Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has launched a scathing attack on England’s Bazball approach, calling it reckless and blaming it for the team’s repeated failures in the World Test Championship. As England prepares to host India in a five-Test series followed by a high-stakes Ashes tour, Boycott believes the team must shift its mindset if they hope to play the WTC Final in 2027.
Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Boycott stated that while Bazball has provided thrilling moments, it has also cost England crucial matches. He urged the team to prioritize winning over entertaining and to use common sense when facing a strong Indian side.
“England should beat India if they temper Bazball and use some common sense. At times their cricket has been thrilling and enjoyable, but reckless batting has lost them Test matches,” Boycott wrote.
England Should Aim for WTC Final, Not Just Entertainment
Boycott did not hold back in his assessment of England’s World Test Championship record. Despite all three finals being played in England, the home team has failed to qualify for any of them. He labeled that record as embarrassing and said the team should be focused on correcting that by the next cycle.
“Their only thought should be winning. It is no use telling us how good you are when the last three WTC finals were in England and you didn’t make any. They should be embarrassed. The aim must be to make the next final,” he wrote.
While India and Australia have reached the finals twice each, and South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia have lifted the mace, England remains one of the top teams yet to qualify for the championship match.
Boycott emphasized that being entertainers without wins does not help England’s Test legacy. “Right now, they’re like a one-trick pony. It’s Bazball or nothing. They don’t want to learn from losses. Someone needs to remind them that being a winner is better than just being an entertainer,” he added.
As the new WTC cycle begins, England will be under pressure to balance aggression with strategy, especially against a competitive Indian side. Boycott’s message is clear—entertainment is not enough if it doesn’t lead to victories.
Stay tuned for all the latest Cricket news, match highlights, player analysis and viral moments!