Botham reopens war of words with Stokes over Ashes fallout
Ian Botham criticises Ben Stokes for resigning mid-Test and for England's poor preparation and off-field behaviour during the Ashes series in Australia.
Lord Ian Botham has criticised Ben Stokes for resigning as England captain during a Test match against New Zealand and for the team's lack of preparation before last winter's Ashes series. Botham said the players spent five days drinking in Noosa instead of training after going 2-0 down in Australia.
Stokes had earlier called Botham and Michael Vaughan "has-beens" after they questioned England's preparation, which included only two and a half days of cricket before the Perth Test. Botham said Stokes let himself down in the final months of his captaincy.
Botham spoke at the Cheltenham Literature Festival while promoting his new book, Seasons. He maintained that curfews were set and broken during the tour, adding that he stands by his earlier comments on the team's conduct.
CricHubb Take
Botham's decision to speak out during a book tour suggests he's willing to risk personal relationships to keep the conversation about England's off-field culture alive, rather than letting the issue fade with time.