Botham renews feud with retired Stokes over Ashes comments

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 16:37 · Archive

Ian Botham has called Ben Stokes a 'stupid boy' and 'self-indulgent' in renewed criticism over England's Ashes preparations.

Ian Botham has renewed his public dispute with Ben Stokes, calling the recently retired England all-rounder a 'stupid boy' and 'self-indulgent' in an interview with The Times. The feud centres on England's preparations for last year's Ashes series in Australia, which the team lost 4-1.

Botham initially criticised the decision to play only one warm-up match before the series, saying it 'borders on arrogance'. Stokes responded by noting that modern teams operated differently from the way 'has-beens maybe prepared in the past'. Botham has now mocked Stokes' response, saying the claim to then lose the series meant it had 'backfired'.

Botham also criticised the team's mid-series break in Noosa, a popular Australian resort, where he claimed some players became drunk. He contrasted this with his own playing era, saying 'if you want a drink, don't go to the high street. We used to go to wineries.' Stokes retired from England duty earlier this year following an incident in a London nightclub alongside Gus Atkinson.

How it is being reported

• Ian Botham slams 'self-indulgent has-been' Ben Stokes in extraordinary rantIan Botham has renewed his war of words with Ben Stokes as he takes aim at the former England captain and again mocks comments he made during the Ashes series last winterMirror Sport · 11 Oct, 16:17
• England legend Ian Botham labels Ben Stokes a 'stupid boy' and a 'self-indulgent has-been' in latest twist in war of words with former Test captainStokes retired from England duty earlier this year after an incident in a London nightclub alongside Gus Atkinson, having made his Test debut back in 2013, which is when Botham spoke up.Daily Mail Sport · 10 Oct, 22:07

In this story: Ian Botham · Ben Stokes · England · Gus Atkinson · Noosa · Australia · The Times

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