‘Can’t be taken seriously’: Legend blasts ‘brainless’ England in savage takedown — UK View
It’s been just one Test match but the pitchforks are already out for England. And they’re sharp.
The visitors’ embarrassing loss to Australia inside just two days has sparked a bevy of fiery criticism from the travelling media and former Test legends.
Perhaps the most scathing comments came from England cricketing legend Geoffrey Boycott.
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Writing a column for The Telegraph, Boycott didn’t miss captain Ben Stokes and his playing group after England slumped to a eight wicket loss.
“Before this series started Ben Stokes told the world that any ex-players who criticised England or had a different opinion were “has-beens” because Test cricket had changed and the past was irrelevant,” Boycott wrote.
“Well, from this has-been the message is simple: when you keep throwing away Test matches by doing the same stupid things it is impossible to take you seriously.
“They never learn, because they never listen to anyone outside their own bubble, because they truly believe their own publicity.”
Ooft.
One of the greatest opening batsmen in England cricketing history, Boycott liked to slowly construct his innings, posting a career strike rate of around 35. He’s the antithesis to ‘Bazball’.
So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that most of Boycott’s frustration stems from a lack of discipline with bat in hand.
In the first innings, England were bundled out for 172 in just 32.5 overs. In the second knock, they only faced 11 more balls, losing all ten wickets in 34.5 overs.
Geoffrey Boycott blasted a ‘brainless’ performance from England in the opening Ashes Test.Source: AFP
“Brainless batting and bowling lost England the match,” Boycott continued.
“A 40-run lead on a fast, bouncy, low-scoring pitch was huge and, with Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope together at one stage, England were in charge at effectively 100 for one. But as exciting as this England team can be, they are always only a blink of an eye away from self-destruction.
“Chasing balls away from your body on fast, bouncy pitches is fraught with danger. It’s like Russian roulette. Save those shots for low, slow surfaces where the odds are in a batsman’s favour.
“When the Aussies get stuck for a wicket all they have to do is go fishing. Dangle the bait and wait for a bite. Our lot can’t resist.
“Bazball, bad judgment, overconfidence, whatever the reason, it makes winning matches difficult. Against top teams like India and Australia it is a huge factor in losing.”
