Former England batter Geoffrey Boycott took aim at Joe Root over his recent claims that England had made progress despite losing the Ashes series to Australia. Boycott’s criticism followed England’s five-wicket defeat in the fifth and final Test in Sydney, which sealed a 4–1 series loss for the visitors.
The former great also criticised the England management for backing fast bowlers Mark Wood and Jofra Archer to deliver across a demanding and lengthy tour. Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Boycott said:
“Root said “every single player has improved”. Really? Where? How? All I can say is Joe must be seeing things through rose-tinted spectacles. Zak Crawley’s technique has not improved. He still has a big gate when defending and flashes outside off stump. Ben Duckett has never learned how to leave the ball around off stump. Harry Brook has talent to die for but still gets himself out in tight situations instead of winning the match for England. “
He further continued:
“Jamie Smith has shot-playing ability but gives his wicket away under pressure with no thought for the state of the match. His dismissal in Sydney was brainless and is symptomatic of this squad of players. Mark Wood and Jofra Archer were cosseted for far too long. It was poor thinking by the bowling coaches and physios who thought that once Wood and Archer were declared fit they could turn up and perform well in Test matches.”
Geoffrey Boycott Slams England Leadership After 0-3 Ashes Collapse in Australia
Geoffrey Boycott harshly criticized England’s leadership, including captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum, and cricket director Rob Key, following their disastrous Ashes campaign in Australia. Despite high hopes of winning an Ashes series Down Under for the first time since 2010/11, England lost the first three Tests and conceded the urn in just 11 days.
“England’s three wise men turned out to be the three stooges. Brendon McCullum, Rob Key and Ben Stokes sold a lie for three years. McCullum and Key said they had been planning for the Ashes all that time but this was a slapstick tour riddled with mistakes and they deserved to lose 4-1. McCullum’s philosophy is do your own thing. Play without a care in the world. Express yourselves and if you get out, no problem, it’s not your fault,” wrote Boycott (via the aforementioned source).
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