England have got carried away with Bazball, seem to think entertaining is more important than winning: Geoffrey Boycott

A lot of talk surrounding this year's Ashes was about how England's 'Bazball' approach would fare against a quality side like Australia. While England have got results with Bazball against the likes of New Zealand, Pakistan, India, and South Africa, beating Australia to reclaim the prestigious Ashes could be the standout moment for Ben Stokes and Co.

England reaped the benefits of their aggressive approach at various stages during the first Test at Edgbaston, however, it was Australia who came out victorious by two wickets in a close game. Some cricket experts criticized the approach, particularly pointing out Ben Stokes' bold declaration at 393/8 on Day 1, when Joe Root and Ollie Robinson were batting well during their ninth wicket partnership.

Sir Geoffrey Boycott shared his opinion about England's modus operandi, suggesting that the Stokes-led side tends to think entertaining is primary and not winning. Boycott also blamed England for being "carried away with Bazball".

“England have got carried away with Bazball and seem to think entertaining is more important than winning," the 82-year-old wrote in the Telegraph. "But England supporters want one thing more than anything else – to win the Ashes. Scoring fast runs, whacking lots of fours and sixes is lovely. It is great. But only if England do not lose sight of the big prize which is to beat Australia. If at the end of the series Australia go home with the Ashes we will feel sick, regardless of how much we have been entertained."

England need a bit of common sense and pragmatism: Sir Geoffrey Boycott

The legendary cricketer suggested that England players should not let the string of positive results, over the last 12 months, get to their heads. Boycott compared cricket to chess and urged England to balance their approach by incorporating defensive tactics when necessary.

“They are in danger of letting hubris be their downfall or, quoting William Shakespeare in Hamlet, being hoist by one’s own petard. They are going to defeat themselves. It would be sad if playing exciting cricket for a year is going to their heads," he reckoned.

“By all means entertain but cricket is like chess. There are moments when you need to defend. Sometimes you need to be patient and accept it. Do not just attack, attack, attack. England need a bit of common sense and pragmatism," he added.

The second Test commences on June 28 at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground.