Botham reopens war of words with Stokes over Ashes fallout

Lord Ian Botham has reignited his public feud with retired England captain Ben Stokes following England's 4-1 Ashes series loss in Australia. Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival while promoting his new book, Botham reiterated his criticisms of England's preparation and culture, declaring that Stokes let himself down in his final months as captain.

The dispute began when Botham and Michael Vaughan criticized England's preparation, prompting Stokes to dismiss them as "has-beens." Botham also highlighted off-field controversies, including breached curfews and drinking sessions in Noosa, and noted that in his book he mocked Stokes by calling him a fellow member of the "has-been team."