Vaughan warning for England chiefs

MICHAEL Vaughan has warned that “judgement time” is at hand for those in charge of England’s Ashes campaign.

- BY RORY DOLLARD

One of the most eagerly anticipated tours in a generation got off to a sorry start in Perth, where Ben Stokes’ side suffered a first two-day loss against Australia in 104 years.

That cranked up the pressure ahead of next week's day/night Test in Brisbane but those responsible for England's strategy - notably Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key - have rejected the chance to send senior players to Canberra for a pink-ball practice match at the weekend.

That has been met with disappointment and incredulity in some quarters, not least Vaughan, but the current regime have never bowed to traditional thinking or second guessed their own instincts.