Kevin Pietersen didn't replace Graham Thorpe in 2005 Ashes, Ian Bell did: Michael Vaughan

Former England captain Michael Vaughan recently recalled a selection dilemma from 2005 Ashes series. 2005 Ashes is widely ackwledged as one of most remarkable and closely-fought Test battles in cricketing folklore. Under leadership of Michael Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen’s batting heroics, England defied all odds to defeat a rampaging Australian unit, who were ranked . 1 in ICC Test rankings at time. hosts' 2-1 win over Ricky Ponting and co meant that England had regained urn for first time since 1986-87 Australian summer.

Also Read | Shane Warne Blasts Ricky Ponting For Famous 2005 Ashes Loss In England

Michael Vaughan settles Kevin Pietersen and Graham Thorpe 2005 Ashes selection dilemma

n-rising star Kevin Pietersen made his Test debut through 2005 Ashes series. At time, England Head Selector David Graveney said that dropping Graham Thorpe in favour of Kevin Pietersen was " most difficult decision” he ever took as a selector. However, while speaking on Yorkshire Cricket: Covers Off Podcast, Michael Vaughan revealed that it was Ian Bell who replaced 100-Test veteran and t Kevin Pietersen.

cricketer-turned-commentator revealed that he wanted to have a younger team against “absolute legends” like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. He believed in having players who “didn’t have scars” from previous Ashes battles by facing Shane Warne and co. Michael Vaughan stated that picking Kevin Pietersen was an obvious choice for him because of his imperious ODI record prior to 2005 Ashes. He revealed that real selection predicament actually occurred when y were left to choose between Graham Thorpe, a veteran of 100 Test matches and Ian Bell who was only 23 at time.

Also Read | Kevin Pietersen Slams Michael Vaughan For Creating A Fuss Over His IPL 2009 Contract

Chronicling 2005 Ashes and Kevin Pietersen’s performance

Michael Vaughan’s decision to stick with Kevin Pietersen across five matches paid off as attacking batsman emerged as leading run-scorer in series with 473 runs. He defied Australian bowlers throughout 2005 biennial event and also scored a counter-attacking 158 in fifth Test when rest of English batsmen crumbled to Shane Warne’s wily spell of 6-124. Despite Kevin Pietersen’s heroics with bat and Shane Warne’s 40 wickets, dynamic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was awarded Compton–Miller Medal for his 402-run tally and 24-wicket series haul.

Also Read | Michael Vaughan Reveals English Stars Teamed Up Against Kevin Pietersen When He Played IPL

Also Read | Kevin Pietersen Opens Up On Newspaper Article That Spurred Him On For 2005 Ashes Heroics

Im credits: ICC Twitter