Ian Botham

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Ian Terence Botham (born 24 November 1955) is a former English cricketer and cricket commentator. Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game, Botham played for England in both Test and ODI formats. He was known for his aggressive batting, fast-medium bowling, and exceptional fielding.

Early life

Botham was born in Heswall, Cheshire, England. He showed an early interest in sports, excelling in both cricket and football. He attended Buckler's Mead Academy in Yeovil, where he further developed his cricketing skills.

Domestic career

Botham began his professional cricket career with Somerset in 1974. He played for Somerset until 1986, forming a formidable partnership with Viv Richards and Joel Garner. In 1987, he moved to Worcestershire, where he played until 1991. He finished his domestic career with Durham in 1993.

International career

Botham made his Test debut for England against Australia on 28 July 1977. He quickly established himself as a key player, known for his match-winning performances. One of his most famous achievements came during the 1981 Ashes series, often referred to as "Botham's Ashes," where he played a pivotal role in England's victory.

In ODIs, Botham made his debut against the West Indies on 26 August 1976. He was a regular member of the team until his retirement in 1992.

Post-retirement

After retiring from professional cricket, Botham became a popular cricket commentator and analyst. He has also been involved in various charitable activities, particularly fundraising for leukaemia research.

Personal life

Botham is married to Kathryn Waller, and the couple has three children. He was knighted in 2007 for his services to cricket and charity.

Legacy

Botham's contributions to cricket have left a lasting legacy. He is often compared to other great all-rounders like Sir Garfield Sobers and Kapil Dev. His aggressive style of play and charismatic personality have made him a beloved figure in the cricketing world.

See also

• List of England Test cricketers
• List of England ODI cricketers
• Ashes series
• All-rounder