"The Brits need to compete first" - Fans react sarcastically as Michael Vaughan picks Ashes over BGT
Former England captain Michael Vaughan claimed the Ashes rivalry was more fierce than the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Thursday, November 21. Vaughan reckoned that nothing came close to Ashes, owing to its history and heritage over the last 150 years.
The 50-year-old believes that if India and Australia continue to be competitive, the BGT will be touted as the greatest rivalry. However, he added it was the best series of this era.
The reaction comes ahead of the first Test of the five-match series between India and Australia Down Under. Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph:
"There has been some talk out here and in India that this is now cricket’s greatest rivalry. I disagree. Nothing comes close to the Ashes for the history and heritage. Across almost 150 years the rivalry and hostility between England and Australia runs so deep."
"It (BGT) is the best series of this era, just as we used to look at West Indies playing in Australia or England as the best of the 1980s. We do not talk about those series now, because West Indies have faded. If Australia and India put together another generation or two of competition like this, perhaps we can have the “greatest rivalry” conversation. For now, give me a break," he added.
Vaughan's comments didn't go well with a majority of fans on X. One user wrote:
"Sir England have hardly challenged them in last 3 decades except the heroics from the likes of Stokesy, KP, and Freddie in one or two odd series."
Another user wrote:
"BGT, of course doesn't have a history as that of Ashes, but when it comes to competition, BGT is miles ahead. The Ashes is competitive only when it's played in England. But Down Under its always Aussies winning the Ashes, with little or no fight from England."
A third user added:
"Ashes my foot michael. The brits need to compete first to even reach close to bgt."
Here are a few more reactions:
The Border-Gavaskar first came into existence in 1997. Meanwhile, the first-ever Ashes was played in 1882-83.
India chasing hat-trick of series win in Australia, England yet to beat Australia in Ashes Down Under since 2010/11
India are chasing a hat-trick of series wins in Australia after identical 2-1 wins under Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 series, respectively.
Meanwhile, England are yet to win a Test series Down Under since 2010/11 when they won by 3-1 in a five-game series. Since then, England have lost 13 out of 15 Tests in Australia, including two draws.