England cricket captain Ben Stokes has issued a public apology for what he describes as a 'horrible' slip of the tongue, after he referred to former Test icons Ian Botham and Geoff Boycott as 'has-beens'. The remark followed heavy criticism from the ex-players regarding England's preparation ahead of their heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.
Criticism and a Heated Response
The controversy ignited when a group of former England captains, including Ian Botham, Geoff Boycott, Graham Gooch, and Michael Vaughan, voiced strong concerns about the team's build-up to the series. They argued that a solitary three-day match against the England Lions on a slow pitch was inadequate preparation for a Test on the famously fast and bouncy surface at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
In defence of his team's schedule, which notably omitted a traditional warm-up game against a state side, Stokes dismissed the critics. He used the term 'has-beens', a comment he has since deeply regretted. This week, the skipper clarified his words were a mistake. "I got the words I said completely wrong. I think everyone knows that," Stokes stated. "'Has-beens' is a horrible word. It's the only thing that managed to come out of my mouth at that moment."
Bazball Tactics Under Fire
The criticism from Botham and Boycott extended beyond preparation, taking direct aim at England's aggressive 'Bazball' batting philosophy under coach Brendon McCullum. Boycott, in a scathing column for The Telegraph, labelled the team's batting in the first Test as 'brainless'. "They never learn, because they never listen to anyone outside their own bubble," he wrote.
Their warnings that the ultra-attacking approach could backfire on bowler-friendly pitches were swiftly vindicated. England were bowled out for just 164 in their second innings in Perth, losing the match inside two days. Across the entire Test, the tourists batted for only 32.5 overs in the first innings and 34.4 overs in the second, failing to build substantial innings despite a run rate close to five an over.
Stokes Rejects Arrogance Claims and Appeals to Fans
Amid the fallout, Stokes also found himself rebutting accusations of arrogance from Botham and former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. While accepting criticism of performance, the captain drew a line at the arrogance label. "Call us rubbish, call us whatever you want…I think arrogant might be a little too far, but that's OK, we'll take the rough with the smooth," he responded.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the five-match series, Stokes made an impassioned plea to England's travelling supporters. He urged them to continue backing the team's revamped, aggressive approach to Test cricket. "We know there will be a lot of disappointed fans, but it's a five-game series," Stokes said. "We are doing everything in our power to try to achieve our goal of winning the Ashes."
Reflecting on his own future and his ill-chosen words, Stokes added a note of perspective: "God, I'm going to be a former player one day. It's completely the wrong wording and I think everyone knows it's not at all what I meant."
