DON'T GO SILLY SAYS GEOFFREY

SIR GEOFFREY BOYCOTT has warned England not to believe their own hype ahead of this winter's Ashes, suggesting they do not need to act like Harlem Globetrotters to defeat Australia.

- BY RORY DOLLARD

As player, captain and pundit, Boycott has long been a cautionary voice about the excesses of modern cricket.

Now 84, the Yorkshireman (inset) is optimistic about the prospects of Ben Stokes’ side regaining the urn, but only if England show the necessary cutting edge.