Former England captain Michael Vaughan has launched a stinging critique of Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes, questioning the effectiveness of fining them for slow over rates in Test matches. Vaughan suggests that financial penalties are unlikely to deter these players, given their considerable wealth. His comments come amid concerns about the persistent issue of slow over rates in Test cricket, particularly highlighted during the ongoing third Test between India and England at Lord's.
Vaughan made his remarks to BBC Sport, observing that fines simply "don't work" because "these lads are quite rich". He believes the core problem lies in the failure to consistently bowl the required 90 overs per day. Across the first two days of the third Test, a total of 22 overs were lost, with India bowling 83 overs on the first day and both teams only managing 75 overs on the second day. This falls significantly short of the mandated 90 overs. Vaughan argued that setting and maintaining a standard of 90 overs per day from the start of a match is essential to address the issue. He questioned why teams only seem to prioritize completing the full quota of overs on the fifth day.
Vaughan elaborated, "I have no idea why on days one, two, three, and four, we can see the game played at a snail's pace,". He proposed a straightforward solution: "Surely the game moves on by saying on day one there's 90 overs. Guess what we're going to do? We're going to bowl 90 overs on day two exactly the same".
The slow over rates have plagued the India-England Test series, drawing attention to a broader issue in Test cricket. Vaughan's criticism extends beyond just Gill and Stokes, addressing a problem that has persisted for a while. He acknowledged factors such as hot weather and injuries can contribute to delays, but insisted that these shouldn't be excuses for consistently falling short of the required over rate.
This isn't the first time Vaughan has commented on the strategies employed during the series. Earlier in the series, he expressed surprise at Ben Stokes' decision to bowl first against India at Headingley, particularly given the dry conditions. Vaughan, known for his forthright opinions, emphasized the importance of adapting to current conditions rather than relying on past trends. He acknowledged Stokes' optimism but stressed the need to make decisions based on the present situation.
While financial penalties remain the standard approach for addressing slow over rates, Vaughan's comments raise questions about their effectiveness in the modern game, where players' earnings are substantial. His suggestion of a more consistent and rigorous approach to maintaining over rates from the beginning of a Test match could provide a more effective solution to a long-standing problem. Ultimately, Vaughan's critique highlights the need for a re-evaluation of how Test cricket manages its pace, ensuring that matches are played with the urgency and efficiency that the format demands.
