Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh engage in Twitter banter over England run chase of 359
Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh engaged in a banter on Twitter over England’s run chase of Pakistan’s 358 in the third ODI at Bristol on May 14. Vaughan was impressed with the fact that England chased down the target very easily but Waugh felt that it was no big deal given the nature of the pitch.
In the third ODI between England and Pakistan, the former chased down the target of 359 runs in just 44.5 overs with six wickets remaining. Imam Ul Haq’s 150 went in vain as Bairstow was awarded the Man of the Match for his 93 ball innings of 128 runs. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan was mighty impressed with the side as they finished the run chase without breaking a sweat.
“So England chase 359 in 45 overs with a cigar in the mouth !”, he tweeted from his official handle.
So England chase 359 in 45 overs with a cigar in the mouth !!!!!
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 14, 2019
But former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh felt that the match was one-sided due to the flat batting tracks on offer.
“Small ground fast outfield good pitch is equal to no hope for bowlers,” he replied to Vaughan.
Small ground fast outfield good pitch = no hope for bowlers.
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) May 14, 2019
The Englishman quickly came to his side’s defence and pointed out that the hitting abilities of the England batsmen cannot be disregarded, something to which Waugh thankfully agreed.
“Very true, but you could also highlight how good the England players strike the ball !,” explained Vaughan.
Very true .. but you could also highlight how good the England players strike the ball !!!! 😜 https://t.co/kN5g2haZIQ
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 15, 2019
“That is true, no doubt about it. (England are a ) very strong batting side. I think if the weather is fine and the pitches are on the dry side, it’s going to be a run feast in the World Cup,” concluded Waugh.
That is true no doubt about it. Very strong batting side. I think if the weather is fine and the pitches r on the dry side it’s going to be a run feast in the World Cup.
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) May 15, 2019
The Champions Trophy in 2017 was the last major ICC tournament held in England and most of the games were high-scoring affairs back then. Now the World Cup will also take place there starting on May 30 and given the nature of the pitches in recent times, high scores are a certainty for most games.