"Would give his wicket away if he was playing in a County second XI" - Geoffrey Boycott blasts England batter after visitors lose Ashes 2025-26

Former England opener Sir Geoffrey Boycott has launched a scathing attack on Ollie Pope after the Ashes series defeat to Australia. Boycott hit out at Pope by stating that he would throw his wicket away even while playing against a County second XI.

The Surrey batter's spot remains most under scrutiny as England find themselves 0-3 down after the first three Ashes Tests. Although he started the tour with a promising 46, the right-hander's scores have since read 33, 0, 26, 3 and 17, triggering England's slide in all three Tests.

Writing in his column for The Telegraph, the 85-year-old stated that Zak Crawley's place is still doubtful despite his 85-run knock in Adelaide due to the lack of consistency. Reflecting on Pope, Boycott conceded that there is a self-destruct button in his head, saying:

"Look at some of the players on this tour. Zak Crawley is a hit-and-miss batsman. Mainly miss and then he seduces us with a blistering innings. It should not be enough to keep his place. Improve technique and discipline or you’re out. Ollie Pope is a lost cause because he never learns. I think he would give his wicket away if he was playing in a county second XI. He can’t help himself as he finds ways to get out that I couldn’t dream up. Somewhere in his head there is a self-destruct button."

Boycott asserted that England must abort the ultra-aggressive approach and play in a measured way.

"I would like this “gung-ho” batting to stop. I realise it has been ingrained over three years but we have to get it out of them. It may take a little time but it can be done and batsmen should still attack when they are in and on top of the bowlers. 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," said Boycott.

The lack of failure to adapt to the situation has costed the tourists in all three Tests. The first Test saw England holding a lead of 100 with nine wickets in hand but lost it all within a session on Day 2. Travis Head eventually belted a hundred to gun down the target of 205. In both Brisbane and Adelaide, the tourists showed resistance in their second innings but the match was long gone.

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"They are so stubborn and will not listen to anyone" - Sir Geoffrey Boycott on England

Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse after England's defeat in Adelaide. (Credits: Getty)

The 108-Test veteran also blasted England's attitude and the refusal to never learn from their mistakes as Boycott added:

"They don’t accept the fact that when England come under pressure against the “Big Two” they are found wanting in technique, unable to think on their feet and adjust to the rhythm of Test cricket. Some of them have the same faults and keep making the same daft mistakes because there is no chance of being dropped. Players are too comfortable and that has bred complacency. They are so stubborn and will not listen to anyone, always insisting their way is the only way."

The fourth Ashes Test against Australia in Melbourne begins on December 26.

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Edited by Sooryanarayanan Sesha