Stokes called ex-England players 'has-beens', slammed them for criticism for playing D/N warmup match.
Boycott’s words come ahead of the second Test of the Ashes 2025-26 that will be a day-night affair and will be played in Brisbane from December 4.
Stokes and his squad have received harsh criticism for only playing one warm-up match before the Ashes. In November, he responded by stating that various circumstances explain why his squad cannot prepare like the 'has-beens.'
Stokes later apologized for using the term, calling it a 'terrible word' and a 'slip of the tongue,' but that hasn't alleviated the concerns of those watching in the UK.
Responding to Stokes' comment, Boycott stated that they comment on the team because they want them to win, not because they 'like watching you embarrass yourselves and lose.'
“When a team loses so badly in Perth from a winning position, there is bound to be huge criticism from the media. The response from England has been to close ranks with a siege mentality that everyone is against them. That is not true. We don’t enjoy watching you embarrass yourselves and lose. We want England to win.
Ex-players, TV, radio, and journalists can’t say good things about bad cricket. It is just not possible. Being forthright and honest about what we see is not a choice. That is what is expected of us. England were convinced they had the right preparation and could win back the Ashes. So, it is simple: Play better and win," Boycott wrote for The Telegraph.
Boycott highlighted worries about England's bowling and urged the hitters to improve their mental fortitude before criticizing Stokes' captaincy. He believes Stokes, who is known for being inventive in the field, should perform better when opposing batters challenge his bowlers, as Travis Head did in Perth.
Boycott went on to say that Stokes was correct that cricket had evolved, but that the captain must remember that it is constantly evolving. Old lessons are not rendered worthless simply because the times have changed.
“That is why people in Asia respect their elders for the knowledge they have gained, and from that knowledge, they can give wise counsel to a discussion. If you are prepared to listen to the ex-players, there may be some things the modern player can use in the modern format.
You don’t have to agree with everything the past great players say, but as Richie Benaud once said to me, “You can learn something every day.” Being stubborn can be a virtue, but if you are so intractable that you never listen and it is your way or the highway, then there is bound to be a fall,” Boycott continued.
Boycott further said that Stokes’ comment of ‘has-beens” was disrespectful, especially when those players had played and won Ashes series for England at home and in Australia.
“To call past players 'has-beens” was disrespectful, especially as some of those “has-beens” played in teams that won the Ashes in England and Australia. I am glad Ben has half-apologized, saying it was a slip of the tongue, because none of this team has won the Ashes in Australia. Get the job done, because then you don’t need to say anything, and you can bask in all the glory coming your way," he concluded.