India, Jan. 1 -- Michael Vaughan urged caution despite England's morale-boosting Boxing Day Test win, stressing the importance of avoiding a heavy defeat in the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney. The former England captain underlined that ending the series on a competitive note is crucial to sustaining the momentum and philosophy of the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era. England's underwhelming displays in the first three Tests had already cost them the series, but they responded strongly at the MCG. That match was played on a bowler-friendly surface, producing 36 wickets, all falling to pace, and concluded inside two days.

Vaughan said the Sydney Test carries huge importance, adding that while the MCG win lifted spirits, it felt more l...