Vaughan: 'I don’t think he practises like an international cricketer'

Michael Vaughan had harsh words for one England batsman ahead the first Test in New Zealand

Speaking on the Tuffers and Vaughan Show ahead of the Auckland Test, the former England captain questioned Mark Stoneman's approach to preparation while in Australia.

Stoneman scored 232 runs at 25.77 - hitting two two half-centuries - in the Ashes, but Vaughan suggests he thinks Stoneman is 'lucky' coming into the New Zealand series.

“He’s lucky because, I studied the way that he practised in Australia, and this is probably being harsh on the lad, but I don’t think he practises like an international cricketer.

“I didn't see enough in the nets where he was getting the ball fizzed at his head.”

^{Stoneman averages 27.07 in Test cricket}

In comparison Vaughan cited his experiences of watching Dawid Malan - who has enjoyed a fine winter for England.

“I saw plenty of that from Dawid Malan. I thought Malan in the winter - and across all of what he has achieved in the England jersey - he sends the message to me that he’s willing to do that extra yard, put that extra effort in.

“I would hope he’s [Stoneman] been at home, wherever he has been practising. I would hope that he’s been having someone belting left-arm overs at his head … because that’s what Boult and Wagner will do to him."

"I don't think Mark Stoneman practices like an international cricketer"@michaelvaughan doesn't believed the opening batsman should be selected for the first test against New Zealand.#NZvENGhttps://t.co/k93YaEkumk pic.twitter.com/eKnBp0JFKA

— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) March 21, 2018