Boycott labels India ‘complacent’ and ‘arrogant’

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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.”

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