Ian Botham

Ian Terence Botham (1955-) was One of England's best-ever cricket players and one of the best all-round cricketers of all time. In a Test career spanning 15 years from 1977, he made 5200 runs at 33.54, and took 383 wickets at an average of 28.40. Similarly successful at one-day cricket, he was the Wisden[?] cricketer of the year in 1978.

He served as England captain for 12 tests in 1980, but was an unsuccessful captain, with 8 draws and 4 losses.

A colourful character, he was suspended briefly in 1989 for smoking cannabis, and his private life has made occasional dramatic appearances in Britain's tabloid newspapers.

After his retirement as a player, he now works as a television commentator and has participated in a number of charity long-distance walks.