Selecting unfit players was right, says Vaughan
by Cricketarchive Staff
DateLine: 25th September 2006
Injured England captain Michael Vaughan said selecting players not yet
fit for the Ashes Tour later this year was the right thing to do.
Andrew Flintoff, Marcus Trescothick and Ashley Giles were named for the
tour, with the first match in Canberra on November 10, although they
were not completely fit when the squad was announced.
Vaughan, recovering from a knee operation after missing the entire
season, fully supported the decision to select players such as
Flintoff, Trescothick and Giles.
“I spoke to the selectors quite regularly about the squad and it was
one of the easiest Ashes touring parties you could possibly pick,” said
Vaughan. “There weren’t really any tough decisions and the selectors
would not have taken any risks on fitness. They must be very, very
confident because they would not take risks for such a big series, and
although people will always have their views as to whether certain
players should be included, the squad is right in my opinion.”
Vaughan also believes England have a great chance of retaining the
Ashes. “It won't be easy, but I think we've got one hell of a good
chance. Australia will be at home, so they will have a little bit of a
head start, but I don't think any of our players will be fazed by
that.”
