Sir Geoffrey Boycott tears England flops to shreds one by one and demands Brendon McCullum axe

“It is obvious that Bazball has run its race,” Boycott stated, comparing the duo to “men digging a hole to nowhere.”

The 84-year-old demanded immediate action from managing director Rob Key, urging him to replace McCullum. “We are tired of this duo talking a good game but not delivering against the best teams,” he wrote.

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Boycott’s criticism extended to Stokes himself, suggesting the captain must be willing to adapt his batting philosophy and embrace fresh thinking.

While recognising that England cannot afford to lose such a world-class all-rounder who fundamentally affects the team’s balance, Boycott made clear that even the skipper is not exempt from scrutiny.

“If he doesn’t see that a change of attitude is needed then you have to find a new captain,” Boycott wrote, describing such a scenario as “a sad day and a huge call.”

The former batsman pointedly noted that Stokes and his teammates have consistently emphasised putting the team above individuals. By that logic, Boycott argued, no compromises should be made even for the captain if he refuses to alter course.

Boycott reserved particularly harsh words for several members of the current squad. He branded Ollie Pope “a lost cause” who appears incapable of learning from his mistakes.

“I think he would give his wicket away if he were playing in a county second XI,” Boycott wrote. “Somewhere in his head there is a self-destruct button.”

Opening batsman Zak Crawley fared little better, with Boycott labelling him “hit-and-miss” and predominantly the latter. The occasional brilliant knock should not guarantee his spot, the former opener insisted.

Harry Brook, meanwhile, was ruled out as a potential future captain despite his obvious talent. Boycott questioned how Brook could demand responsibility from teammates when he himself plays “some of the most irresponsible strokes you can imagine.”

Boycott called for an immediate halt to what he termed “gung-ho” batting, acknowledging that while three years of ingrained habits would take time to undo, the transformation remains achievable.

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“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,” he wrote. “A thinking cricketer is a better cricketer.”

The former opener also took aim at the culture surrounding the current squad, accusing players of dismissing advice from previous generations of England cricketers.

“Our players are disrespectful to past great England cricketers and their helpful views,” Boycott stated. “They are wrapped in cotton wool and overpaid. Time to get tougher with them because their way hasn’t won anything in three years.”

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Boycott’s critique extended to the structural issues he believes have fostered complacency within English cricket. Central contracts, he argued, provide players with a comfort zone where they continue receiving substantial pay regardless of form or selection.

The former opener suggested that if a coaching change were made, several candidates would relish the opportunity. He named Jason Gillespie, who impressed during his time at Yorkshire, and former England captain Alec Stewart as potential replacements.

Boycott insisted that without fundamental shifts in personnel and attitude, England would continue producing identical results.

💬 “They’ve outplayed us with the bat, they’ve outplayed us with the ball and they’ve outplayed us in the field.”

England head coach Brendon McCullum speaks after losing The Ashes to Australia.

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Players must be made to understand that selection is earned rather than guaranteed, he argued.

“If you don’t perform we will find someone else,” he wrote, calling for an end to the security that has bred what he sees as widespread complacency.