Former England batting legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott has launched a scathing critique of Zak Crawley and Chris Woakes after England’s humiliating defeat to West Indies in the first Test at Edgbaston. Boycott’s fiery comments have reignited debates about selection consistency, underperforming seniors, and England’s preparedness ahead of their upcoming India tour and the 2025-26 Ashes cycle.
What Triggered Boycott’s Outburst?
England lost the Edgbaston Test by 7 wickets, crumbling to Kemar Roach’s incisive spells and Jason Holder’s disciplined all-round show. Their batting collapsed for 205 in the first innings and 168 in the second, despite Joe Root and Harry Brook’s gritty efforts.
In his newspaper column, Boycott singled out opener Zak Crawley and all-rounder Chris Woakes for “repeated failures and lack of Test match intelligence.”
Boycott’s Full Criticism Of Zak Crawley
- Technical Flaws: Boycott wrote:
“Crawley simply does not learn. He plays away from his body with hard hands every innings. This is not club cricket where you get away with loose technique.”
- Poor Conversion Rate: Crawley has scored one century in his last 40 innings, with an average hovering around 29 since 2022. Boycott believes this is unsustainable for a Test opener.
- Missed Opportunities:
| Series | Runs | Average | 50s/100s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashes 2023 | 342 | 34.2 | 2/0 |
| India 2024 | 157 | 19.6 | 0/0 |
| WI 2025 (1st Test) | 17 | 8.5 | 0/0 |
Boycott added:
“He has all the gifts – height, reach, timing – but he throws his wicket away like it doesn’t matter. Test cricket deserves better.”
Boycott Slams Chris Woakes’ Ineffectiveness
Chris Woakes, who was recalled for the West Indies series after injury layoffs, bowled 34 overs for just 1 wicket at Edgbaston and contributed 11 and 2 runs with the bat.
Boycott criticised:
“At home, he averages under 25 with the ball. Away, over 50. Even at Edgbaston, his happy hunting ground, he looked toothless. If he cannot deliver at home, when will he?”
He further questioned England’s reliance on ageing all-rounders instead of grooming fit and fiery fast bowlers for the India tour and Ashes 2025-26.
Broader Criticism Of England’s Batting Approach
Boycott believes England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach needs refinement:
- Lack of Discipline: “It’s not about aggression alone. It’s about selecting the right ball to attack. Right now, it is brainless cricket.”
- Overdependence On Root & Brook: Without their contributions, Boycott feels England collapses too easily under pressure.
Fan Reactions To Boycott’s Comments
His remarks have divided opinions on social media:
- “He is harsh but spot on. Crawley’s time is up.”
- “Boycott always finds scapegoats. Woakes is returning from injury, needs time.”
- “England need his honesty. No sugarcoating failures.”
England’s Batting Performance At Edgbaston
| Batter | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Total Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zak Crawley | 4 | 13 | 17 |
| Ben Duckett | 28 | 24 | 52 |
| Joe Root | 67 | 34 | 101 |
| Harry Brook | 43 | 27 | 70 |
| Ben Stokes | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Jonny Bairstow | 18 | 31 | 49 |
| Chris Woakes | 11 | 2 | 13 |
What This Means For Crawley And Woakes
Zak Crawley
- Risk of being dropped: With Ollie Pope nearing fitness and young opener Josh Bohannon scoring heavily in county cricket, Crawley’s spot is under serious threat.
Chris Woakes
- Future as bowling all-rounder questioned: At 36, Woakes may struggle to retain his place if his bowling potency diminishes, especially with Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson emerging.
England’s Upcoming Tests
| Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| West Indies (2nd Test) | Old Trafford | July 13-17 |
| West Indies (3rd Test) | The Oval | July 25-29 |
| India (Away Series) | TBD | Oct-Nov 2025 |
Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum are expected to review playing combinations and tactical approach before the second Test.
Geoffrey Boycott’s Concluding Remarks
In his trademark blunt style, Boycott concluded:
“If these lads think it’s okay to fail repeatedly without consequences, they’re mistaken. International cricket is about performance, not potential alone.”
The Road Ahead For England
With Ashes 2025-26 looming large and an away tour of India where batting technique will be ruthlessly tested, England’s team management faces difficult decisions:
- Persist with Bazball or balance aggression with discipline?
- Back experienced players or infuse new blood with County Championship form?
Conclusion
Geoffrey Boycott’s critique, though harsh, reflects the growing frustration among England fans and experts over repeated batting collapses and lack of accountability. As England prepares for a decisive summer, it remains to be seen whether Crawley and Woakes silence their critics with impactful performances or make way for the next generation.
Disclaimer: This news content is for informational reporting purposes only. Readers are advised to follow official England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statements and squad announcements for verified updates.
