Image: Vaughan and Lehmann engaged in lighthearted banter regarding Ashes 2025 combined XI / © Cricket Addictor
A social media exchange between former Australian cricketer Darren Lehmann and ex-England captain Michael Vaughan has sparked lively debate among cricket fans. The banter began when Vaughan released his combined Ashes 2025 XI, surprisingly leaving out Australia’s Travis Head despite his standout performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Instead, Vaughan included England’s rising star Harry Brook, igniting Lehmann’s criticism.
Lehmann, unimpressed with Vaughan’s decision, took to social media, sarcastically questioning whether Vaughan had watched Head’s recent heroics in the series against India. He stated:
No Travis Head 🤷♂️ what are you on @MichaelVaughan? Have you watched the last two Tests? Obviously not.
Vaughan swiftly defended his selection, pointing to Brook’s stellar form, including a triple century in Pakistan and dominant performances in New Zealand earlier this year. He reverted:
H Brook .. No 1 player in the World .. did you not watch the first 2 Tests in NZ … oh and the Triple in Pakistan .. 😜😜😜.
The debate also brought focus to the remarkable stats of both players. Head has amassed 409 runs in three Tests at a stunning average of 81.80 during the ongoing series. Meanwhile, Brook dazzled earlier in the year with innings of 171 and 123, cementing his status as a rising star in international cricket.
Vaughan’s combined XI, featuring Brook over Head, continues to spark discussions among fans, blending humor and analysis in equal measure.