Michael Vaughan: England miss Kevin Pietersen

Michael Vaughan believes Peter Moores may be on borrowed time as coach if England fail to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals.

Former captain Vaughan described England as “abject” after their embarrassing descent to an eight-wicket trouncing by New Zealand in Wellington – and likened aspects of the performance to “surrender” – as well as insisting the continued absence of the sacked Kevin Pietersen is still a significant issue.

Echoing the remarks of another ex-England batsman, Paul Collingwood, who will be Scotland’s assistant coach when they take on Eoin Morgan’s team in Christchurch on Monday, Vaughan senses only progression to the knockout stages will extend Moores’ second tenure.

Vaughan, by his own admission, did not gel with Moores’ methods when they were captain and coach eight years ago.

He has a different perspective as a pundit these days, but has made it clear in his column for the Daily Telegraph that he is yet to be impressed second time round either.

“[England and Wales Cricket Board managing director] Paul Downton said Peter Moores is the coach of his generation,” Vaughan wrote.

“But I always say international coaching is about man-management, tactics and skill.

“Peter is not stupid. He will know that the Scotland game and the next four matches are massive in his second tenure as coach.

“You don’t get long second time around.”

Moores lost his job in 2009 after an apparent power struggle with Pietersen, Vaughan’s successor as captain.

Since returning after England’s Ashes whitewash in Australia last winter, he has yet to win a one-day international series but finished the 2014 Test summer with victory over India.

England began their World Cup campaign with a 111-run humbling against Australia in Melbourne, and their collapse to defeat in less than half the scheduled playing time to the other co-hosts is a new low.

Vaughan added of Moores: “His first stint was not a success, and the second time hasn’t been so far either.

“Peter simply has to start winning games, qualify for the quarter-final and start competing – because at the moment it is abject.”

Three wins, almost certainly starting against Scotland, are a minimum requirement to reach the last eight down under.

Vaughan also argues the void left by the record-breaking Pietersen, axed after the Ashes debacle, has not been filled.

“The ECB hate anyone talking about the Pietersen factor and have successfully managed to ensure the mainstream media do not bring him up, but there is no doubt he should be batting in this team.

“He should be at this World Cup, playing under Morgan.

“England cannot say it was the right decision to sack him when they are playing like this and losing to New Zealand like they did.”

England’s latest setback left another ex-England captain, Geoff Boycott, in a state of shock – and batting coach Mark Ramprakash issuing a public apology to supporters.

Boycott is notably rarely lost for words – but he appeared bemused after England were bowled out for 123 and the Kiwis then charged to victory in just 12.2 overs to leave their opponents bottom of Pool A, below minnows Scotland, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

“It’s bit of a shock,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“England should have been able to post a really good total, and maybe even bat New Zealand out of the game. But they just collapsed totally.”

Morgan spoke at his post-match press conference of the difficulties encountered when the white balls swung much more than England expected.

Boycott, however, believes the captain is “kidding himself” on that score.

He said: “This wasn’t an uncovered pitch, or a grassy pitch, where the ball has seamed and swung all over the place.

“This was a flat 270 pitch, minimum – and we made a right mess of it.”

Daring to look forward to England’s next assignment, Boycott added: “We’ll all be a bit nervous on Monday … the ‘Scottish’ day.

“He [Moores] is under pressure.

“They’re all under pressure. The captain, Morgan, is under pressure – and the coach – definitely.”

Ramprakash, one rung of responsibility down, tweeted after Friday’s disappointment: “Got to apologise to the fans re the game/result, at 103 for 3 didnt see the mayhem to come! No one to blame but ourselves- will do better!”