Ashes 2025-26: ‘England talk the talk but can’t walk the walk’ – Former captain slams Ben Stokes and Co. after Brisbane surrender

With England’s hopes of reclaiming the Ashes rapidly diminishing, former captain Geoffrey Boycott tore into Ben Stokes and his men, analysing some of their shortcomings so far on the tour Down Under. England went 0-2 down in the five-match series after losing the second Test at The Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday.

After conceding a first innings lead of 177, England could only set Australia a target of 64 runs on Sunday, December 7. The hosts won the match by eight wickets to double their lead in the high-voltage series.

Boycott lashed out at the England team, branding the team “up their own backsides” after what he described as a disastrous performance. The former England captain accused the current team of talking a big game but failing to back it up on the field.

“England talk the talk but can’t walk the walk. With this sort of batting and bowling they couldn’t win an egg cup,” Boycott was quoted as saying by India Today.

Boycott also took a dig at England’s much-publicised long-term planning under captain Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.

“Ben Stokes said England had a blueprint and had been planning this tour for four years. What a load of nonsense. We can’t believe anything they say because they do not want to listen to anyone outside their own camp,” Boycott said.

Boycott was particularly critical about England’s batting performance, highlighting how a supremely talented batter like Harry Brook has been throwing his wicket away to lose shots time and again. He got out similarly at The Gabba.

“Here is a guy with talent from heaven but keeps frustrating with brainless, irresponsible strokes. In tight moments he has not helped England win. He bats as if he is only interested in the spectacular,” Boycott stated.

Ollie Pope also garnered criticism for gifting his wicket. While Boycott praised Joe Root for his century in the first innings, he stated that the former England red-ball skipper opted for careless shot selection under pressure in the second.