‘I would ask the ECB for a refund’: Legend Ian Botham blasts Ben Stokes’ side as Australia humiliates England again in Ashes | Cricket News
England’s Ashes campaign plunged into deeper turmoil on Sunday as Australia claimed an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the second day-night Test in Brisbane, sealing a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.England’s situation sparked a scathing assessment from legend Ian Botham, who said supporters would be justified in demanding their money back given the team’s lack of preparation.Australia, down to 65 runs, headed home as captain Steve Smith bowled Gus Atkinson for an imposing six square to end the match on a high. Although not as brutal as England’s capitulation in Perth, Gabba’s exit once again exposed glaring deficiencies in Ben Stokes’ side.Botham’s criticisms were uncompromising. “Well, they missed it too. They could have sent the team that was going to play that Test. They could have gone to Canberra, or wherever they were playing. And they could have gone there, and at least they would have had some experience with the pink ball,” he said on the sidelines of the Ashes. “What should we do? No, we don’t need it. Well, I suggest you need it. And I think you need to do it. You lost five catches the other day, which cost England. They could have been ahead of the game.”Highlighting Australia’s resilience, he added: “Every player in this Australian team fought to actually be there and play.”Botham reserved his sharpest words on England’s overall preparedness. “I mean, it just doesn’t make a lot of sense. Do you know what, if I was an England supporter and I had paid the money to come here, I would ask the ECB… for a refund because this team… is not prepared. I don’t think the bowlers are fit enough, strong enough,” he added.England was completely dominated. Their batting faltered again – despite some resistance from Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Stokes and Will Jacks – while their bowlers squandered the new pink ball with erratic lengths. Fielding proved disastrous as he dropped five catches, a stark contrast to Australia’s sharpness, highlighted by Josh Inglis’ brilliant removal of Stokes in the first innings.Smith said the match turned dramatically once Australia got the second new ball under the lights, noting: “It can be tricky with the pink ball, it changes very quickly and you have to adapt.” Stokes admitted the performance was “very disappointing”, saying England had failed to withstand the pressure.With three Tests to play in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia are now the hot favorites to retain the Ashes.
