Ian Botham is considered as one of the greatest all-rounder cricket has seen. Ian Botham has played an important role for in rise of England cricket. During his time, he was a match winner for England cricket team. It’s difficult to put the English hero on a list of the finest all-rounders of all time when it also includes Garry Sobers, Richard Hadlee, Kapil Dev, Imran Khan, and Jacques Kallis. When it came to outscoring other all-rounders, Botham was the best competitor of his day.
In 1977, Botham Ian made his Test debut at Trent Bridge against Australia. In 3rd Test match of the series against Australia which was played in Nottingham Ian Botham made his debut. Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. Australia posted a total of 243 runs in 1st innings as Ian Botham bowled 20 overs took 5 wickets gave 74 runs. However, in first innings be was dismissed on 25 runs and didn’t got any wicket in 2nd innings
But 1981 will always be remembered as the year when Botham turned from a talented player into a legendary player, helping England become the first side in history to win a test match after batting second. Against Australia, he hit an incredible 149 runs, keeping England in the match. Rightfully, he was chosen Man of the Series when he amassed 399 runs, claimed 34 wickets, and made 12 catches.
His last test match for England was against Pakistan in 1977 at iconic stadium Lords. Before taking retirement Ian Botham played 102 Test match for England. In 102 Test matches for England Ian Botham scored 5200 runs while his highest was 208 which came against India. He smashed 14 centuries and 22 fifties in his Test career. With ball he picked 383 wickets for England.
Read More: Victory for England in the inaugural Women’s World Cup