Somerset all rounder Archie Vaughan spun England U19s to the brink of victory in the second Youth Test match in Cape Town, with bowling figures of 5-18.
The 19-year-old is captaining the young England side in South Africa, in the second and final Youth Test match of the series. The first of those Tests concluded in a draw last week in Stellenbosch, after resistance from South Africa's Martin Khumalo and Lethabo Phahlamohlaka on the final day thwarted England's charge to victory.
Playing in Cape Town this week, England bowled South Africa out for 224 on day one, with Eddie Jack the pick of the bowlers taking three wickets. The touring side then drew out a lead of 229 after Aaryan Sawant scored a century in England's first innings, accompanied by a half-century from Kesh Fonseka and a lower-order 49-run cameo from Alex Wade.
When South Africa came out to bat again, the hosts looked fairly comfortable in reply at 108-3. However, Vaughan ripped through their lineup, taking five wickets to add to the one he took on the opening day of the game.
The young Somerset all-rounder took his first by dismissing Daniel Bosman, who was caught by his county teammate Thomas Rew. He followed up three more overs into his spell by castling Bandile Mbatha, before trapping Paul James lbw to give him three wickets in five overs and leave South Africa six down. The wickets of Chad Mason and Jason Rowles took him to his five-for in rapid time, and left South Africa 145-8 at the close of play with a slender lead.
Vaughan broke through as a standout young talent during the back-end of the 2024 County Championship season. He made his first class debut on August 29 against Durham, and took his maiden first class wicket with just his sixth delivery. As an off-break bowler he stole the headlines in a match winning performance against Surrey, a game that saw him take match figures of 11-140.
Following breakout performances, he followed in his father’s (England captain Michale Vaughan) footsteps - who was England U19s captain in 1993-94 - by being named as the Young Lions captain. He has batted at the top of the order for England’s tour, and has been slotted in as an opener for both Youth Tests. In addition to his impressive bowling performance in the second test, he hit a sturdy 44 runs off 86 balls in the first Test.
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