Legendary England batting legend Geoffrey Boycott on Monday advised the Ben Stokes-led side to adopt a more strategic and considered approach ahead of the second Ashes Test against Australia, scheduled for Thursday in Brisbane.
England suffered an agonizing eight-wicket defeat in the series opener in Perth, which lasted less than two days, the first of which was dominated by the touring side as they reduced the hosts to 123/9 after amassing 172 in total.
The visitors now face another grueling challenge in the blockbuster series as they take on the Baggy Greens in a pink-ball Test, in which the hosts boast a dominant record, having lost just one of their previous 14 appearances, but Boycott, who has won the Ashes in England and Australia, believes the Three Lions can win the upcoming match by adopting a calculated strategy.
He, however, warned England’s batters against self-destruction, advising them to “use their brains” and decide whether to attack or hold back after analyzing the situation.
“But it doesn’t help our chances of success if Ben Stokes continues to encourage our batsmen to attack, to attack with one finger on the self-destruct button,” Boycott wrote in his statement. Daily Telegraph column.
“No one is asking the players to stop being positive because they have given us some wonderful, exciting and entertaining cricket. All we are asking them is to use their brains and realize that there are times when they should slow down and be aware of the situations and bat accordingly,” he added.
Boycott, who represented England in 108 Tests and 36 ODIs, also criticized Stokes for his comments in which he called former cricketers “has-beens”, but expressed satisfaction at the all-rounder’s partial apology.
“Calling former players ‘hasbeens’ was disrespectful, especially as some of those ‘hasbeens’ played on teams that won the Ashes in England and Australia,” Boycott wrote.
“I’m glad Ben half-apologized, saying it was a slip of the tongue, because no one in this team has won the Ashes in Australia. Do the work, because then you won’t have to say anything and you can bask in all the glory that awaits you.”
