England slammed as ‘brainless’

A stunned England woke to savage criticism after their meek capitulation in the first Ashes Test, branded “brainless” and “damaged” by former greats after their cavalier approach backfired.

Ben Stokes’s men lost the opening battle in Perth by eight wickets inside two days on the back of batting collapses and Travis Head slamming a sensational 69-ball century.

Since their last Ashes series in Australia 15 years ago, they have lost 14 Tests, drawn two, and won none Down Under.

England had a perfect opportunity to snap the dire streak and earn a psychological advantage heading into the day-night second Test in Brisbane on Dec. 4.

But after reaching 160-5, the tourists lost five wickets for 12 runs to be bowled out for 172 on day one before regaining the advantage after dismissing Australia for 132.

They were on track for a big lead after reaching 65-1 in their second innings, but again threw away five wickets in quick succession to leave Australia chasing 205, which they achieved with ease.

Leading into Perth, Stokes called the former players who had criticised England’s low-key build-up as “has-beens” — and that came back to bite him.

“Well, from this has-been the message is simple: when you keep throwing away Test matches by doing the same stupid things, it is impossible to take you seriously,” batting great Geoffrey Boycott said in a newspaper column.

“They never learn, because they never listen to anyone outside their own bubble, because they truly believe their own publicity.

“Now it has bitten them in an Ashes Test, the biggest challenge of all, and unless they mount a spectacular comeback, they will regret it for a very long time.

“It is simple. Brainless batting and bowling lost England the match.”