"Wild Arrogance On Part Of England...": Ex-Australia Star's Startling Take

Former Australian pace bowler Brett Geeves believes England's ultra-aggressive approach is likely to backfire during the Ashes, adding that the declaration on day one of the first Test at Edgbaston was a sign of "wild arrogance" on the part of Ben Stokes' side. England had declared their first innings on 393 for eight despite Joe Root batting on an unbeaten 118, and the home side could have easily scored a few more, which could have given them a psychological advantage. The decision to declare was criticised by several experts and Australia went on to win the thrilling Test by two wickets.

Geeves, who has played one ODI and two T20Is for Australia and has been a successful first-class bowler, said 'Bazball' -- the term coined for England's overly aggressive and result-oriented style of play -- is unlikely to work against Australia.

"It (Bazball) sets them (England) up to fail and to me it kind of feels like 'even if we lose we're playing the best cricket and we have won anyway," Geeves told Sen Radio on Saturday.

"That's not how it works. Particularly against Australia in the Ashes," opined the 41-year-old.

He said it was "disrespectful" on the part of England coach Brendon McCullum to tell his players that he was proud of them despite the defeat. Geeves opined, the coach was undermining the efforts of the Australians by saying this.

"There was (an) article that I was reading that quotes Brendon McCullum in terms of their loss, they're in the changer rooms and Brendon spoke first and he says; 'Lads, I am immensely proud of the effort you put in. We have made the game what it was. We were so close to pulling off an unbelievable victory. We played all the cricket in the game. If it wasn't for us the Australians wouldn't