NEW DELHI: Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar unleashed a fierce critique of Ben Stokes' England team. He did this after their heavy 4-1 loss in the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia. Gavaskar labeled the visiting side "paper tigers." He also declared that the much-talked-about Bazball strategy has clearly lost its effectiveness.
England's Tour Ends in Major Disappointment
England's tour concluded on a sour note. They managed only one consolation victory. This win marked their first Test triumph on Australian soil in fourteen years. However, it arrived too late. The Ashes urn had already slipped from their grasp by that point. The series outcome was essentially sealed within just eleven days of play. England suffered defeats in the first three Tests held in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
Gavaskar Takes Aim at English Media Hype
Writing for Sportstar, Gavaskar shared his views. He noted that neutral observers did not expect great things from England. Australian conditions are notoriously tough for visiting teams. Yet, he directed sharp criticism at the English media. He accused them of relentlessly building up the team despite obvious warning signs.
"England's performances in many sports often fall short," Gavaskar wrote. "This happens when compared to the glowing reports from commentators who rarely have top-level playing experience. The letdown feels much bigger when teams prove they are more like paper tigers than genuine contenders."
Gavaskar added that England's comprehensive Ashes defeat did not shock observers outside the country. "England's 4-1 collapse against Australia was not a surprise for non-English fans," he stated. "Winning a Test series away from home is extremely difficult, especially in places like Australia and India." He also pointed out that even the Indian team has faced recent overseas challenges.
The Fading Novelty of Bazball
The former batting great acknowledged an initial positive impact. He said Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes brought a fresh energy when McCullum became Test coach in 2022. This approach helped England secure series wins against New Zealand and Pakistan.
But Gavaskar argued that Bazball's surprise factor quickly diminished. "The dreary, dull cricket they played disappeared initially," he wrote. "Suddenly, opponents did not know how to respond. However, like so-called mystery bowlers, the element of surprise wore off. Teams soon realized England struggled whenever the ball moved, unless the pitches were completely flat. Their problems then became obvious."
Criticism of Batting Mindset and Accountability
Gavaskar was particularly scathing about England's batting philosophy. He criticized their lack of adaptability. "With their media making excuses about pitch conditions overseas, the batters refused to adjust their approach," he said. Gavaskar emphasized that they failed to bat according to the match situation. He noted that only Joe Root consistently showed the value of preserving his wicket.
He ended with a harsh evaluation of England's celebrated style. "What the media calls fearless cricket today often looks more like couldn't-care-less cricket," Gavaskar wrote. He then posed a direct question to the team. "How many players in that losing England squad can honestly say they gave everything? Not just physically, but more importantly, temperamentally?"
