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Michael Vaughan: 'England struggles will continue on Lord's surface'

Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan insists that Australia will take a huge confidence boost from their performance in the second Ashes Test to date.

Michael Vaughan has suggested that former side England have proved to be the victims of their own downfall at Lord's this week.

The Three Lions trail Australia by 362 runs in the second Ashes Test heading into day four.

England are said to have requested a slow surface at Lord's in an attempt to negate the Aussies' fast bowlers and maintain their 1-0 series lead.

However, ex-skipper Vaughan believes that move has backfired over the past few days, which has left the hosts in a perilous position.

"It hasn't been good for England or for cricket," Vaughan told BBC Sport. "It just gave Australia the opportunity to get that confident buzz back into the side.

"There needs to be a balance between bat and ball - England need a little bit of movement in the pitch to help them out. The toss was always going to be important.

"We saw a pitch here against New Zealand a few weeks ago that had zip, carry, a little bit of everything. By preparing a real slow wicket, you're basically saying you don't trust your top seven, which is a really poor message to send."

Sunday morning's first session is scheduled to get underway at 11am.

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Daniel Lewis
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Ryan Harris of Australia celebrates dismissing Michael Carberry of England during day three of the First Ashes Test match between Australia and England at The Gabba on November 23, 2013
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