“It’s cost England” – Michael Vaughan over Jonny Bairstow’s poor wicketkeeping in Ashes 2023.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his disappointment with Jonny Bairstow’s wicketkeeping skills and the overall poor catching performance of the home side during the Ashes series. Bairstow, who is 33 years old, has been responsible for dropping several crucial catches throughout the series. His struggles continued on the first day of the 3rd Test at Headingley.

Bairstow’s missed opportunities allowed Steve Smith and Travis Head to survive longer at the crease. Additionally, England captain Joe Root also had a difficult time, dropping three catches himself. One of these drops included Mitchell Marsh, who went on to score a magnificent century, proving costly for England.

Despite Bairstow’s consistent shortcomings behind the stumps, Michael Vaughan doesn’t anticipate England making significant changes to their lineup.

Vaughan said I don’t think they’ll tinker, they’ll continue with Jonny ( Bairstow),” Vaughan said. “It’s cost England. I was absolutely behind his wicketkeeping before this series but sometimes you have to accept that there’s maybe a better option out there.”