Boycott labels India ‘complacent’ and ‘arrogant’

Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott has heavily criticised India’s inability with the bat during the ongoing Test series in the United Kingdom.
The Indians have slipped to a two-nil deficit in the five-match affair, in the wake of a 31-run defeat at Edgbaston and innings and 159-run defeat at Lord’s.
Trent Bridge, Southampton and The Oval will host matches three, four and five, respectively.
Visiting captain Virat Kohli has averaged 60 across the series so far, with a fine ton and a complementary half-ton, but not one other top- through middle-order batsman has managed a half-ton.
“Trying to work straight outswingers through midwicket and then being surprised when you get bowled or nick it to the slips is brainless. Playing the ball on the up in front of your pad is a no-no,” Boycott wrote in his column for the Telegraph.
“They have not sat down, talked or practised in the nets and got their heads around how they are going to bat differently in England.”
The tourists have endured plenty of struggles against English seamer James Anderson, who has already snared 13 wickets before the halfway mark of the series.
“These are elementary things you do not do against any decent swing bowler in English conditions. To try to do it to James Anderson, who is one of the great master craftsmen in those conditions, tells me the Indian batsmen have not done their homework,” added Boycott.
“India have come to England complacently and arrogantly thinking they can bat the same way and everything will be OK on the day.”
Latest
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside Dan Lawrence
The England captain and his new team-mate added 173 to build England’s advantage.
-
News
Nine rookies in Pakistan squad for South Africa series
Pakistan have included nine uncapped players in their 20-man squad for the two-Tests against South Africa, starting on January 26.
-
News
Labuschagne upset after not scoring ‘big’ hundred
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne might have been the star of the show on the first day of the fourth Test against India.
-
News
Joe Root backs up plea for strong England start with century against Sri Lanka
The skipper had urged his team to impress from the word go and led by example with 168 not out in Galle.
-
News
Joe Root century strengthens England’s grip on first Test against Sri Lanka
Dan Lawrence hits 73 on debut as England reach 320 for four at tea, a lead of 185.
-
News
England captain Joe Root celebrates a century against Sri Lanka
Root brought up his 18th Test ton after being stranded on 99 at lunch in Galle.
-
News
Joe Root 99 not out at lunch as England look to build big advantage
Root and Test debutant Dan Lawrence have steered the tourists to a lead of 71 with seven wickets intact.
-
News
Heather Knight excited by freedom on offer after New Zealand quarantine
England Women will be able to break out of the coronavirus ‘bubble’ lifestyle in a country which has effectively contained the disease.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England day one: Tourists carve out dominant performance in Galle
The tourists skittled Sri Lanka for 135 then replied with 127 for two.
-
News
Stuart Broad and England in ‘dream world’ after superb first day in Sri Lanka
Broad took three wickets and Dom Bess five before Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow took England within eight runs of their hosts’ total.