Cricket Legend Lambasts Team's Approach
Sir Ian Botham, one of England's most celebrated cricketers, has launched a stinging critique of the national team following their eight-wicket defeat in the first Ashes Test against Australia. The loss, which took place on Monday 24 November 2025, has prompted a fierce response from the former all-rounder, who believes fundamental flaws in the team's approach are to blame.
'Mollycoddled' Bowlers and 'Absolute Nonsense' Preparations
Botham did not hold back in his assessment, pinpointing two key areas of failure. He described England's bowlers as "mollycoddled", suggesting they lack the toughness required for a gruelling Ashes series. Furthermore, he branded the team's decision to prepare for this iconic contest by playing a one-day series in New Zealand as "absolute nonsense", questioning the logic behind such a strategy.
The criticism extends to England's immediate plans. The team has opted against a pink-ball warm-up match in Canberra ahead of the second Test, choosing to focus on additional net sessions instead. Botham dismissed this tactic with his characteristic bluntness, stating simply that "nets are for fishing".
Stokes' Retort and Botham's Challenge
This is not the first time former players have been targeted by the current squad. Before the Ashes began, England captain Ben Stokes hit out at critics, labelling them as "has-beens". Botham addressed these comments directly, claiming he is unsure if Stokes was being serious. He concluded his remarks with a direct challenge to the team, urging them to "prove me wrong" by mounting a comeback in the remaining four Tests of the series.
The pressure is now firmly on Stokes and his men to respond with their performance on the pitch and silence their most vocal detractors.
