‘Stupid boy’: England cricket legend Ian Botham reignites feud with Ben Stokes

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 “was” following their disagreement over England’s Ashes preparations and Stokes’ retirement.Botham and Stokes, both regarded as England’s best all-rounders, have traded criticism in the past year. The row began when Botham questioned England’s preparations for the Ashes in Australia, saying the team should have played at least one state match before the series.Speaking to The Times Magazine, Botham criticized Stokes for the team’s approach and their decision to visit Noosa after losing the first two matches of the Ashes series. He said, “Silly boy. I’ll only mention him briefly because his smugness is not something I enjoy.”Although Botham praised Stokes as a great player, he questioned the team’s selection during the tour. Referring to their time in Noosa, he added: “Really? They were p****d like rats. Look, if you want a drink, don’t go to the high street. We used to go to the wineries.”Botham had previously said England’s failure to host a national match was a sign of arrogance, adding: “Not one (national match), which borders on arrogance. You have to give yourself a chance.”Stokes defended the team’s approach, pointing to changes in the modern game. He said: “There are several factors that play a role in why we cannot prepare the way things have been prepared in the past. The landscape of cricket has changed and that affects the preparation.”

Stokes fires back

After Stokes retired from England duty earlier this year, Botham mocked him during the performance Special Test Match. He said: “As Michael Vaughan and I know, we don’t know what we’re talking about. Some old experience.”Addressing Stokes directly, he added: “Ben, if you’re listening, congratulations, you’ve joined the club – now you were.”Stokes responded to X with a stinging remark: “The quote ‘it’s better to have been than never to have been’ comes from Lord Ian Botham.”Botham now took another swipe at Stokes as he launched his new book, saying: “That’s for you, Ben. Welcome to the has-beens club.” The exchange shows that the differences between the two former England stars remain unresolved.