Ashes 2025/26: England Collapse in Perth as Boycott Slams “Brainless” Ashes Defeat
England lose Perth Test in two days after batting collapse as Boycott blasts their “brainless” approach in Ashes opener.
England’s Ashes tour began in the worst way as they lost the first Test in Perth inside two days. Australia won by eight wickets after England suffered a sudden batting collapse that stunned fans back home.
England actually held a 40-run lead on a tough pitch and were 100 for 1 in the second innings. But the good start fell apart in no time as they lost nine wickets for just 99 runs. The team’s approach raised fresh questions about their mindset and judgment.
Australia chased the target of 205 in only 28.2 overs. Mitchell Starc set the tone with the ball and Travis Head finished the job with a brisk knock that killed the contest before England could respond.
Sir Geoffrey Boycott did not hold back. He called England “brainless” and said he cannot take the team seriously when they keep repeating the same mistakes. He pointed out the dismissals of Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes as examples of poor decision making.
He also reminded Stokes of his earlier comments about ex-players being “has-beens”. Boycott said:
“From this has been the message is simple. When you keep throwing away Test matches by doing the same stupid things it is impossible to take you seriously. They never learn because they never listen to anyone outside their own bubble.”
Boycott felt England invited trouble with loose strokes at crucial moments. He said Pope fell for the same wide ball twice and England lost control of the game “in the time it takes to make a cup of tea”.
England’s batting failed in both innings. Their bowlers, led by Stokes, fought hard but had too little to defend. Australia’s attack kept the pressure on and England could not answer back when it mattered.
