Geoffrey Boycott delivers “bloody stupid” verdict on England’s Ashes defeat

England were comfortably beaten by Australia in the first Ashes Test, falling to a nine-wicket defeat after two poor batting collapses

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Root stands by decision to bat first despite crushing defeat

Geoffrey Boycott has delivered a scathing assessment of England ‘s nine-wicket defeat to Australia at the Gabba in the first Ashes Test.

England suffered two batting collapses, getting skittled for just 147 in the first innings before capitulating from 223-2 to 297 all out in their second innings.

England’s team selection and Root’s decision to bat first after winning the toss have also come in for criticism, but Boycott believes England’s lack of preparation is the main reason behind such a chastening defeat.

In his latest column for the Telegraph, Boycott said: “Hey Joe! England have just been walloped by nine wickets so it isn’t a good time to be telling us that England are not far away from beating Australia.

“It would be much better if you and your team answered with deeds and not words. Face up to the fact that England made mistakes which didn’t help our team.

“For a start, your batsmen and bowlers looked underdone and should have had three or four competitive matches before the series. The planning was all wrong.”

Boycott went on to question England’s decision to leave out both James Anderson and Stuart Broad, stating they must play at Adelaide or England should “move on without them”.

“If both Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad don’t play (in the second Test) then what is the point of them being in the squad?

“The captain and coach keep telling us how good they are and how many wickets they have taken.

“I agree they have been magnificent for England with outstanding performances so if they are fit they have to play. If they keep getting injured then they are a luxury England can’t afford.

“One is 39 and the other 35. Keeping them in the squad out of sentiment on big-money salary is madness. Either they play or move on without them.”

Boycott was also critical of the way Jack Leach has been managed by England, with the spinner proving expensive in his first Test outing in nine months.

“Jack Leach hadn’t played a Test match for nine months since early March in India,” Boycott added.

“He didn’t get a game during the English summer as England played lots of seamers – and then suddenly they expected Jack to bowl well in Brisbane.

“No wonder the Aussies went after him and in 13 overs he was whacked for 102 runs. I felt for the lad. Not his fault.

“Why are we so bloody stupid? We make it extra difficult before we even start the series.”