England cricket nice Ian Botham has reignited his public feud with former England captain Ben Stokes, calling him a “silly boy” and a “has-been” after their disagreement over England’s Ashes preparations and Stokes’ retirement.
Botham and Stokes, each considered amongst England’s most interesting all-rounders, have exchanged criticism over the previous 12 months. The dispute started when Botham questioned England’s preparations for the Ashes in Australia, arguing that the group ought to have performed at the very least one state match earlier than the sequence.
Talking to The Instances Journal, Botham criticised Stokes over the group’s method and their resolution to go to Noosa after dropping the primary two matches of the Ashes sequence. He mentioned, “Silly boy. I will point out him solely briefly as a result of his self-indulgence is just not one thing I get pleasure from.”
Though Botham praised Stokes as an awesome participant, he questioned the group’s selections in the course of the tour. Referring to their time in Noosa, he added, “Actually? They have been p****d as rats. Look, in order for you a drink, do not go to the excessive road. We used to go to wineries.”
Botham had earlier mentioned England’s failure to rearrange a state match was an indication of conceitedness, including, “Not one (state match), which borders on conceitedness. You have to give your self the possibility.”
Stokes defended the group’s method, pointing to modifications within the trendy sport. He mentioned, “There’s fairly just a few elements that play into why we won’t put together how the has-beens perhaps ready up to now. The panorama of cricket has modified and that impacts preparation.”
Stokes fires again
After Stokes retired from England responsibility earlier this 12 months, Botham mocked him throughout an look on Check Match Particular. He mentioned, “As we all know Michael Vaughan and I, we do not know what we’re speaking about. Couple of previous has-beens.”
Addressing Stokes immediately, he added, “Ben, in the event you’re listening, congratulations, you’ve got joined the membership – you are now a has-been.”
Stokes responded on X with a pointed comment, “The quote ‘it is higher to be a has-been than a never-been’ originates from Lord Ian Botham.”
Botham has now taken one other swipe at Stokes whereas releasing his new e book, saying, “That is for you, Ben. Welcome to the has-beens membership.” The trade reveals that the disagreement between the 2 former England stars stays unresolved.