Geoffrey Boycott takes dig at England after Ashes setback, says batter 'Can’t help himself'

England’s Ashes 2025–26 struggles draw strong criticism from Geoffrey Boycott, who questions the team’s batting discipline, shot selection, and ability to handle pressure in Test cricket.

England Players. Photo via England Cricket

England’s disappointing performance in the Ashes 2025–26 series has sparked intense debate, and former England great Geoffrey Boycott has emerged as one of the harshest critics. England lost the Ashes 2025, 3-0, after losing the third Test. Known for his blunt opinions, Boycott did not mince his words while analysing England’s batting failures, suggesting that the team repeatedly undermined itself through poor decision-making rather than being outplayed.

According to Boycott, England’s problems were not limited to Australia’s bowling quality but stemmed from avoidable mistakes. He highlighted a recurring pattern of batters gifting away their wickets by playing high-risk shots at inappropriate moments, particularly when the team needed stability.

In Test cricket, especially in Australian conditions, patience and game awareness often matter more than flair, something Boycott believes England lacked throughout the series.

"Look at some of the players on this tour. Zak Crawley is a hit-and-miss batsman. Mainly miss and then he seduces us with a blistering innings. It should not be enough to keep his place. Improve technique and discipline or you’re out. Ollie Pope is a lost cause because he never learns. I think he would give his wicket away if he was playing in a county second XI. He can’t help himself as he finds ways to get out that I couldn’t dream up. Somewhere in his head there is a self-destruct button," wrote Boycott in his column in Telegraph.

I would like this “gung-ho” batting to stop: Geoffrey Boycott

Geoffrey Boycott opined about aggressive batting method that England had adopted a few years. It did yield some results at teh start, but as the series progressed, England lost many games. Hence, Boycott urged the English team to return back to the traditional mathod of playing cricket.

"I would like this “gung-ho” batting to stop. I realise it has been ingrained over three years but we have to get it out of them. It may take a little time but it can be done and batsmen should still attack when they are in and on top of the bowlers. Nobody wants dour, defensive cricket but let’s get back to textbook cricket with guys assessing the situation, thinking on their feet and batting with discipline," said Boycott.

Where to watch the Australia vs England match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the Australia vs England 4th Test match on December 26 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: India’s WTC campaign suffers blow after embarrasing defeat vs SA

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