News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 4 years ago
Rediff.com  » Cricket » England's batsmen one-dimensional, not versatile: Boycott

England's batsmen one-dimensional, not versatile: Boycott

June 25, 2019 11:41 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

'Most of them are not capable of adapting or changing their way of batting.'

James Vince

IMAGE: Geoffrey Boycott was scathing in his criticism of opening batsman James Vince, who has scored just one fifty in 10 innings in ODIs. Photograph: Lee Smith/Reuters

England's "one-dimensional" batsmen are flat-track bullies who do not have an alternative plan if they are required to graft an innings in bowler-friendly surfaces, former batsman Geoffrey Boycott said.

 

The World Cup hosts have had mixed fortunes at the tournament so far, posting two 380-plus totals but flattering to deceive on pitches that do not favour their aggressive approach to batting.

Last week England lost by 20 runs to Sri Lanka at Headingley where their batsmen struggled to negotiate fast bowler Lasith Malinga (4-43) and spinner Dhananjaya de Silva (3-32)

It was England's second loss after their 14-run defeat against Pakistan at Nottingham.

"England are a one-dimensional batting unit and don't seem to have a plan B or C," Boycott wrote in a column for The Telegraph. "If they do have alternative plans, they do not execute them very well.

"Twenty times out of 21, pitches in one-day cricket are conducive to big scores and England look invincible on those surfaces.

"But when they get a pitch that is not absolutely perfect, when the ball just sticks a little in the surface and does not quite come on to the bat, they cannot handle it. Most of them are not capable of adapting or changing their way of batting."

Boycott, who scored over 8,000 runs in Tests, reserved special praise for England batsman Joe Root who he said is capable of playing well in all formats of the game.

But the 78-year-old was scathing in his criticism of opening batsman James Vince.

"Joe Root is the exception because his run scoring in all cricket is based on an excellent technique," Boycott added.

"I am sorry for all those people who think James Vince is an international batsman. Vince plays pretty little cameos but keeps getting himself out.

"He flatters and then deceives us without ever delivering a big score. When is he going to learn? It appears never."

England, who are fourth in the standings, play second-placed Australia at Lord's later on Tuesday.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024