English cricket icon Lord Ian Botham has delivered a powerful message to modern stars Ben Stokes and Joe Root, insisting that victory in the Ashes series on Australian soil is the final hurdle they must clear to secure their legendary status.
The Legacy Challenge
Botham's comments come in the wake of a devastating two-day defeat for England in Perth, a performance he described as "horrendous". He argues that despite their phenomenal individual achievements, the pair's legacies remain incomplete without a series win Down Under.
Joe Root, England's second-highest Test run-scorer in history with 39 centuries, has never won a Test match in Australia across 15 attempts. His fellow stalwart, Ben Stokes, a two-time World Cup winner renowned for his match-defining innings, has also failed to secure a victory in his 10 Tests there. At 34 years old, this current Ashes campaign likely represents their last realistic chance to conquer this final frontier.
Botham's Forthright Assessment
Speaking to the PA news agency, Botham was unequivocal about what is required. "To be one of the very best you need to win in Australia, 100 per cent," he stated. "People remember you for what you've done over here."
He empathised with the duo's personal ambition, noting, "They are the two who will want this the most because a lot of the others will get another bite at the cherry." Drawing from his own experience of securing eight Test victories and two Ashes wins in Australia, Botham added, "I can tell you from experience, winning over here feels really, really good and it means absolute respect."
A Call for Tactical Rethink After Perth Collapse
The cricketing legend expressed clear frustration with England's current approach, particularly after their rapid capitulation in Perth. "I'm fed up of hearing, 'this is the way we play'. If I hear it once more, I think I'll throw something at the television," he declared.
He issued a stark warning that persisting with an overly aggressive mindset could lead to a 5-0 series whitewash. Botham, whose own legendary counter-attacking innings at Headingley in 1981 set the template, advised a more measured game plan. "Maybe we need to rethink our tactics. You're not going to smash these Australian bowlers around all the time," he cautioned. "Be selective, be sensible. Pull your horns in a little bit."
He concluded with a plea for pride and improvement, urging the team to "fire up quickly" with four Tests remaining to salvage the series and their legacies.
