"I love Bazball but I love winning more.."- Geoffrey Boycott

Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott has slammed Ben Stokes & Co. after they lost the ongoing five-match series against India. England arrived in India without losing a single Test series under the captaincy of Ben Stokes.

Many believed that the current England side would be able to end India’s unbeaten run at home that dates back to the 2012/13 season. With India missing key players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, as well as Mohammed Shami, England’s chances, became only brighter.

The visitors started the tour on a good note as well. They stunned India by 28 runs in the series opener to take the lead. However, England could not capitalize on the win and lost the next three Tests against a weakened India to concede the series.

India won the second Test by 106 runs before inflicting a humiliating 434-run defeat on England in the third Test. In the fourth Test, India conceded a 46-run lead and were reeling at 120 for 5 but still ended up winning the Test by five wickets.

Also Read: Anil Kumble asks Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum to retrospect their Bazball after series defeat against India

Geoffrey Boycott on England’s defeat:

With England failing to win the ongoing series against India, Geoffrey Boycott has said the Ben Stokes-led side needs to focus on winning. While he praised the England players for their fearless approach, he also criticized them for being reckless at times.

“Bazball has given Test cricket a shot in the arm and England deserve praise for that. At times, I love it. But I love winning more and England have failed to beat the best two teams in the world: Australia and now India. What should really hurt them is that they should have beaten both,” wrote Geoffrey Boycott in The Telegraph.

“The batting cost them winning the Ashes and it lost them the series against India. In this series, they have had odd moments when someone has scored a good hundred. But they have been in isolation and there has been no consistency.

“Zak Crawley is the one England player averaging over 40. Six of the Indian players have averages higher than 43. I know they all have to buy into the Bazball mantra because that is all they talk about. To play with no fear is good, but at times England were reckless and too cocky about how they were going to smack everybody around. Getting out is part of the game but getting yourself out is silly,” Geoffrey Boycott added.

With the series already lost, England would now be aiming to end it on a high by winning the fifth and final Test, scheduled to be played from March 7 in Dharamsala.

Also Read: Michael Atherton slams Ollie Robinson after England lose their first Test series in the Bazball era