Geoffrey Boycott slams McCullum-Stokes regime: ‘Hubris has taken over from common sense, and that cannot be allowed to carry on’

Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took over the reins of the England Test side when the team was at a crossroads in the summer of 2023. Post the takeover, they have adapted attacking cricket as their method and given the players freedom to express themselves. In the span of over three years, the side did manage to pull off some remarkable wins but also suffered some humbling experiences.

The tours in which any leadership group of the big three (England, Australia and India) is judged when they play against the other two, Stokes-McCullum duo with their Bazball approach could not alter the results as much. When the England side came to India in early 2024, they took a 4-1 drubbing, and in the ongoing Ashes series, they have lost the series after the first three Tests. And at home, they drew both against Australia and England in 2023 and 2025, respectively.

Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott reckoned Hubris has taken over from common sense in the England side. However, he also acknowledged that the Bazball approach does deserve a bit of credit. “A lot of credit should go to Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes for what they have done for our cricket, but it is obvious that Bazball has run its race,” Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

“Hubris has taken over from common sense, and that cannot be allowed to carry on. Stokes and McCullum are like men digging a hole to nowhere. If what you are doing isn’t working, then stop digging. Change is absolutely necessary to step up to the next level. What would I do? Change the coach. We are tired of this duo talking a good game but not delivering against the best teams so Rob Key, it is time for you to assert yourself,” he said.

“They don’t accept the fact that when England come under pressure against the ‘Big Two, ‘ they are found wanting in technique, unable to think on their feet and adjust to the rhythm of Test cricket,” Boycott observed.

In addition to the flaws in the playing style and player techniques, Boycott also picked on players’ responses in the media on the opinions of former English cricketers. “Our players are disrespectful to past great England cricketers and their helpful views. They are wrapped in cotton wool and overpaid. Time to get tougher with them because their way hasn’t won anything in three years, “Boycott added.

“I would like this “gung-ho” batting to stop. I realise it has been ingrained over three years but we have to get it out of them. It may take a little time but it can be done and batsmen should still attack when they are in and on top of the bowlers. Nobody wants dour, defensive cricket but let’s get back to textbook cricket with guys assessing the situation, thinking on their feet and batting with discipline. We were always told to use our brain. A thinking cricketer is a better cricketer.”