Michael Vaughan declares England ‘clearly like LOSING’ after cheap Ashes wickets

Michael Vaughan has again taken aim at England and declared they ‘clearly like losing’ after another poor session saw them surrender cheap wickets in the Ashes.

Australia wasted little time in attacking the hosts in the very first over and captain Ben Stokes fell victim to the second ball of the day to leave his side teetering.

Stokes, who had steadied the ship somewhat after a strong start to England’s innings was undone, had looked to turn through the leg side from Mitchell Starc’s delivery but could only muster up an outside edge, allowing Cameron Green to catch. 

That left England five wickets down and shortly after, they fell victim to the short ball again, with Harry Brook dismissed shortly after reaching his half-century.

Brook looked to attack with a wild swipe but instead looped straight to Pat Cummins.

Michael Vaughan took aim at England after more costly wickets and said they ‘like losing’

Ben Stokes fell in the first over of the day to leave the hosts teetering in the second Ashes Test

Former captain Vaughan aired his irritation with Harry Brook’s costly shot after his half-century

Vaughan then aired his irritation with Brooks’ decision live on Test Match Special.

‘Shocking shot. England clearly like losing,’ he said. ‘Yesterday they gifted Australia three wickets. They arrive on day three, the pitch is doing a bit more. 

‘To see that wicket and Australia now know they are bowling to the tail.’

After drinks, England continued to be the architects of their downfall with Jonny Bairstow the next to walk after chipping a weak shot to Cummins at mid-on. 

Ollie Robinson then fell to leave England’s tail-end on 324-8, before Stuart Broad was dismissed after playing a number of brave shots.

The hosts were reduced to 325 all out, with nine wickets taken for 137 runs.

Brook was dismissed after attacking with a wild swipe and looping straight to Pat Cummins

Jonny Bairstow was also made to walk as England’s batting collapse continued on day three

The collapse marked a stark contrast to their strong start yesterday, with Stokes’ side having moved to 188-1. They promptly went on to lose three quick wickets for 34 runs, however, with their batting line-up losing out to short deliveries at Lord’s. 

The manner of their dismissals and the lack of urgency despite having a grip on the contest also irked former skipper Vaughan, who came down hard on Bazball.

‘England need to be realistic. They cannot mix entertainment with stupidity,’ he said. 

‘For the first 188 runs, England played good cricket with proper shots.

‘Australian bowlers got no help as the ball was not doing anything, so they resorted to short balls. What came next was pure stupidity.’