England’s Ashes tour started on the worst note when they lost the first Test in Perth within two days. Australia won by eight wickets after England suffered a sudden batting collapse that stunned fans at home.
England actually had a 40-run lead on a heavy pitch, hitting 100 for 1 in the second innings. But the good start fell apart in no time as they lost nine wickets for just 99 runs. The team’s approach raised new questions about their mindset and judgment.
Australia chased down the target of 205 in just 28.2 overs. Mitchell Starc set the tone with the ball and Travis Head finished the job with a solid strike that killed the game before England could respond.
Sir Geoffrey Boycott did not hold back. He called England ‘brainless’ and said he cannot take the team seriously if they keep repeating the same mistakes. He pointed to the dismissals of Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Joe Root and Ben Stokes as examples of poor decision-making.
He also reminded Stokes of his previous comments about former players being “has-beens.” Boycott said:
“The message from this is simple. If you keep throwing away Test matches by doing the same stupid things, it’s impossible to take you seriously. They never learn because they never listen to anyone outside their own bubble.”
Boycott felt that England were having problems with loose shots at crucial moments. He said Pope fell for the same wide ball twice and England lost control of the game “in the time it takes to make a cup of tea”.
England’s batting failed in both innings. Their bowlers, led by Stokes, fought hard but had little to defend. Australia’s attack kept up the pressure and England were unable to respond when it mattered.
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