New Delhi: Former England captain Michael Vaughan faced heavy backlash on social media for drawing a comparison between the Border-Gavaskar Trophy(India
vs Australia) and the Ashes (England vs Australia).
His remarks came ahead of England’s five-match Test series against Australia, and he stated that despite the Border-Gavaskar Trophy producing competitive cricket in recent years in Australia, the Ashes is the biggest contest in cricket. Vaughan revealed that while India vs Australia matches have grown, the build-up around the Ashes is massive.
No question the India v Aussie series of late down under have been more competitive .. but don’t tell they are bigger than an Ashes .. the build up down in Oz for this Ashes is absolutely huge .. you don’t that for an IND v Oz series .. #Fact #OnOn
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 7, 2025
His comments quickly went viral on X, which triggered backlash from fans who blamed him for creating unnecessary comparisons. Some of the fans also pointed out that England haven’t been competitive in Australia for more than a decade, mocking his claim about the Ashes’ popularity.
Fans also reminded Vaughan that England’s last Test victory on Australian soil came in January 2011, when they famously won the series 3-1. Since then, the Three Lions have had three poor tours, with an aggregate scoreline of 13-0 in Australia. Their last trip in the 2021/22 season ended in a 4-0 defeat, which eventually led to Joe Root stepping down as Test skipper.
Vaughan faces massive backlash
The build up vs the quality of cricket are two different things.
India is very competitive down under. England generally has been subpar.
Buildups dont count in the long run.
— AJ (@imAJaju) November 8, 2025
Don’t know which is bigger, but there is a clear answer for which is more competitive- BGT down under or Ashes down under.
Let alone the series when was the last time England won a test match in Australia? 2011?— Sparsh Goyal (@sparshgoyal05) November 8, 2025
India has been much more competitive IN AUSTRALIA than England has during the last 3-4 times each team has toured for the tests. So by that measure you’d say an India test tour would have more anticipation currently.
— Daniel Young (@DanielYoun24728) November 8, 2025
BGT’s viewership was the most and no ashes can match that because of the competitive games bgt has given in recent past and also if you ask cricket aus which series they would prefer from financial point of view they will go with bgt everytime it’s just ashes is too overrated
— Siddhartha Singh (@SinghSiddh45764) November 8, 2025
The first Ashes Test will begin on 21 November 2025 in Perth, and will see England’s most balanced pace bowling attack in years, with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, and Gus Atkinson all fit. Australian captain Pat Cummins will miss the series opener due to injury, and Steve Smith will lead the team in his absence.
