Lord Ian Botham has reignited his war of words with fellow former England all-rounder Ben Stokes, branding him a ‘stupid boy’ and ‘has-been’ in his latest rant.
Stokes 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.
Botham, meanwhile, who is, like Stokes, also considered one of England’s greatest-ever all-rounders, has traded words with Stokes over the last 12 months – starting with Botham’s criticism of England’s preparations for last year’s Ashes.
Now, though, he has chimed in again. He said of Stokes to the Times Magazine: ‘Stupid boy. I’ll mention him only briefly because his self-indulgence is not something I enjoy.
‘He’s a good player. A great player. But to say that and then lose, it’s backfired, hasn’t it? Then after losing the first two matches they go to Noosa, probably one of the most popular summer retreats for Australians.
‘Really? They were p****d as rats. Look, if you want a drink, don’t go to the high street. We used to go to wineries.’
Ben Stokes (left) and Ian Botham (right) have once again butted heads after the latter took aim at the former England star
The duo, pictured in 2021, have clashed since Botham criticised England’s Ashes preparations last year
Botham had initially criticised Stokes’ side’s poor preparation last year down under, saying: ‘Not one (state match), which borders on arrogance. You’ve got to give yourself the chance.’
Stokes hit back, saying: ‘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.’
After Stokes’ retirement, meanwhile, Botham took aim again.
He said on Test Match Special: ‘As we know Michael Vaughan and I, we don’t know what we’re talking about. Couple of old has-beens.
‘Ben, if you’re listening, congratulations, you’ve joined the club – you’re now a has-been.’
Stokes, though, hit back again, saying on X: ‘The quote “it’s better to be a has-been than a never-been” originates from Lord Ian Botham.’
It seems Botham, though, has had the last laugh.
Upon releasing his new book, he said: ‘This is for you, Ben. Welcome to the has-beens club.’
