And at last today, he returned. The old cover-drive was there, complete with swashbuckling follow-through. It was a slick innings against some of the most inept, friendly bowling imaginable, on a friendly Headingley pitch under clear skies. The conditions and situation were tailor-made for him and he took full advantage. Even his favoured pull stroke was there…though he timed one of them rather too well, falling straight down Morton’s throat.
It just reminded me of what an audacious, brilliantly talented batsman he once was, but also what he could still be capable of. He said before this Test that he felt as though he was making his debut today and, that being the case, let’s hope he’ll be just as successful as England’s other recent debutants – Alastair Cook and Matt Prior to name two. If the knees survive – and let’s be honest, if they don’t, it’ll probably end his career in a hurry – there’s no reason why he can’t dominate bowling like he did four years ago.
Meanwhile Andrew Strauss, the Middlesex legend, is under a wee bit of pressure. Needs big runs, quickly.
Yes, those of us who thought Vaughan shouldn’t have played in this Test must now eat humble pie.
It’ll be interesting to see Vaughan the captain to-morrow. Doubt England will want to bat on beyond lunch to-morrow & if speed of runs is as important as quantity we have the right two guys in occupation.
And a word in praise of Paul Collingwood too – he scored as fast as KP while he was there.
The Windies have a good opening pair and a dogged lower order, but despite the weather I suspect Vaughan will want to win this one – and I bet he bowls more overs than Gayle, too.
Well, it feels damned sweet to me, after keeping the faith for the past 18 months, and being roundly mocked for it too! To tell the truth, I was glad he was out for 103, because I was worried right through his innings that he was going to fall to the ground clutching some part of his body. And if he’d gone on much longer, it might have happened.
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