Sports · Cricket · 21 hrs ago
Ian Botham renews criticism of Ben Stokes over Ashes preparations
Former England cricket great Ian Botham has renewed his public dispute with Ben Stokes, a former England captain and one of the country’s leading all-rounders.
Botham criticized England’s preparations for an Ashes series in Australia, saying the team should have played a match against a state side before the series.
Stokes argued that changes in cricket mean teams cannot prepare in the same way as in the past.
Botham also criticized the team for visiting Noosa after losing the first two matches, and called Stokes a “stupid boy” and a “has-been.”
Stokes had earlier replied to Botham’s use of “has-been” by saying it was better to be one than a “never-been.”
Stokes retired from England duty earlier this year, but the exchange shows their disagreement continues.
Ian Botham has renewed his criticism of Ben Stokes over England’s Ashes preparations and their tour decisions.
Botham called Stokes a “stupid boy” and said he was welcoming him to the “has-beens club.”
The dispute began with Botham’s criticism of England for not playing a state match before the Ashes in Australia.
Stokes defended the team’s preparation, saying the modern game had changed.
Botham also criticised England’s visit to Noosa after losing the first two Ashes matches.
- Who
- Ian Botham and Ben Stokes, former England cricket stars.
- What
- Botham renewed his criticism of Stokes and England’s Ashes preparations.
- When
- Botham’s latest remarks were reported on October 11, 2026; the article does not give the date he made them.
- Where
- The Ashes series was in Australia. Botham’s latest remarks were made while releasing his new book; a location is not stated.
- Why
- Botham objected to England’s preparation for the series and its visit to Noosa after losing the first two matches. Stokes said the modern game affects how the team can prepare.
Ian Botham
Ben Stokes
Ashes preparation
Ian Botham
Botham said England should have played at least one state match before the series and called the failure to do so a sign of arrogance.
Ben Stokes
Stokes said factors in the modern game affect how England can prepare compared with teams in the past.
Tour decisions
Ian Botham
Botham criticised England’s visit to Noosa after losing the first two matches.
Ben Stokes
Stokes defended the team’s approach to preparation; the article does not report a specific response from him about Noosa.
Stupid boy. I'll mention him only briefly because his self-indulgence is not something I enjoy.
There's quite a few factors that play into why we can't prepare how the has-beens maybe prepared in the past. The landscape of cricket has changed and that affects preparation.
Not one (state match), which borders on arrogance. You've got to give yourself the chance.
The quote 'it's better to be a has-been than a never-been' originates from Lord Ian Botham.
Botham criticised England for not arranging a state match in Australia.
The team visited Noosa, a decision Botham later criticised.
Stokes retired from England duty, according to the article.
Times of India reported Botham’s renewed criticism while he was releasing his new book.
- Critic
- Ian Botham
- Target of criticism
- Ben Stokes
- Preparation issue
- England did not arrange a state match before the Ashes
- Tour location
- Australia
- Post-loss visit
- Noosa, after England lost the first two Ashes matches
Sources
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