Sir Geoffrey Boycott’s stinging criticism of Zak Crawley has reignited the debate around England's top-order stability ahead of crucial fixtures, including the looming Ashes series. Boycott, never one to mince words, has made a compelling case for dropping Crawley, whose persistent technical flaws and inconsistency with the bat continue to plague England’s red-ball ambitions.
Crawley’s numbers after 57 Tests — an average of 31 with just five centuries — underscore the concerns. While his elegant strokeplay has occasionally sparkled, the lack of progress in rectifying dismissals to wide or loosely played deliveries is alarming. His most recent failures at Lord’s, especially the second-innings dismissal chasing a wide delivery, seemed to confirm what critics have long feared: he hasn't learned or evolved. Boycott’s assessment — “Time to go” — reflects not just frustration but a broader demand for accountability and merit-based selection.
More pointedly, Boycott’s remarks about Australian bowlers “relishing” the chance to bowl at Crawley ahead of the Ashes rings ominously true. England cannot afford to carry vulnerabilities into a series where every weakness will be ruthlessly exploited by the likes of Cummins and Starc. The 2021-22 Ashes should have served as a wake-up call — Crawley’s lone fifty in Sydney was not enough to justify prolonged faith in his potential.
Boycott’s critique also extends to Ollie Pope, suggesting that “Bazball” — while entertaining — risks undermining traditional batting discipline. Pope’s tendency to attack without reading the match context has led to avoidable dismissals, and Boycott is right in advocating a situational approach over blind allegiance to a philosophy. Playing attractive cricket and winning aren’t mutually exclusive, but clarity of purpose is key.
The upcoming fourth Test against India at Old Trafford is now more than just a continuation of the series — it could define careers. With the Ashes on the horizon, England’s selectors must balance loyalty with realism. Boycott’s column might ruffle feathers, but it echoes the sentiments of many fans: consistency and adaptability should be non-negotiable for an England side with aspirations of beating Australia.
Unless Crawley can decisively turn his form around — not with a one-off innings, but sustained performance — it may indeed be time to consider alternatives who can offer England both solidity and promise at the top.
