[WATCH] ‘I don’t think…’- Former England captain reacts to England’s selection in ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval

The former England captain, Michael Vaughan, has blamed the home management for the selection of the young players in the fifth and final Test of the series against India at the Kennington Oval. He reckoned that the players, who had played just one first-class game this summer, shouldn’t be judged on their performance here. 

England’s hands were tied behind their backs in selection after their captain, Ben Stokes, was ruled out of the game with several injuries. They also decided to give rest to Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, keeping an eye on the Ashes 2025/26 trip, which opened the gate for young left-arm spin all-rounder, Jacob Bethell, into the side.

See Also: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to lose hosting of T20 League for shocking reason

‘It has been an epic. It has been a brilliant series. I think this England side, on this kind of pitch, I liked the way they played today. The only thing I will say, in terms of selection, is that they have picked players who have played no cricket. And to throw them into the hotbed of international cricket in front of the amount of people, with so many more watching, not just here, but on TV screens around the world, it’s not an easy game.’ Vaughan expressed on ‘Test Match Special.’

Watch: Michael Vaughan lashes England management for selection of inexperienced Jacob Bethell

The veteran reckoned that considering the situation of the series and how it was standing at a 2-1 margin coming into the game with India putting their all, it wouldn’t be right to put the 21-year-old Bethell into the hotbed kind of a situation.

“I don’t think you’re giving a kid the best chance at this level” 🗣️ @MichaelVaughan

Were England wrong to throw inexperienced Jacob Bethell in at the deep end at The Oval? 🤔 #BBCCricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/CmuZYIdEZA

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 1, 2025

‘If it were that easy, anyone could have played Test match cricket. If you are throwing a 21-year-old into this situation on the back of the one first-class match in our summer, I find that extraordinary. I don’t think you’re giving a kid the best chance of succeeding at this level.’ Vaughan added.

Bethell, who got a handful of overs on the green seam-friendly surface, contributed with just six runs in 14 balls before getting leg before the stumps by Mohammed Siraj. He, however, will have another chance to change the equation in the second innings.