ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Geoffrey Boycott dissects England cricket team's sluggish performance

Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott came down heavily upon England Cricket Team for their dismal performance in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Jos Buttler-led side, who are the defending champions, is staring at the first-round exit from the 10-team global showpiece.

England - who suffered defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in their latest league match in the competition - are languishing in the ninth position in the points table with four defeats and one win in five games.

Boycott criticises England Cricket Team

While analysing England's performance, Boycott blamed it on the team's inadequate preparation, which he believes is a significant factor in their current struggles. The legendary cricketer, however, refrained from placing the majority of the blame on the English captain.

After England suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, leaving their title defense in serious jeopardy, Buttler acknowledged that the outcome was largely beyond his control. Head coach Matthew Mott has already conceded defeat expressing pessimism about England's prospects.

Boycott, while speaking for the Daily Telegraph, argued that this disappointing performance was the result of England's late arrival in India, just over a week before the tournament began. The 83-year-old remarked, "History shows that England rarely bat well in India where the ball spins. Our guys are okay on flat pitches but if it turns they have a problem.

"The best way to try and overcome that would have been for our squad of players to get to India early and play four or five warm-up matches. What did England do? Plan only two warm-up games with one getting rained off. Not smart planning."

Boycott on Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan comparison

Despite bringing eight players from the 2019 trophy-winning team to the subcontinent, Jos Buttler has struggled to extract the best from his team - a feat Eoin Morgan spectacularly accomplished four years ago.

Boycott, however, argues that comparing the two captains is unjust, given the contrasting circumstances they faced. He even highlighted the difficulties Buttler has faced, including Jofra Archer's unavailability and Ben Stokes being sidelined for the first three matches due to an untimely hip injury.

In Boycott's view, Buttler is dealing with a squad of players that is far from optimal, having been poorly selected and prepared. The team lacks stability, and many players are unsure of their roles, grappling with inconsistent form and wavering confidence. Furthermore, England's two most influential white-ball players have not been available for this campaign.

Boycott concluded by stating, "Although Buttler has admitted his own flaws this tournament, too many people are criticising his captaincy and judging him against that of Eoin Morgan when England won the previous World Cup.

"Make no mistake, not having Archer is huge alongside Stokes not being available through injury for the first three matches. Reece Topley has now had to go home injured. It is easy captaining a good team full of in-form players, but it would need a miracle man to pull this team together. Buttler can't admit it, but it must be a nightmare," he signed off.