India in England: I Fear for Simon Kerrigan, Says Former Skipper Michael Vaughan
England included spinner Simon Kerrigan for the second Test against India at Lord's, starting on Thursday. Kerrigan made his Test debut in the fifth Ashes Test in Australia, where he conceded 53 runs in 8 overs.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has said Simon Kerrigan is not ready to win his second cap and play in the Test against India at Lord's, a year after suffering a nightmare debut in Ashes. "I fear for Simon Kerrigan. England have thrown him back into international cricket far too soon," Vaughan said. (After Dull Draw, Dhoni Wants to be Tested on 'English Conditions')
Kerrigan was surprisingly selected for the fifth Test against Australia at The Oval last year but failed to justify his inclusion as he conceded 53 runs from just eight overs. (Our pacers will become midgets on lifeless pitches: Goeffrey Boycott)
He never recovered from a brutal early assault from Australian batsman Shane Watson as his first two overs went for 28 runs. Vaughan said a repeat of that experience could be fatal to Kerrigan's international career. (MS Dhoni should no longer be India's Test captain)
The Lancashire left-arm spinner has been named in the 14-member England squad after the opening Test of the five-match series ended in a tame draw at Nottingham. (India, England search for positive spin in Lord's Test)
Vaughan believes the 25-year-old Lancashire spinner is not ready to win his second cap. "If the second one goes badly, he can never come back from that again," the former England opener told BBC Radio.
"If he goes out on Thursday and it's like that situation against Watson, he won't come back from that for a long time," he said.
Kerrigan has taken 28 wickets for Lancashire this season at an average of 34.25, but Vaughan believes the left-armer should be left to learn his trade at county level. "He's not pulled up any trees for Lancashire this season," said Vaughan.
"Why rush the lad back in? Throwing him out to bowl at Lord's against an Indian batting line-up who can play spin with their eyes shut... I just think is unfair," the former England skipper said.
Former England spin bowler Phil Tufnell said: "It must be a horrible position for the lad now. I don't know how that's affecting him."