Ashes 2023: I think they should have used Starc at Edgbaston because it was flat and leave Boland for Lord’s – Michael Vaughan

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan reckons Australia should have played Mitchell Starc at Edgbaston as the pitch was flat and they should have added Scott Boland for the second Test match at Lord’s. However, Australia played Scott Boland in the opening Test match as he was in sublime form in the World Test Championship final against India, taking a total of five wickets.

But Boland could only take two wickets in the opening Test and he was also expensive in both innings. Vaughan feels Australia will have to play Scott Boland as there will be lateral movement on offer, which makes the fast bowler even more lethal. On the other hand, Mitchell Starc provides a left-arm angle and provides variety to Australia’s pace attack.

Furthermore, Josh Hazlewood was also included in the first Test after recovering from injury and he picked three wickets in the opening game.

Michael Vaughan said on Fox Cricket: “If there’s lateral movement and it looks like it’s going to do anything, I think they have to play Boland once again and go with the same team. I think they should have used Starc at Edgbaston because it was flat and leave Boland for Lord’s.”

On the other hand, former Australian opener Mark Waugh also concurred with Michael Vaughan, stating Scott Boland will be a perfect bowler for Lord’s.

“He’s (Boland) the perfect bowler for Lord’s, because if you hit the line and length the natural variation makes you dangerous.”

He continued: “It’s going to be a tough call because they want to bring Starc in, that extra pace through the air gives variety to what is pretty much the same Australian bowling attack with tall right-armers. It could go either way.”

The seamers are expected to come into action in the second game. The second Test match will be played from Wednesday onwards.