Sir Geoffrey Boycott says England “have got carried away with Bazball” after they suffered defeat within the first Ashes Test.
The hosts are 1-0 down with 4 matches to play after being overwhelmed by two wickets by Australia in a dramatic finale at Edgbaston on Tuesday.
England coach Brendon McCullum has mentioned of England’s dedication to dangerous, aggressive cricket – nicknamed Bazball – that “you’re not always going to win and we understand that, but we want to keep getting up and throwing punches as a team”.
Former England opener Boycott wrote within the Telegraph: “England have got carried away with Bazball and seem to think entertaining is more important than winning.
“But England supporters need one factor greater than anything – to win the Ashes. Scoring quick runs, whacking numerous fours and sixes is gorgeous. It is nice. But provided that England don’t lose sight of the massive prize which is to beat Australia.
“If at the end of the series Australia go home with the Ashes we will feel sick, regardless of how much we have been entertained.
“They are in peril of letting hubris be their downfall or, quoting William Shakespeare in Hamlet, being hoist by one’s personal petard. They are going to defeat themselves. It could be unhappy if enjoying thrilling cricket for a yr goes to their heads.
“By all means entertain but cricket is like chess. There are moments when you need to defend. Sometimes you need to be patient and accept it. Do not just attack, attack, attack. England need a bit of common sense and pragmatism.”
Skipper Ben Stokes leads the staff again into motion when the second Test begins subsequent Wednesday at Lord’s.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
