Vaughan backs Dan Lawrence to keep England Test place after 50 not out
Michael Vaughan backed Dan Lawrence to remain in England's Test side after the batter finished 50 not out on day three of the second Test against Pakistan on Saturday. Vaughan made the comments to BBC Test Match Special following Lawrence's innings.
Lawrence, 29, was a surprise selection to fill the role created by the retirement of Ben Stokes earlier this summer and was recalled after an international absence of almost two years. Before this summer he had averaged 26.84 across 14 Tests, including a stint as a makeshift opener. England's selection prioritized four pace bowling options over a frontline spinner, with Lawrence considered capable of providing part-time off-spin; he has bowled one over in the series so far.
On Saturday Lawrence came to the crease at 83-4 and steered England to 177-7 in their second innings when rain brought an early close. He scored 50 not out from 66 balls, striking six fours and two sixes while countering excessive seam movement and uneven bounce; his highest Test score remains 91. The innings followed a first-Test contribution of 51 at Headingley.
Vaughan defended the selection, telling BBC Test Match Special: "I think it is a really good selection." He added: "He will have a period in the England side that we will enjoy watching him bat." On Lawrence's bowling potential Vaughan said: "I think in time his off-spin will come in very handy indeed."
Commenting on the innings, Vaughan said: "He seems to read the game. It was the right way to play at that moment." He also commented on Lawrence's technique and confidence: "He has a quirky technique that has worked for him and is very confident. He knows his scoring areas. He is clearly a better player than when he played for England last time."
Lawrence addressed selection and his mindset after the innings, saying: "It's pointless looking to the future because it hasn't happened yet," and "I'm just trying to contribute every Test I can and give a good showing of myself." He added: "Thankfully, so far, I think I have done." He also said: "Obviously thoughts creep into your head and I'm desperate, along with all the other boys, to establish myself in an England shirt, which is something I haven't quite done in my career so far. It's just about trying to take every opportunity you get and really enjoy the occasion instead of feeling nervous about the occasion. Just have fun, play the cricket that's got me here this summer."
England's decision to favour a four-man pace attack has been reinforced by the success of the pace quartet of Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, reducing the immediate need for a frontline spinner in home conditions. The piece notes that stronger spin options would likely be required for the tour of Bangladesh in the new year, and that the current balance could also suit tours to South Africa and Australia this winter.
Key selection decisions are still looming with Jacob Bethell currently out of the series because of a knee injury. Bethell could replace Lawrence or regain his place from Jordan Cox, who has impressed with two fifties while filling in at number three, and other options discussed include moving Cox or Bethell to open in place of Emilio Gay or shifting Cox down the order to replace Jamie Smith, who scored 61 in England's first innings and has improved his glovework after a poor showing in the Ashes.
