On 20 July 1981, England recorded one of the most famous victories in their Test cricket history in the Ashes series. Australia enforced the follow-on after the hosts were dismissed for a paltry score in the first innings. However, the English side bounced back on the back of Ian Botham’s scintillating hundred to win by 18 runs at Headingley.
Opting to bat first in the third Test, Australia posted a massive score of 401/9 before declaring. Opener John Dyson led the charge for the visitors with a brilliant century, while half-centuries from Kim Hughes and Graham Yallop also contributed effectively. Meanwhile, Botham shone with a six-wicket haul and carried his form into the batting as well.
Batting at No. 7, the legendary all-rounder scored 50 off 54 balls. But he did not get enough support from the rest, and England’s first innings ended on 174. Day 3 concluded with Kim Hughes and Co. forcing a follow-on over England at 6/1 when opener Graham Gooch was dismissed for a duck.
The match seemed to end on Day 4 itself as the home team were quickly reduced to 41-4. However, Botham had other plans as he continued to be their talisman, displaying relentless hitting. His blazing 149-run knock off 148 balls, which featured a whopping 27 boundaries and a six, singlehandedly took the game away from the opponents. Graham Dilley also contributed (56) effectively to raising the target of 130.
Meanwhile, Bob Wills was the hero with the ball. The right-arm fast bowler grabbed eight wickets, while Botham and Chris Old took one wicket each to bowl out the visitors for 111 runs. Botham was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance that helped England level the Ashes. The Mike Brearley-led side registered three consecutive wins and eventually won the six-match series 3-1.