Release and revelation

Michael Vaughan reaches his century Photo © The Cricketer International

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Michael Vaughan arrived in Australia as his country's leading batsman. No sooner had he set foot on the tarmac at Perth airport than news spread that Glenn McGrath had paid him the compliment of picking him out as the man to attack. Here was confirmation that Vaughan has come a long way in a short time. Already this year he has scored 1,000 runs in Test cricket and his average has risen from 31 to 48, the sort of jump recently made by Matthew Hayden, nowadays regarded as the best opener around but for a decade dismissed as a carter of poor bowling.

As ever, the figures tell a large part of the story, yet they cannot capture the ease with which Vaughan played last summer, nor the sense he gave of belonging in this company. After years of struggle with himself and his game, with the noose of failure haunting him like the ghost of Banquo, the adopted Yorkshireman took his courage in his hands and decided to enjoy himself. After all, it is only a game, though it is usually unwise to point this out to departing batsmen or demoted county cricketers.

Vaughan has been a revelation ever since he realised the need to release himself. Conscientious and intelligent batsmen build their games in their formative years and concentrate on eradicating errors the better to score regularly against demanding bowling. The dedicated mind tolerates no other approach for it cannot abide indulgence. Accordingly a pattern is set and the performer follows it dutifully, like an actor who has learnt his lines and discovered a way of playing the part. This can be a limitation, for a man stops growing, tries to master the known rather than seeking further enlightenment.

Michael Vaughan hits a powerful square drive to the boundary Photo © The Cricketer International

This pair took the sting from the bowling and allowed their successors to put runs on the board. Defensive work of this sort has a beauty of its own and is within the repertoire of few in a game that charges along, sometimes leaving its craftsmanship far behind.

Until these last few months of release and revelation this style of batting seemed to be the right approach for a young man raised to learn and respect his game. Yet there was a twinkle in the eye that hinted that the opener might have dreams beyond the ordinary. Vaughan does somewhat resemble James Bond and could just as easily appear in a matinee movie set in the Georgian age, though he might first need to grow a moustache. In truth he did not look like a grafter nor much like a Yorkshire opening batsman, a group best represented by Barrie Leadbeater. Perhaps there was a dasher trying to escape all the while, only to be held back by worthiness.

Regardless, Vaughan emerged last summer as an attacking batsman with a wide range of shots and the nerve to play them early in his innings. In the series against India he batted as well as Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, and praise cannot be higher pitched. Of course the bowling was not red hot, especially with the new ball, but there was a confidence in Vaughan's work that suggested stiffer examinations could be passed. The next few months give him the chance to prove the point. For the time being a man can only score runs against the bowling presented upon the field. Some players just keep improving and some relish the extra challenges brought by Test cricket.

Michael Vaughan Photo © The Cricketer International

Happily Vaughan has formed a strong cooperation with Marcus Trescothick at the top of the order. This pair have a lot in common. Both captained England's Under-19 team, neither fears any bowler, not even the great Australians, both think positively about their games and their team, and are willing to contribute as much as they can.

Vaughan's bowling provides an insight into his character. Whereas Graeme Hick and Mark Ramprakash did not develop this part of their cricket and sometimes seemed almost reluctant to roll over an arm, Vaughan is eager for the fray and sends down his off-breaks with an air of optimism that has a power of its own. Reward came as Sachin Tendulkar was bowled between bat and pad in the classic manner, and if anything Vaughan was under-bowled, especially at The Oval as England put up the shutters in order to deny a visiting captain with the splendid knack of getting under the skin of his opponents.

Vaughan has the stomach for a fight and is going to be around for a long time. In his first incarnation, he was an admirable professional batsman and in his return he has dared to move beyond that description and to explore the world outside, where it is exciting and not as safe and where a man may show more of himself or else fall flat on his face. It is the only place to live, but it takes courage to choose adventure ahead of security, the sort of courage a sportsman needs who hopes to prosper on the harsh continent located in the southern seas.

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