Geoff Boycott Blasts England’s “Gobby” Attitude Amid Handshake Snub

Former England opener and pundit Sir Geoff Boycott didn’t hold back in his cutting critique following a recent controversy during the England vs India Test series. At the centre of the drama was a snubbed handshake incident that has now drawn his withering commentary.

The Incident That Sparked Controversy

• During the final day of the Manchester Test, England captain Ben Stokes reportedly offered India a draw with an hour before scheduled close of play. India declined. Shortly thereafter, a handshake was allegedly snubbed, escalating tensions among the teams and spectators
• Boycott’s reaction was scathing—labelling England as “gobby,” implying they talk excessively yet back it up with little substance.

Boycott’s Take—Why India Doesn’t Owe Courtesy

• Boycott questioned the logic: “Why should India be nice to them?” His remarks aimed at England’s conduct—suggesting India’s restraint had limits in the face of what he sees as pompous and unearned bravado
• He stressed that teams must earn respect on the field, not merely voice ambitions or theatrics.

His Broader Criticism of Bazball and England’s Strategy

• Earlier this year, Boycott was vocal in his denunciation of England’s Bazball philosophy—a high-risk aggressive batting approach. Calling it “reckless,” he warned it cost England several Test matches, urging the team to adopt common sense instead
• He pointed out England’s chronic failure to qualify for World Test Championship finals—despite hosting the last three—calling it an embarrassment and lamenting their unwillingness to learn from defeats
• Boycott routinely emphasises that words must be matched with deeds, admonishing players who “talk big” but don’t perform—as he did in the Rajkot Test, particularly targeting Ben Duckett’s post-innings boasts

What Boycott Is Calling For

1. Humility and Cricket Intelligence
   According to Boycott, England must temper flair with discipline and respect the opposition, not expect entitlement in sportsmanship.
2. Smarter Play, Not Just Entertainment
   He believes winning matters more than aggressive entertainment and criticises England’s “one‑trick‑pony” approach of Bazball or bust
3. Responsibility from the Dressing Room
   Leadership—from both coach and skipper—must hold players accountable for both conduct and performance.

Why His Opinion Matters

• Boycott is famed for his uncompromising honesty—never one to mince words. His history of calling out both England players and strategy lends weight to his position.
• As a former opener with over 8,000 Test runs and a decorated career, Boycott’s criticism demands attention rather than being dismissed as mere punditry

Final Take: A Question, Not Just a Critique

There’s a rhetorical depth to Boycott’s question—why should India extend niceties if England hasn’t earned them? It poses a broader principle: sportsmanship is reciprocal. Respect is tied to conduct—both verbal and substantive—on the pitch.

This video highlight captures Boycott excoriating England’s approach—symbolic of his broader frustration with their recent self-assured posturing and perceived lack of substance.

The Incident: Sudden Shock at Old Trafford

During the 4th Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, Rishabh Pant attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on Day 1. The ball struck his right foot with force, and what seemed minor turned serious fast.

Pant was visibly in pain, collapsed to the ground, and after medical assessment, was carted off the field using a golf buggy—a rare sight in cricket unless injuries are severe. Former England captain Michael Atherton summed up the concern: You don’t get carted off the ground unless it’s really serious.

Medical Diagnosis: Compound Fracture Confirmed

Initial scans confirmed a compound fracture in his right toe—a painful condition where the bone breaks through the skin. Symptoms included:

• Immediate swelling
• Restricted movement
• Pain even during rest

Recovery Timeline

Doctors estimate a 6 to 8-week recovery period, which includes:

• 3 weeks immobilization
• 3–5 weeks of physiotherapy
• Gradual load-bearing rehab

Given the severity, Pant is unlikely to participate in the remaining Test at The Oval or any cricket in August 2025.

A Heroic Comeback: Batting Through the Pain

In a stunning turn, Pant returned to bat on Day 2—an act that stunned teammates and fans alike. Hopping on one foot and leaning heavily on his bat between runs, he scored a defiant 54 off 75 balls. How do you break a man who’s defeated death?” said Aakash Chopra, referencing Pant’s near-fatal car crash in 2022 and his sheer willpower to keep fighting.

His innings gave India a fighting total of 358 and boosted team morale, despite his inability to field or keep wickets.

Wicket-Keeping Duties Handed to Dhruv Jurel

With Pant ruled out of fielding, Dhruv Jurel stepped in as the substitute wicket-keeper. The BCCI has not yet confirmed a replacement, but Ishan Kishan is the likely backup for the final Test if required. Pant is our X-factor, our match-winner. Losing him at this point changes our balance,” said former cricketer Ravi Shastri.

Impact on India’s Series Hopes

India trails 1–2 in the five-match Test series against England. With Pant sidelined, the team faces:

• Loss of an aggressive middle-order batter
• Disruption in team combination
• Pressure on younger players like Jurel and Gill to step up

Pant’s unique ability to counterattack under pressure is unmatched in the squad. His injury may swing momentum England’s way unless India responds with tight bowling and batting partnerships.

Expert Commentary

• Ricky Ponting: “Foot injuries in cricket are tricky. You can bat with them sometimes, but recovery for elite fielding takes much longer.”
• Michael Vaughan: “Pant missing could shift the outcome of the series. India will miss his flair.”
• BCCI Medical Panel: “He will not keep wickets in the remainder of the match. Further participation will be evaluated post-scan and physio feedback.”

Injury Timeline Breakdown

What Happens Next?

1. Team reshuffle: Jurel or Kishan may play full-time
2. Fitness tracking: Pant’s daily physio will be monitored by NCA
3. Asia Cup & WTC final concerns: If recovery delays, his participation in early 2026 tournaments may be affected
4. Leadership vacuum: Pant is a strategic vice-captain candidate—his absence weakens on-field leadership depth

Injury Blow for New Zealand as Glenn Phillips Ruled Out; Bracewell Steps In

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed that Michael Bracewell will replace Glenn Phillips for the first Test against Zimbabwe following the latter’s injury during the Major League Cricket (MLC) final. Phillips sustained a right groin injury that requires several weeks of recovery, ruling him out of the two-match Test series in Zimbabwe.

A Timely Call-Up for Michael Bracewell

Initially unavailable due to commitments with Southern Brave in The Hundred, Bracewell’s selection comes as a well-timed boost for the Black Caps. He is currently with the T20I squad in Zimbabwe and is match-fit, making him a logical replacement. Head coach Rob Walter emphasized Bracewell’s all-round ability and experience, calling him a “like-for-like” substitute for Phillips. Michael’s an experienced player who offers balance to the squad. With Glenn out, it made sense to include someone who’s already in Zimbabwe and ready to go,” said Walter.

Michael Bracewell – Returning to Test Cricket

Bracewell, who debuted in Tests in 2022, has played 8 Tests so far. He has shown promise with both bat and ball:

• Batting: 259 runs at an average of 19.92
• Bowling: 24 wickets at 41.79
• Notable Moment: Match-winning 4/75 vs Pakistan in Karachi (2022)

His last Test appearance came in March 2023 against Sri Lanka, where he picked up wickets and contributed vital lower-order runs. While he was not initially included in the Test squad due to franchise commitments, the unexpected injury to Phillips brought him back into the red-ball fold.

Glenn Phillips’ Injury Timeline

Phillips was injured during the MLC final in the U.S., where he represented the Texas Super Kings. The groin injury, described by NZC’s medical staff as “moderate,” will keep him out for at least 3–4 weeks. It’s a significant blow considering Phillips’ growing stature in Test cricket, particularly after his gritty performances against Bangladesh and Australia earlier this year.

This injury also means he’ll miss out on the three-team T20 tri-series preceding the Zimbabwe Tests and could be in doubt for New Zealand’s September assignments.

Zimbabwe Tour – A Stepping Stone for New Talent

The two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, while not part of the World Test Championship, offers New Zealand a chance to test bench strength and blood fresh talent in subcontinental conditions. With senior players like Kane Williamson and Tim Southee rested, the tour leans heavily on new faces and experienced fringe players.

Alongside Bracewell, the squad includes uncapped bowlers Jacob Duffy and Matt Fisher, and all-rounder Nathan Smith. Their inclusion signals NZC’s long-term planning for future WTC cycles.

Full Squad for First Test – Bulawayo (July 30–Aug 3, 2025)

What This Means for NZC and Bracewell

For Bracewell, this is an opportunity to reignite his red-ball career and stake a stronger claim for a more consistent place in the Test setup. For NZC, it provides valuable insight into squad depth and the viability of rotating players between formats and franchise duties.

Should Bracewell perform well, selectors may reconsider his exclusion from longer formats moving forward — especially with a WTC cycle looming.

Future Availability

Bracewell is expected to return to England to fulfill his commitment with Southern Brave post the first Test. NZC has kept their options open for the second Test, with a decision likely based on form, team balance, and availability.

Summary

New Zealand has drafted Michael Bracewell into their Test squad to replace the injured Glenn Phillips for the opening Test against Zimbabwe. With Phillips sidelined due to a groin strain, Bracewell — already present in Zimbabwe — offers a seamless and balanced addition. As the first Test begins in Bulawayo on July 30, fans and selectors alike will be watching closely to see how Bracewell seizes this opportunity.