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

The pressure is on England head coach Brendon McCullum (right) and captain Ben Stokes, according to former Ashes winner Michael Vaughan (inset)

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.