Michael Vaughan, the former captain of England, said on Thursday that he was "staggered" by how well Ben Stokes prepared for the important home Test series against India. The series will begin on June 20 in Leeds with the opening match before the action moves to the Ashes in the winter.

In the seven weeks of competition at home against a revamped Indian team that will be without the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, all of whom have retired in the aftermath of the series loss in Australia, Stokes will be a crucial player for England. But Vaughan is concerned because the all-rounder has hardly played any matches at the crease since his slump in performance the previous season.

The seasoned batter told the Daily Mail that Stokes should have represented England Lions against India in both games. Earlier this month, he started practicing for the series against India, which will eventually help him on his trip to Australia.

"I've been astounded by how little time Ben has had as a hitter in the center." When he sustained his injuries, he had a terrible year the previous year. It would be a football player or a Scottie Scheffler competing in a significant competition. He hasn't participated in a game. Why wouldn't you want to play for England Lions only for a knock and not to bowl? He was bowling against Zimbabwe, and obviously he's okay, but why wouldn't you want a little bit of time in the middle? Call me old school, but I think it's really enjoyable to go outside and play a few games.

He is the all-rounder, and with him England can only win in Australia. The team's equilibrium is shattered if he goes to Australia as just the hitter, and even though he's an excellent captain, the team performs 30 to 40% better when he bowls. He must bat and bowl well in order to win in Australia.

Only against Pakistan did England suffer a loss in their last five series, four of which they won. Before then, they were defeated in India. However, Vaughan has supported the team in their quest to exact revenge for the loss.

He stated, "Now it's about winning." Take a look at 2019, when we took home the World Cup. Did England win that last game by using the same cricket strategy they had been using before? They sure did not. They won despite having to go deep and play in the old school, terrible manner.

"They are remembered as winners." The Kevin Keegan period of the 1990s Newcastle football team is the one I always go back to. We discuss them, which is fantastic, but they didn't prevail. Be certain you are not that. Make sure you aren't the funniest England team that has ever played, but has never won an Ashes. Don't wait till 2027.

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