The 28-year-old has often been lauded for his attractive stroke-play, but in 40 innings for England across the game’s three formats, he has managed just four scores above fifty
Geoffrey Boycott has criticised the England pair of James Vince and Moeen Ali for their performances in Friday’s World Cup defeat against Sri Lanka.
Hampshire batsman Vince made 14 before edging Lasith Malinga to slip as he continued to deputise for Jason Roy, who suffered a hamstring injury during England’s win over West Indies.
The 28-year-old has often been lauded for his attractive stroke-play, but in 40 innings for England across the game’s three formats, he has managed just four scores above fifty. His only ODI half-century came in 2016.
“I am sorry for all those people who think James Vince is an international batsman,” Boycott told Telegraph Sport.
“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.”
Moeen made 16 against Sri Lanka
The Yorkshire great was equally scathing of Moeen’s contribution to England’s defeat. The off-spinning all-rounder was playing his 100th ODI for England at Headingley, and came into the game on the back of a thrilling nine-ball cameo against Afghanistan – an innings of 31 that included a four and four sixes.
However, after hitting Dhananjaya de Silva for six over midwicket, he was caught at long-off from the next delivery – a moment that facilitated a match-losing collapse.
Boycott added: “What was Moeen Ali doing? He was caught on the long-off boundary trying to hit a six with a man out.
“He had just swept the spinner for six so was that necessary? Not smart. Does he ever think about what he is doing or does he just throw the bat at the ball and hope it comes off?”
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