ASHES FALLOUT: Root’s captaincy ‘lacks imagination’!

England’s woeful performances in the three Ashes Tests to date culminated with an embarrassing 68 all out capitulation on Tuesday, with Australia winning the third Test by an innings and 14 runs and retaining the Ashes with two matches still to play.

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Boycott, who is a former England batsman and popular broadcaster, unleashed on Root in a column for the Daily Telegraph.

“Joe’s captaincy lacks imagination. His team selection and decision making has been staggeringly off the mark.

“At the end of this series the question should be asked: would England benefit from a change of captain?

“That’s not me trying to be hurtful to Joe or just being controversial. We all love Joe.

“It is impossible not to like him, but before the squad left the UK Joe said players and captains are defined by Ashes series, particularly in Australia.

“So far this series we have been dreadful and if Joe believes what he has been saying then it is time for someone else to be given the opportunity to try and galvanise the players.

“Captains accept the accolades when their team wins so they have to accept some blame or criticism when they lose.”

As a batsman, Root has been one of the few standout performers for England, andhe became just the third player in history to break 1,700 Test runs in a calendar year after Sir Viv Richards and record holder Mohammad Yousuf.

However, Boycott has suggested there are signs he is struggling as captain.

“Many of us are tired of these interviews where Joe says England will learn from a bad day or Joe says he expects a response after a poor performance.

“We have had enough of this rubbish. Stop treating us ex-players and cricket supporters as idiots.

“And let’s be honest – we haven’t just lost, we have been smashed.”

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