ICC World Cup 2019 | England’s batting is one-dimensional and doesn't seem to have a plan B or C, writes Geoffrey Boycott

England’s loss against Sri Lanka came as a huge shock as they were red hot favourites against a struggling Sri Lankan side. Their batting failed to gun down a modest total of 233 on a surface that had some help for the bowlers. Boycott has stated that England's batting is one-dimensional, and that they don't have an alternative plan in case they are required to stitch an innings in bowler friendly conditions. 

"England are a one-dimensional batting unit and don't seem to have a plan B or C. If they do have alternative plans, they do not execute them very well. Twenty times out of 21, pitches in one-day cricket are conducive to big scores and England look invincible on those surfaces. But when they get a pitch that is not absolutely perfect, when the ball just sticks a little in the surface and does not quite come on to the bat, they cannot handle it. Most of them are not capable of adapting or changing their way of batting," Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph. 

However, Boycott was full of praise for the ever-so-consistent Joe Root, who scored a gritty half-century in the run-chase against Sri Lanka and has been prolific across all formats for England. Boycott was also critical of James Vince's inability to convert his starts.  

"Joe Root is the exception because his run scoring in all cricket is based on an excellent technique. I am sorry for all those people who think James Vince is an international batsman. Vince plays pretty little cameos but keeps getting himself out. He flatters and then deceives us without ever delivering a big score. When is he going to learn? It appears never,” Boycott added.