Ashes 2025/26: R Ashwin Takes a Subtle Dig at Michael Vaughan After His Day 2 Prediction Fails
Australia crush England in two days after Vaughan’s prediction backfires, with Head’s 123 guiding an easy chase for 1-0 lead.
England walked into Day 2 of the first Ashes Test with hopes of taking control, especially after Michael Vaughan predicted that Ben Stokes and his side would bat through the day. Instead, the match ended in a stunning two-day finish that left England facing tough questions and Australia celebrating a powerful 1-0 lead.
Australia delivered a sharp all-round performance that flipped the match on its head. England began with a 40-run first-innings lead, but their second innings never settled. They folded for just 164 runs and allowed Australia to take command.
Their bowlers seized the moment. Scott Boland picked up 4 wickets, and Mitchell Starc and Brendan Doggett claimed 3 each. They kept England under pressure with tight lines and steady movement. What made the effort stand out was that Australia were without Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, yet their control never dipped.
Travis Head then smashed 123 runs off 83 balls to make the chase look easy. He attacked from the start and did not let England settle. Marnus Labuschagne supported him with a calm unbeaten half-century. Australia reached the 205-run target in only 28.2 overs, showing clear intent and confidence for the rest of the series.
Vaughan’s earlier prediction on social media quickly resurfaced. He had posted that England would bat through Day 2 and hold full control by stumps.
“Was that the most dramatic first day of all time? I think it was.. What’s Day 2 going to bring.. My prediction is for England to Bat the day and have full control by the end,” Vaughan had posted on X.
Ravichandran Ashwin joined the fun with a cheeky reply. He wrote, “Full control full of doubts,” teasing Vaughan for the misread.
