Geoffrey Boycott has urged England to temper their aggressive "Bazball" approach and employ "common sense" in their upcoming five-Test series against India, which begins on June 20 in Leeds. Boycott believes that England can beat India if they play with more circumspection, and has criticised their recent performances in the World Test Championship (WTC).

Boycott expressed his disappointment in England's failure to qualify for any of the last three World Test Championship finals, all of which were held in England. He stated that the team should be "embarrassed" by this record and should prioritize winning over entertaining. He added that while their cricket has been thrilling and enjoyable at times, their reckless batting has also cost them Test matches.

Boycott described England as a "one-trick-pony," saying that their current strategy is simply "Bazball or Bazball," with no room for adaptation or learning from their losses. He lamented that despite numerous former England Test players advising them to moderate their batting, they seem unwilling to change. He urged the team to "get their act together, bring your best game, and apply some cricket nous."

Boycott's criticism stems from England's recent failures in high-profile series, including the Ashes against Australia in 2023 and the series against India earlier this year. Despite adopting an attacking brand of cricket under head coach Brendon McCullum, the results have been inconsistent, leading Boycott to question the team's methods.

Boycott believes that England needs to respect their opposition and the conditions they face. He pointed out that England lost two Ashes Tests, and with it the series, by playing "stupid cricket," and a similar situation occurred against India. He emphasized that the objective should be to win Test matches and series, rather than simply trying to entertain.

Boycott also weighed in on the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the Indian team, stating that Kohli's retirement is a bigger blow to India than Rohit's. He acknowledged Rohit's contributions but noted his inconsistent Test form in recent years. Boycott described Kohli as India's best batsman and talisman in all three formats, and said that his absence would be keenly felt. He also noted that Rohit, unlike Kohli, was not a natural athlete, and the physical and mental demands of opening in England likely contributed to his decision to step away.

Boycott warned England against complacency, even with a transitioning Indian team and the absence of key players. He reiterated the importance of England controlling Bazball and adapting their approach to the conditions and opposition.