Geoffrey Boycott wants better batting display from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 - Cricket News Update
Former England great and legendary batsman, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Geoffrey-Boycott-c58776 said that England’s reign as the number one Test side could be in jeopardy unless the batters come to the fore and turn things around in the second Test at Headingley.
The former English opener, now a renowned commentator and cricket expert, said that the English batsmen let their team down and never looked as if they were playing for the number one Test side in the world.
England suffered one of its heaviest defeats in years when http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 trounced them by an innings and 12 runs in the first Test at the Oval. Barring the first day’s play, the rest of the match was dominated by the Proteas, who overwhelmed the home side with both, bat and the ball.
Boycott, 71, who had one of the most impressive defensive techniques in his time, said the English batsmen failed to apply themselves according to required situation, playing reckless shots rather than trying to save the match.
“Batting in these situations you have to look forward to the challenge: to enjoy the chance to bat all day,” Boycott said.
The England legend criticised Captain Andrew Strauss for playing a loose shot at a critical stage, when he and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/IR-Bell-c1597 could have built a solid partnership.
“It started with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/IJL-Trott-c1576 received good balls but the captain’s dismissal was horrible. He is the leader and has to set the tone for everybody,” the former Yorkshireman further added.
However, the former English captain believed that England has only themselves to blame as they squandered a chance to post a big score in the first innings, allowing the visitors to come right back into the game.
“Even though South Africa scored their 637, if we had made 500 there would not have been enough time for them to force the win,” added the 71-year-old.
The former opener fears that the hosts might end up on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Thomas-George-Burrows-c93472he losing side if they don’t put their act together in time, emphasizes on making quick amends for their mistakes in the Oval Test.
“England are not bad players. But we played badly. It will probably be the same squad for the next Test at Headingley but we need better batting and better bowling or the series will be gone and the number one status with it.” Boycott concluded.
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