Legendary former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has issued a stark warning to the visiting English cricket team, urging them to mentally fortify themselves against the anticipated onslaught from the Australian media and partisan crowds in the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 series.
Boycott's Stern Warning on Australian Press
The 85-year-old cricket icon, in his column for The Telegraph, stated that the English squad will need to "steel themselves" from the provocative words likely to be written in the Australian press. He did not mince his words, admitting that a significant portion of the coverage could be downright "nasty" and is designed to psychologically weaken the visitors.
Boycott's comments came after The West Australian newspaper immediately targeted England's captain, Ben Stokes, upon his arrival in the country, labelling him the "Cocky Captain Complainer." This early dig, a fortnight before the first ball is bowled, signals the beginning of a sustained campaign. "If you think our journalists offer criticism, then you ain't seen nothing until you go on an England tour of Australia," Boycott cautioned.
The Mental Battle On and Off the Field
Boycott elaborated that the negative media treatment is a deliberate tactic. "They treat individuals and the team as fair game and if they can beat you down so that their country demolishes you, then they believe they have done a good job," he wrote. His direct advice to the players was to prepare for this reality and not let it affect their performance, summarising it with the blunt phrase: "don't let the bulls— get you down."
The mental challenge, however, isn't confined to the newspapers. Boycott also highlighted the intense atmosphere created by the local crowds. He noted that while fielding near the boundary, players can expect a "hard time with harsh vocals, sometimes abuse, which can be wearing over many days." He explained that this partisanship is a strategic effort to gain a psychological edge and disrupt the concentration of the English players.
Understanding the Rivalry's Depths
Providing context for the fervent hostility, the former captain touched upon the historical and social underpinnings of the rivalry. He acknowledged that many Australians are "good, fair-minded people," but was candid in pointing out that "there are others who hate us." The ultimate aim for these sections, he stated, is to use any means to help their team "beat the mother country."
Adding to England's challenge is the fact that Australia, on their home soil, are a "good, combative team" well-accustomed to the faster, bouncier pitches. The series is set to commence on November 21 at the Perth Stadium. In a significant development for the hosts, Steve Smith will lead the Australian side in the first Test, stepping in for the absent Pat Cummins, who is targeting a return for the second match in Brisbane.
