Ashes 2021-22: Michael Vaughan slams England for abandoning Joe Root post-match in ugly Ashes aftermath

A no-show from the English players has drawn the ire of a former England test captain, adding salt into the wound after an embarrassing capitulation.

Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan has been left unimpressed with the side’s reaction to its Ashes defeat, criticising players for leaving skipper Joe Root on his own on the field after the loss.

England was rolled for just 68 in the second innings as Australia went 3-0 up, following a win at the MCG by an innings and 14 runs.

Speaking on Fox Cricket after the brutal loss, Vaughan took issue with the side quickly leaving the field - leaving only Root out there as he fronted the media post-match.

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Joe Root was left on his own as he addressed the media post-game. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“What I didn’t like, when Joe Root was doing the press and doing the interview with Gilly, and I didn’t see any other England players out there. I didn’t like that,” Vaughan told Fox Cricket.

“I didn’t like the fact that the England players – they went straight down into the dressing room. They’re embarrassed.

“And of course you’re embarrassed. You’ve just performed poorly, you’ve just been bowled out for 68. Show face, get on the pitch, support your captain.

“The captain’s going to answer all the questions now, he has done. Well, his team have got to be right beside him even in the tough times.”

Most runs for ENG in Tests in 2021
1708 - Joe Root
530 - Rory Burns
412 - Extras
391 - Jonny Bairstow
368 - Ollie Pope

#AUSvENG

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) December 28, 2021

Root has this year been a virtual lone hand in the Test side, scoring 1708 runs to more than triple any of his compatriots - the next best in the side is Rory Burns with 530.

England played 15 Tests in 2021 and avoided defeat in precisely *one* in which Joe Root failed to score a century - a draw against New Zealand where the entire third day was washed out. Spectacular scenes.

— Dave Tickner (@tickerscricket) December 28, 2021

Additionally, of the 15 Tests played this year, England avoided defeat only once when Root failed to score a century - a draw against New Zealand in a rain-affected match.