Lord Ian Botham has reignited his confrontation with fellow former England all-rounder Ben Stokes, branding him a ‘silly boy’ and ‘has-been’ in his newest rant.
Stokes retired from England obligation earlier this yr after an incident in a London nightclub alongside Gus Atkinson, having made his Check debut again in 2013.
Botham, in the meantime, who’s, like Stokes, additionally thought of one in all England’s greatest-ever all-rounders, has traded phrases with Stokes over the past 12 months – beginning with Botham’s criticism of England’s preparations for final yr’s Ashes.
Now, although, he has chimed in once more. He stated of Stokes to the Times Magazine: ‘Silly boy. I am going to point out him solely briefly as a result of his self-indulgence just isn’t one thing I get pleasure from.
‘He is an excellent participant. A fantastic participant. However to say that after which lose, it is backfired, hasn’t it? Then after dropping the primary two matches they go to Noosa, in all probability one of the crucial fashionable summer time retreats for Australians.
‘Actually? They have been p****d as rats. Look, if you would like a drink, do not go to the excessive road. We used to go to wineries.’
Ben Stokes (left) and Ian Botham (proper) have as soon as once more butted heads after the latter took intention on the former England star
The duo, pictured in 2021, have clashed since Botham criticised England’s Ashes preparations final yr
Botham had initially criticised Stokes’ aspect’s poor preparation final yr down below, saying: ‘Not one (state match), which borders on vanity. You have to give your self the prospect.’
Stokes hit again, saying: ‘There’s fairly a number of elements that play into why we will not put together how the has-beens perhaps ready up to now.
‘The panorama of cricket has modified and that impacts preparation.’
After Stokes’ retirement, in the meantime, Botham took intention once more.
He stated on Check Match Particular: ‘As we all know Michael Vaughan and I, we do not know what we’re speaking about. Couple of outdated has-beens.
‘Ben, if you happen to’re listening, congratulations, you have joined the membership – you are now a has-been.’
Stokes, although, hit again once more, saying on X: ‘The quote “it is higher to be a has-been than a never-been” originates from Lord Ian Botham.’
It appears Botham, although, has had the final chortle.
Upon releasing his new guide, he stated: ‘That is for you, Ben. Welcome to the has-beens membership.’
