As England faces an uphill battle in the second Test against India at Edgbaston, chasing a daunting target of 608 runs, a prominent voice from England's cricketing past has weighed in with a crucial message for Ben Stokes and his team. With the series on the line, the temptation to pursue a heroic, record-breaking chase might be strong, but a measured approach, perhaps even aiming for a draw, could be the wiser path.

England's current predicament sees them at 72 for 3 at the end of day four, still needing 536 runs with only seven wickets in hand. India's dominant performance throughout the Test has put them in a commanding position, having out-batted and out-bowled England. Shubman Gill's exceptional batting display, supported by contributions from KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, allowed India to declare at 427/6 in their second innings. The English batting lineup faltered in comparison, with only Jamie Smith (184no) and Harry Brook (158) offering substantial resistance in the first innings.

The key wickets of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root further compounded England's woes, leaving them vulnerable against India's potent bowling attack. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj have proven particularly effective, exploiting the conditions to trouble the English batsmen.

Given the circumstances, former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged Ben Stokes and the team to consider a change in approach. Vaughan emphasized that "Bazball" will be put to the ultimate test, questioning whether the team is willing to go against their natural instincts. Vaughan suggested that a draw might be the best possible outcome for England from this position. He pointed out that in the 34 Tests under Stokes' captaincy, England have drawn only once and that to succeed in major series, especially against top sides like India or in Australia, England's mindset needs to shift.

Marcus Trescothick, England's batting coach, has also hinted at the possibility of playing for a draw. Trescothick acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead, recognizing that scoring the required runs would be a significant challenge. He stated that they appreciate it’s a hell of a lot of runs to try and score.

While England's aggressive "Bazball" approach has brought them considerable success, it has also left them vulnerable in certain situations. The emphasis on relentless attack has sometimes come at the expense of defensive stability, and former players and critics are suggesting a more pragmatic approach might be necessary.

Ultimately, the decision rests with Ben Stokes and the team management. Whether they opt for a daring chase or a more cautious approach, the final day of the Edgbaston Test promises to be a gripping affair.