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 12 months 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 during the last 12 months – beginning with Botham’s criticism of England’s preparations for final 12 months’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 participant. An ideal participant. However to say that after which lose, it is backfired, hasn’t it? Then after shedding the primary two matches they go to Noosa, in all probability one of the common summer time retreats for Australians.
‘Actually? They had been p****d as rats. Look, in order for you 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 purpose on the former England star
The duo, pictured in 2021, have clashed since Botham criticised England’s Ashes preparations final 12 months
Botham had initially criticised Stokes’ aspect’s poor preparation final 12 months down below, saying: ‘Not one (state match), which borders on vanity. You have to give your self the possibility.’
Stokes hit again, saying: ‘There’s fairly a number of elements that play into why we won’t put together how the has-beens perhaps ready previously.
‘The panorama of cricket has modified and that impacts preparation.’
After Stokes’ retirement, in the meantime, Botham took purpose 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 Couple of outdated has-beens.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 chuckle.
Upon releasing his new ebook, he stated: ‘That is for you, Ben. Welcome to the has-beens membership.’
