Ian Botham Calls Ben Stokes 'Stupid Boy'

Ben Stokes during a press conference (Source: AFP Photos)Two of England’s greatest all-rounders of all time, Ian Botham and Ben Stokes, do not share a great relationship off the field. And things went south once again, as Botham labelled Stokes a ‘stupid boy '.Botham’s blunt criticism of Stokes stemmed from their decision to the a break in the middle of The Ashes. In fact, when Stokes, along with Ben Duckett and others, were in Noosa during the break, they were drunk. This happened after Australia defeated England in the first two Tests.Ian Botham Tears Ben Stokes Apart With Blunt CriticismIn a conversation with the Times Magazine, Botham, who criticized infamous nightclub incident as well, highlighted the fact that it was absolutely unnecessary for Ben Stokes and his boys in the middle of probably the year’s most significant assignment.'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," Ian Botham was quoted as saying by Times Magazine.ALSO READBen Stokes vs Ian Botham- Who Deserves The Greatest England All Rounder Title?"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." he added.Australia won the last Ashes 4-1. England, under Ben Stokes, only won once, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Boxing Day Test.Stokes Recently Hit Back At Botham After RetirementBen Stokes, who retired internationally in June this year, recently went viral on social media after Ian Botham took aim at him in July.“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,” Botham said on Test Match Special.Stokes, on X (formerly known as Twitter), wrote: “The quote ‘it's better to be a has-been than a never-been’ originates from Lord Ian Botham”, to reply to him.ALSO READCameron Green To Return For Australia vs South Africa 2nd Test: Report