In his latest scathing column for The Telegraph on 9 January 2026, England legend Geoffrey Boycott after its completion he died a bloody death Ashes 2025-26 series. The 85-year-old former player spared no one in the leadership group as he watched England suffer a 4-1 defeat in Australia.
He defended that it was a boycott “Baseball” the era turned from an interesting experience to a dangerous culture of entitlement and recklessness. He blamed the team for a lack of basic discipline, pointing out that their stubborn refusal to adapt to Australian conditions was the main reason for their downfall. Boycott, in his signature call, called for a complete overhaul of the coaching structure ahead of England’s next Test assignment in June.
Geoffrey Boycott named three culprits behind England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat
The boycott directly targeted the three most powerful figures in English cricket, the head coach Brendon McCullumManaging Director Rob Key and captain Ben Stokeslabeling them as the architects of England’s failure.
“England’s three wise men became three thieves. Brendon McCullum, Rob Key and Ben Stokes sold lies for three years.” He wrote a boycott.
Boycott’s main complaint was the lack of consequences for poor performances, noting that in the current mode players feel invincible regardless of their mistakes. The boycott was observed: “No one is telling them anything, no one is holding them accountable and no one is fired, so they keep doing the same stupid things. If the coach and the captain are okay with it, why should the players change, adapt or improve?” He later criticized Key for his lack of control and warned that his job could be at risk if Key continued to blindly support McCullum’s ‘slapstick’ tactics.
Gambling coach and Ashes winner need advice
Focusing his criticism on his coaching philosophy, Boycott described McCullum as a leader who fundamentally failed to move beyond a high-value gambling mentality. While admitting McCullum first a ‘breath of fresh air’
Boycott wrote: “But he’s a gambler who always thinks he’s going to get his money back. That’s how casinos always win in the end. . . . They don’t know when to stop or change their routine.” To correct this perceived arrogance, Boycott suggested that the ECB should force its management team to listen to the “been” legends who really know how to win Down Under. He urged adults like Key to bring them Ian Botham, Graham Gooch and David Gower To provide a “fresh and different” perspective, add: “This kind of free license to do whatever you want with no consequences is holding England back. We need a different discipline and structure to get to the next level.”
Also READ: 5 main reasons for England’s disastrous defeat against Australia in Ashes 2025-26
