NEW DELHI: Cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott has expressed doubts regarding England's 'Bazball' approach following their recent Test series loss against India.
Despite the bold and aggressive batting strategy advocated by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England have struggled to deliver consistent results against top-tier teams, falling short against both Australia and India in crucial Test encounters.
England's current position in the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle standings, languishing at the eighth spot with just three wins in nine matches, further underscores the challenges they face under this batting philosophy.
While acknowledging the positive impact of 'Bazball' on Test cricket, Boycott highlighted England's inability to secure victories against premier teams as a significant concern.
In a column for The Telegraph, Boycott praised England for injecting excitement into Test cricket but lamented their failure to capitalize on opportunities against formidable opponents.
"The batting cost them winning the Ashes and it lost them the series against India. In this series, they have had odd moments when someone has scored a good hundred. But they have been in isolation and there has been no consistency," Boycott emphasized.
1/10:India's series triumphs after losing the first Test
TNN
2/10:India vs England
<p>India won the five-match Test series 2-1 against England after losing the first Test in Delhi by 6 wickets in December 1972. </p>Getty Images
3/10:Bhagwat Chandrasekhar
<p>Bhagwat Chandrasekhar took 35 wickets in the series as India won the 2nd Test at Eden Gardens by 28 runs and the 3rd Test in Chennai by 4 wickets and drew the next two Tests in Kanpur and Bombay. </p>Getty Images
4/10:Most memorable series
<p>India won the historic and a memorable 3-match Test series 2-1 against Australia after losing the first Test in Mumbai by 10 wickets in February-March 2001. </p>TNN
5/10:Historic hat-trick
<p>In the 2nd Test at Eden Gardens, Harbhajan Singh took the first-ever Test hat-trick by an Indian in the Australian first innings. </p>TNN
6/10:Magic at Eden
<p>VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) turned the match and the series on it head as India won by 171 runs after being made to follow-on and also won the third Test in Chennai by 2 wickets. </p>Getty Images
7/10:India vs Sri Lanka
<p>India won the 3-match Test series 2-1 in Sri Lanka after losing the first Test by 63 runs at Galle in August 2015. </p>AFP
8/10:Winners
<p>India won the 2nd Test by 278 runs in Colombo (PSS) and the 3rd Test by 117 runs in Colombo (SSC) to win the series. </p>AFP
9/10:India vs Australia
<p>India won the 4-match Test series 2-1 against Australia after losing the 1st Test in Pune by 333 runs. </p>
10/10:Border Gavaskar Trophy
<p>India won the 2nd Test in Bengaluru by 75 runs, drew the 3rd Test in Ranchi and won the 4th Test in Dharamsala by 8 wickets in February 2017. </p>APThe 83-year-old cricketing pundit pointed out the lack of consistency among England's batters, noting that while some players showed promise, they struggled to maintain momentum throughout the series. He particularly highlighted the contrast between England's batting averages and those of their Indian counterparts, underscoring the importance of consistency in Test cricket.
Boycott also criticized England's reckless approach at times, suggesting that while playing fearlessly is commendable, their eagerness to attack every delivery often led to reckless dismissals.
"To play with no fear is good, but at times England were reckless and too cocky about how they were going to smack everybody around. Getting out is part of the game but getting yourself out is silly," Boycott remarked.
