Former captain Geoffrey Boycott attacked Ben Stokes and his team, pointing out some of their failings thus far on the tour in Australia, as England’s chances of winning the Ashes were quickly dwindling. After losing the second Test at The Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday, England fell behind 0-2 in the five-match series.
On Sunday, December 7, England was only able to set Australia a target of 64 runs after giving up a 177-run advantage in the first innings. The hosts doubled their lead in the high-stakes series after winning the game by eight wickets.
After what he called a poor performance, Boycott slammed the England team, calling them “up their own backsides.” The present team, according to the former captain of England, talks a great game but doesn’t play it.
England may speak the talk, but they can’t act on it. Boycott was cited by India Today as saying, “They couldn’t win an egg cup with this kind of batting and bowling.”
Boycott also made fun of England’s widely reported long-term preparations under head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Stokes.
Ben Stokes claimed that England had a plan and had spent four years organising this visit.
What a bunch of bullshit. Boycott stated, “They don’t want to listen to anyone outside of their own camp, so we can’t believe anything they say.”
Boycott was especially scathing of England’s batting performance, pointing out that Harry Brook, a very gifted batsman, had repeatedly lost opportunities by throwing his wicket away. At The Gabba, he was similarly expelled.
This man has divine skill, but he consistently frustrates with careless, stupid strokes. He hasn’t helped England win in close games. Boycott said, “He bats as if he is only interested in the spectacular.”
Ollie Pope was also criticised for giving away his wicket. Boycott said that Joe Root, the former England red-ball captain, made a poor shot selection in the second innings despite being commended for his century in the first.
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