{
  "id": 13598004,
  "title": "'Stupid boy': England cricket legend Ian Botham reignites feud with Ben Stokes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/stupid-boy-england-cricket-legend-ian-botham-reignites-feud-with-ben",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T01:04:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/stupid-boy-england-cricket-legend-ian-botham-reignites-feud-with-ben-stokes/articleshow/134863836.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former England cricket icon Ian Botham has reignited his feud with former captain Ben Stokes, labeling the latter a \"stupid boy\" and a \"has-been\" following their disagreement regarding England's Ashes preparations and Stokes' retirement from international cricket. Botham and Stokes, both recognized as among England's greatest all-rounders, have been engaged in a year-long exchange of criticism. The dispute originated when Botham questioned England's preparations for the Ashes series in Australia, arguing that the team should have played at least one state match beforehand. In an interview with The Times Magazine, Botham criticized Stokes for the team's approach, particularly their decision to visit Noosa after losing the first two matches. He remarked, \"Stupid boy. I'll mention him only briefly because his self-indulgence is not something I enjoy.\" Despite Botham's praise for Stokes as a great player, he expressed dissatisfaction with the team's choices during the tour. He added, \"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.\"",
  "summary": "England legend Ian Botham has reignited his feud with Ben Stokes, calling him a \"stupid boy\" and a \"has-been\" over England’s Ashes preparations and retirement. Botham criticised the team’s lack of practice matches and trip to Noosa after defeats. Stokes defended modern cricket’s demands and hit back online, saying, \"it's better to be a has-been than a never-been.\"",
  "key_points": [
    "Ian Botham calls Ben Stokes a \"stupid boy\" and a \"has-been\".",
    "Botham and Stokes have a year-long exchange of criticism.",
    "Botham criticized England's Ashes preparations and Stokes' retirement."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ian Botham's renewed verbal attack on Ben Stokes suggests their year-long disagreement is far from over, with Botham's harsh words underscoring a deeper rift over England's cricket strategy and team culture.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}