Ben Stokes and Ian Botham
England cricket great Ian Botham has reignited his public feud with former England captain Ben Stokes, calling him a “stupid boy” and a “has-been” after their disagreement over England’s Ashes preparations and Stokes’ retirement.
Because his self-indulgence is not something I enjoy, i’ll mention him only briefly.
He said, “Stupid boy. Botham had earlier said England’s failure to arrange a state match was a sign of arrogance, adding, “Not one (state match), which borders on arrogance. He said, “There’s quite a few factors that play into why we can’t prepare how the has-beens maybe prepared in the past. He said, “As we know Michael Vaughan and I, we don’t know what we’re talking about. Addressing Stokes directly, he added, “Ben, if you’re listening, congratulations, you’ve joined the club – you’re now a has-been.”
Botham and Stokes, both regarded as among England’s finest all-rounders, have exchanged criticism over the past year. Speaking to The Times Magazine, Botham criticised Stokes over the team’s approach and their decision to visit Noosa after losing the first two matches of the Ashes series. he questioned the team’s choices during the tour Although Botham praised Stokes as a great player. Referring to their time in Noosa, he added, “Really? They were p****d as rats. Look, if you want a drink, don’t go to the high street. We used to go to wineries. Stokes defended the team’s approach, pointing to changes in the modern game. The landscape of cricket has changed and that affects preparation. Couple of old has-beens.
The dispute began when Botham questioned England’s preparations for the Ashes in Australia, arguing that the team should have played at least one state match before the series. After Stokes retired from England duty earlier this year, Botham mocked him during an appearance on Test Match Special .