Ex-Indian Cricketer Takes a Jibe at Michael Vaughan Over England Slipping to No. 8 in ODI Rankings

The former Vidarbha batter did not stop there, and jokingly added in his caption that England’s situation in the 50-over format is against the ‘Spirit of Cricket’. As per the latest ICC rankings, the Three Lions are currently ranked eighth, with just 87 rating points after 35 matches. Moreover, the drop is attributed to England’s seven-wicket loss to South Africa in the first ODI of a three-match series in Leeds.

England has only six out of the last 18 ODIs that it has played since January 2024, including a heavy 5-0 home defeat to Australia, and a 3-0 away loss to India. The Three Lions also had a poor 2023 World Cup outing, finishing seventh in the standings, losing six out of nine matches. England fared no better in the recently concluded 2025 Champions Trophy, where they crashed out of the group-stages, even losing to Afghanistan.

Nonetheless, Wasim Jaffer’s playful jibe adds to the criticism around England’s recent form in ODIs, with head coach Brendon McCullum under pressure to turn things around in the run-up to the 2027 World Cup. Meanwhile, it will also be interesting to see whether Michael Vaughan responds to Jaffer’s remark. 

South Africa Decimate England by Seven Wickets in a Shocking Series Opener at Headingley

England’s struggles in ODI cricket continued, after they suffered a humiliating seven-wicket defeat to South Africa in the opener of a three-match ODI series, at home. The Proteas, riding high on confidence after their recent away series victory against Australia, dominated the English side at Headingley.

Batting first, England only managed a paltry first innings total of 131 runs, in 24.3 overs. Only opener Jamie Smith crossed the 20-run mark, as he top-scored with a crucial 54 run knock off 48 balls, hitting ten boundaries. Six others lost their wickets on single-digit scores. For the visitors, Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder ran riot, as they finished with noteworthy figures of 4/22 and 3/33, respectively.

South Africa raced to the 132-run target in just 20.5 overs, with seven wickets in hand. Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton stitched a 121-stand off 109 balls. Markram hit an 86-run knock off just 55 deliveries, hitting 13 fours and two sixes, while Rickelton scored a steady 31 off 59 balls. Three Lions debutant Sonny Baker had a day to forget, as he conceded 76 runs in the seven overs that he bowled.

The two sides are next set to face each other again for the second ODI on September 4 at the Lord’s. The series will conclude with the final match at Rose Bowl in Southampton. Following the ODI series, the two sides will compete in a three-match T20I series, which is set to begin on September 10.