when conditions call for a more measured, “old school” approach. He accused the side of showing “arrogance” in Perth, arguing that their aggressive tactics played directly into Australia’s hands.
“There was an arrogance about how England played in Perth,” Vaughan said. “This England side dance down. They run towards the danger. I’m not too sure that’s a sensible way to go with the ball zipping around.”
His remarks reflect growing concerns that England’s Bazball philosophy — characterised by relentless aggression, rapid scoring, and constant pressure on bowlers — risks becoming a liability in challenging conditions.
While the approach has delivered memorable victories and transformed England’s cricketing identity, critics argue it requires adaptability, something Vaughan believes was sorely missing in the first Test.
“I’m not saying go into a shell and play like Geoff Boycott or Alastair Cook all the time,” Vaughan explained. “But please use your sense when the ball is zipping around slightly. They are great entertainers, but they haven’t won a five-match series in the last three or four years.”
England’s collapse in Perth, where they failed to counter Australia’s relentless pace attack, underscored the vulnerability of an approach geared heavily towards attack. With the pink ball expected to swing and seam even more under Brisbane’s lights, Vaughan believes England must show tactical flexibility.
He pointed specifically to the challenge posed by Australian left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, whose pink-ball record is unmatched. Starc has taken 81 wickets at a staggering average of 17.09 in day-night Tests, cementing his reputation as the world’s most dangerous pink-ball bowler.
“Starc is the aggressor and has to take wickets,” Vaughan emphasised. “If you leave a few outside off stump, there’s no way Starc isn’t going to bowl one straight because he is there to get wickets. It’s about having that sense and game awareness.”
Vaughan’s advice highlights an approach England have struggled to adopt in recent years: frustrating bowlers rather than attacking them. He believes patience, selective aggression, and reading conditions will be key to unsettling Australia’s confidence — particularly Starc’s rhythm.
The upcoming Test has taken on even greater significance as England attempt to avoid going 2-0 down in a series notoriously difficult to recover from. The Gabba, often called Australia’s “fortress,” adds to the daunting challenge. England have not beaten Australia at the venue since 1986, and day-night conditions introduce another layer of complexity.
England captain Ben Stokes has remained steadfast in his support of Bazball, consistently insisting that the team’s attacking identity will not waver. However, even Stokes has acknowledged that smarter game management is crucial, especially in Australia where the pace and bounce expose technical flaws.
The first Test showed the pitfalls of rigidly adhering to Bazball. England’s top order fell to loose strokes outside off stump, chasing width and offering catching practice to slip and gully. Vaughan argued that these dismissals reflected not bravery, but a lack of situational awareness.
“Whatever England do, they have to play a lot better,” he said. “They need a stronger game for longer periods.”
The challenge for England lies in finding the right balance — maintaining an aggressive mindset without sacrificing judgment. Under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England’s resurgence has been built on liberated batting, positive energy, and fearless intent. But Vaughan believes that bravery does not mean recklessness, especially in the harsh cauldrons of an Ashes tour.
England’s bowlers also face significant pressure heading into Brisbane. While young seamer Gus Atkinson showed promise in Perth, the attack overall struggled to build pressure or extract consistent movement. The pink ball may offer more assistance, but England must complement it with discipline, accurate lengths, and sustained pressure.
Australia, meanwhile, enter the match with confidence and stability. Their bowling attack — featuring Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Starc — remains one of the world’s most potent, particularly in home conditions. Their batting lineup, led by Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, looked assured in Perth and will relish another opportunity to capitalise on England’s inconsistencies.
For England to challenge Australia in Brisbane, Vaughan argues, they must show they can adapt their philosophy to the conditions. That doesn’t mean abandoning Bazball entirely, but refining it into a more intelligent, situationally aware version.
“England can still entertain,” Vaughan said, “but they must understand when to attack and when to absorb pressure. That’s the mark of a great Test team.”
As the teams prepare for the second Test, all eyes will be on England’s top order. With the series hanging in the balance, their ability — or inability — to blend aggression with common sense could define the rest of the Ashes campaign.
The upcoming contest promises intensity, scrutiny, and high stakes. Whether England heed Vaughan’s warning may determine whether this Ashes series becomes a comeback story — or a repeat of past failures Down Under.
