Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott (centre) attends the second day of the third cricket check match between England and India at Lord’s cricket floor in London, on July 11, 2025.— AFP
Legendary England batter Geoffrey Boycott on Monday suggested the Ben Stokes-led aspect to undertake a extra strategic and considerate method forward of the second Ashes Take a look at towards Australia, scheduled for Thursday in Brisbane.
England suffered an agonising eight-wicket defeat within the sequence opener in Perth, which lasted lower than two days, the primary of which was dominated by the touring aspect as they’d lowered the hosts to 123/9 after accumulating 172 all out.
The guests now face one other gruelling problem within the blockbuster sequence as they tackle the Dishevelled Greens in a pink-ball Take a look at, wherein the hosts boast a dominant file, having misplaced only one out of their earlier 14 appearances, however Boycott, who has gained Ashes each in England and Australia, believes that the Three Lions can win the upcoming recreation by adopting a calculated technique.
He, nevertheless, warned England batters of self-destruction, advising them to “use their brains” and determine whether or not to assault or maintain again after analysing the scenario.
“But it doesn’t help our chances of success if Ben Stokes keeps encouraging our batsmen to attack, attack with one finger hovering over the self-destruct button,” Boycott wrote in his Every day Telegraph column.
“Nobody is asking the players to stop being positive because they have given us some marvellous, thrilling and entertaining cricket. All we ask is for them to use their brains and realise there are times when they should throttle back and be aware of situations and bat accordingly,” he added.
Boycott, who represented England in 108 Exams and 36 ODIs, additionally slammed Stokes for his feedback wherein he referred to former cricketers as “has-beens” however expressed satisfaction over the all-rounder’s partial apology.
“To call past players ‘has-beens’ was disrespectful, especially as some of those ‘has-beens’ played in teams that won the Ashes in England and Australia,” Boycott wrote.
“I am glad Ben has half apologised, saying it was a slip of the tongue, because none of this team has won the Ashes in Australia. Get the job done, because then you don’t need to say anything and you can bask in all the glory coming your way.”
