'Act like you've grown up' - Geoffrey Boycott sends strong message to England players amid off-field issues

England's cricketers have faced mounting scrutiny over off-field behaviour during recent tours and domestic competitions. Several high-profile incidents have drawn attention to player conduct away from the field, prompting calls for greater accountability and professionalism within the squad.

Geoffrey Boycott, the 85-year-old former England batsman, has weighed in on the matter with a direct message to the current generation of players. Boycott emphasised the need for players to recognise their responsibilities as public figures and the consequences of their actions in an age of constant surveillance.

"Everybody’s got a mobile phone, and they’re just going to video you. Everywhere you go, there’s a mobile phone taking pictures. You’ve got to be smart," Boycott said to Stick to Cricket podcast.

Boycott highlighted the importance of maturity and self-discipline in professional cricket. He pointed to earlier comments from England captain Joe Root, who had insisted that the team did not operate under a drinking culture. Boycott reinforced this sentiment by calling on players to demonstrate the professionalism expected of international athletes.

"What you do after the end of play... Root was right: act like you’ve grown up. If they leave an England player out for a few games, let him think about that for a bit," Boycott said.

Police probe alleged assault in Brydon Carse incident

The former batter also addressed the cultural attitudes within professional sports teams. He noted that there has long been a perception that drinking and socialising are integral to team bonding, but he rejected this notion as outdated. Boycott emphasised that winning and performance should be the primary focus, not conformity to social expectations.

"Do what you want. Go home, see your wife, see the kids, go out with a girlfriend, have a nice meal. If you want a drink, have a drink, but make sure, however much you drink, the next day you can perform," Boycott said.

Recent incidents have tested England's approach to player discipline. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were omitted from the second Test against New Zealand after the opening Test victory when they exceeded the team's midnight curfew while celebrating. An investigation found neither player culpable for violence at the nightclub; Atkinson was deemed a victim of unprovoked attacks, and both received written warnings for breaching their obligations as England players.

Harry Brook was involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of an ODI during the New Zealand tour. Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were also present during the incident. Brook and Bethell were subsequently cautioned over their conduct.

Brydon Carse faced separate consequences after a police detention following a late-night incident in Derby where he was celebrating Durham's County Championship victory. He was dropped for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, and the episode was referred to the Cricket Regulator. Carse was subsequently released.