Michael Vaughan Questions England’s Decision to Open with Dan Lawrence in Sri Lanka Tests

Michael Vaughan doubts Dan Lawrence’s suitability as England’s Test opener against Sri Lanka, suggesting he is better suited to the middle order and might struggle against top-quality bowlers

Vaughan Questions Dan Lawrence as England Opener

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his concerns about the decision to have Dan Lawrence open the batting for England in their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. 

With regular opener Zak Crawley sidelined due to a fractured finger, Lawrence is set to partner with Ben Duckett at the top of the order when the first Test begins in Manchester on August 21.

Vaughan’s Concerns About Lawrence’s Suitability as an Opener

In his column for The Telegraph, Vaughan emphasised that Lawrence, who usually bats in the middle order, may struggle as an opener. 

“Lawrence is a solid middle-order batsman who has shown patience over the past couple of years. He has occasionally filled in as an opener, but I don’t see him as a Test opening bat,” Vaughan wrote.

 He argued that opening in Test cricket is a specialist position, especially in England, and should not be filled by someone based solely on their personality traits or versatility.

Vaughan pointed out that while Lawrence might have moments of success against Sri Lanka, his ability to face top-quality bowling attacks like those of India and Australia could be questioned. 

“Lawrence may shine in this series, but against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah or Pat Cummins, I am not sure he will hold up,” Vaughan stated.

The Need for a Specialist Opener

Vaughan also highlighted the importance of having a specialist opener with a strong defensive foundation to face the challenges posed by quality bowling line-ups. 

“Against India next summer or Australia the following winter, they need a specialist opener with a really strong foundation in defence,” Vaughan noted, expressing doubts about Lawrence’s ability to play the role effectively in the long term.

The former captain concluded by saying that while Lawrence has the attacking flair for the role, he might struggle against the moving ball.

 “Lawrence is a dasher with great flamboyance, but I fear he might be vulnerable to the moving ball. I may well be wrong, but I cannot see him succeeding against top-tier bowlers,” Vaughan concluded.

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