English cricket greats Michael Vaughan and Mike Atherton both fear frustrated fans could turn on skipper Ben Stokes and his teammates following the first Test debacle in Perth.
The tourists appeared to be in the box seat at Optus Stadium, but a series of reckless dismissals in the second innings swayed the contest in Australia’s favour.
Travis Head took full advantage when promoted up the order to open the batting, with the hosts winning by eight wickets inside two days in astonishing scenes.
Vaughan senses Stokes’s team are testing the patience of their loyal supporters.
‘England fans love this team, but if I was in the XI I’d be fearful the supporters will turn because the side keeps making the same mistakes,’ Vaughan wrote in the Telegraph.
‘We can’t be that surprised that they got rolled twice in Perth. Under Stokes, England have been bowled out nine times in fewer than 40 overs and 12 times in fewer than 50. It is a long-running habit.
English cricket greats Michael Vaughan (pictured) and Mike Atherton both fear frustrated fans could turn on Ben Stokes and his teammates
The tourists appeared to be in the box seat at Optus Stadium, but a series of reckless dismissals in the second innings swayed the contest in Australia’s favour (pictured, England captain Ben Stokes)
‘I hope they prove me wrong, but I would be amazed if they turn it round from here.’
A scathing Vaughan wasn’t finished, going on to point out that the current England squad ‘has almost everything required, except world-class spin and a killer instinct’.
He also summed up their fortunes by adding: ‘As quickly as they get ahead, they fall behind.’
Speaking on Sky Sports, Atherton revealed he spoke to many fans post the result in Perth – and some were seething.
‘Quite a few England supporters were on the train (back into Perth) and I was chatting to them… their reaction was a mixture of absolute bafflement but also a touch of anger,’ the ex-skipper said.
‘Thousands of supporters have flown out and spent vast amounts of money to watch the England team.
‘To have no cricket on day three, four and five, you can understand that reaction.’
The second Ashes Test – a pink-ball, day-night clash – begins at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 4.
Mike Atherton (pictured) was stunned to see England falter in their second innings – as were countless fans back home and in Perth
Offered the opportunity to play in a pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra from November 29, the likes of Zak Crawley and Joe Root have raised eyebrows after choosing not to take part at Manuka Oval.
Vaughan – also a former England captain – was stunned at the decision.
‘It’s amateurish if they don’t go and play,’ he told the BBC.
‘What harm is playing two days of cricket with a pink ball under lights?
‘It’s not being old-school to suggest that a pink ball is different to a red ball.’
