Ian Botham facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Lord Botham OBE
Botham in 2013
Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal
Incumbent
Assumed office 5 October 2020 Life peerage
Personal details
Born	(1955-11-24) 24 November 1955 (age 69) Heswall, England
Personal information Full name Ian Terence Botham Nickname Both, Beefy, Guy Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) Batting Right-handed Bowling Right-arm fast-medium Role All-rounder International information National side England (1976–1992) Test debut (cap 474) 28 July 1977 v Australia Last Test 18 June 1992 v Pakistan ODI debut (cap 33) 26 August 1976 v West Indies Last ODI 24 August 1992 v Pakistan Domestic team information Years Team 1974–1986 Somerset 1987/88 Queensland 1987–1991 Worcestershire 1992–1993 Durham Career statistics Competition Tests ODI FC LA Matches 102 116 402 470 Runs scored 5,200 2,113 19,399 10,474 Batting average 33.54 23.21 33.97 29.50 100s/50s 14/22 0/9 38/97 7/46 Top score 208 79 228 175* Balls bowled 21,815 6,271 63,547 22,899 Wickets 383 145 1,172 612 Bowling average 28.40 28.54 27.22 24.94 5 wickets in innings 27 0 59 3 10 wickets in match 4 0 8 0 Best bowling 8/34 4/31 8/34 5/27 Catches/stumpings 120/– 36/– 354/– 196/– Medal record Men's Cricket Representing  England ICC Cricket World Cup Runner-up 1979 England Runner-up 1992 Australia and New Zealand Source: CricketArchive, 22 August 2007
Ian Botham Personal information Playing position Centre half Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 1978–1980 Yeovil Town 17 (1) 1980–1985 Scunthorpe United 11 (0) Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Ian Terence Botham, Baron Botham (born 24 November 1955) is a famous English cricketer, commentator, and charity fundraiser. He is also a member of the House of Lords. Many people consider him one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. An all-rounder is a player who is very good at both batting and bowling. Botham played for the England in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) matches. He was part of the England teams that reached the finals of the 1979 Cricket World Cup and the 1992 Cricket World Cup.

He played most of his club cricket for Somerset. He also played for Worcestershire, Durham, and Queensland. Botham was a strong right-handed batsman. As a right-arm fast-medium bowler, he was known for his swing bowling, where the ball curves in the air. He often fielded close to the batsman, especially in the slips. In Test cricket, Botham scored 14 centuries (100 runs or more in one innings). His highest score was 208 runs. From 1986 to 1988, he held the world record for the most Test wickets (when a bowler gets a batsman out). He took five wickets in an innings 27 times and 10 wickets in a match four times. In 1980, he was only the second player in Test history to score 100 runs and take 10 wickets in the same match. In 2018, he was named in England's greatest Test team.

Botham has used his fame to raise millions of pounds for research into childhood leukaemia, a type of cancer. He became president of the charity Bloodwise. In 2009, he was added to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, which honours legendary cricketers. In 2020, he became a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament.

Outside of cricket, Botham was also a talented footballer when he was younger. He played professional football for a few seasons, including 11 games for Scunthorpe United. He is also a keen golfer and enjoys angling (fishing) and shooting. He has received a knighthood and a life peerage, which are high honours in the UK.

Early Life and Cricket Beginnings (1955–1973)

Ian Botham was born in Heswall, England, on 24 November 1955. His father was in the Navy during World War II, and his mother was a nurse. When Ian was young, his family moved to Yeovil. Both his parents played cricket, and Ian loved the game even before starting school. He would often watch older boys play cricket and practice bowling with a cricket ball.

Developing Sporting Skills

Botham started playing cricket and football for his school teams at age nine, earlier than most kids. Playing against older boys helped him improve quickly. He also joined the Boys' Brigade, which offered more sports opportunities. By age nine, he was always ready with his cricket kit, looking for any team that needed a player. By age twelve, he was playing for Yeovil Cricket Club's second team.

Botham continued to excel in sports at Bucklers Mead Comprehensive School. He became captain of the under-16 cricket team when he was just thirteen. His talent caught the eye of Somerset County Cricket Club's youth coach, Bill Andrews. At thirteen, he scored 80 runs in his first game for Somerset's under-15s.

Choosing a Career Path

When he was fifteen, Botham had to choose between football and cricket. The manager of Crystal Palace Football Club offered him a chance to become a professional footballer. However, Botham already had a contract with Somerset cricket club. After talking with his father, he decided to focus on cricket, believing he was better at it. When his careers teacher asked what he really planned to do, Botham said he wanted to be a sportsman.

The pavilion at Lord's Cricket Ground, where Botham worked as a ground boy in 1972 and 1973.

In 1972, at 16, Botham left school to play for Somerset. Since he was considered too young for a full professional deal, he joined the ground staff at Lord's, a famous cricket ground. His tasks included cleaning windows, pushing the roller on match days, and selling scorecards. He also received coaching and spent a lot of time practicing. Despite his hard work, one coach thought he would only become an "average county cricketer."

The next year, Botham played more often for Somerset's under-25s. He scored 91 runs in one game and took three wickets in another. He then moved up to play for the county's second team. During winter practice, former England cricketer Tom Cartwright helped Botham learn swing bowling, a skill he learned very quickly.

Cricket Career Highlights (1973–1993)

Early Days with Somerset (1973–1975)

Botham made his senior debut for Somerset on 2 September 1973, at age 17. It was a one-day match against Sussex. He scored two runs and took one wicket. He also impressed by taking a diving catch.

In 1974, Botham became a regular player for Somerset. He made his first-class debut in May. In June, he played against Hampshire in a cup match. He was hit in the mouth by a fast ball, losing four teeth, but bravely kept batting. He scored 45 runs and helped Somerset win by one wicket, earning him a special award. This showed his determination and courage.

In July 1974, he scored his first half-century (50 runs or more) in first-class cricket. A month later, he took his first "five wickets in an innings" (getting five batsmen out in one turn at bat). Botham showed great promise in his first full season.

Rising Star: England Debut (1976)

The year 1976 was big for Botham. He scored over 1,000 runs for the first time and hit his first century (100 runs). He also got selected to play for England in two One-Day International (ODI) matches.

In a county match against Nottinghamshire, Botham scored an amazing 167 not out, helping Somerset win by six wickets. This was his first century in first-class cricket.

Botham made his England debut on 26 August 1976, against the West Indies. He was only 20 years old. He took his first international wicket in that game.

Test Cricket Debut and Success (1977)

In 1977, Botham's strong performances for Somerset led to his selection for the England Test team. He made his Test debut against Australia on 28 July 1977. He made an immediate impact, taking five wickets for 74 runs in Australia's first innings.

In the next Test, Botham took five wickets for only 21 runs. England won the series and regained The Ashes, a famous cricket trophy. During this match, he broke a bone in his foot, which ended his season early.

While recovering from his injury, Botham visited a children's hospital ward by mistake. He learned that some children were dying of leukaemia, a type of blood cancer. This experience deeply affected him and inspired him to start his charity work for leukaemia research.

Becoming a World-Class All-Rounder (1978–1980)

Botham's form continued to improve. In 1978, he scored a century and took eight wickets for 34 runs in a Test match against Pakistan. This was his best bowling performance in first-class cricket. England won that series.

He played in the 1979 Cricket World Cup, where England reached the final but lost. For his club, Somerset, 1979 was a memorable year as they won their first major trophies, the Gillette Cup and the John Player League.

In February 1980, Botham had an amazing personal triumph in a special Test match against India in Mumbai. He became the first player in Test history to score a century (114 runs) and take ten wickets (six in the first innings, seven in the second) in the same match. This incredible achievement showed his skill as a true all-rounder.

Challenges as England Captain (1980–1981)

After his success in India, Botham was made England captain. He led England in 12 Test matches in 1980 and 1981. However, the team struggled under his leadership, especially against the strong West Indies team. Botham's own performance also suffered. He eventually resigned as captain.

Despite the captaincy struggles, Botham had a great season with the bat in 1980, scoring over 1,000 runs for Somerset. His highest score was an impressive 228 runs.

The Famous Ashes Comeback (1981)

After Botham resigned as captain, Mike Brearley took over. In the 1981 Ashes series against Australia, England was losing. In the third Test at Headingley, England was in a terrible position, forced to follow-on (bat again immediately) and still far behind. Bookmakers were offering odds of 500 to 1 against England winning.

Botham, however, played an incredible innings, scoring 149 not out. With help from other players, England set Australia a target of 130 runs to win. Then, England's fast bowler Bob Willis took eight wickets, and Australia collapsed, losing by 18 runs. This was one of the most famous comebacks in cricket history.

Botham continued his amazing form in the next two Tests. In the fourth Test, he took five wickets for only one run in a short spell, helping England win by 29 runs. In the fifth Test, he scored 118 runs. England won the series 3-1, regaining the Ashes. Botham was named "Man of the Series" for his outstanding batting, bowling, and fielding.

Later Career and Retirement (1982–1993)

Botham continued to play for England and Somerset. In 1982, he scored his highest Test score of 208 runs against India. Somerset also won the Benson & Hedges Cup again. In 1983, Botham captained Somerset to win the NatWest Trophy.

In 1984, Botham became Somerset's club captain. However, the team did not perform as well during his captaincy. In 1986, after some disagreements within the club, Botham decided to leave Somerset.

He then joined Worcestershire in 1987. He helped them win the Sunday League and two County Championship titles. After a back injury in 1988, he returned in 1989. He played a few more Tests for England but was not as effective as before.

In 1991, Botham played his only century against the West Indies, scoring 161 not out for Worcestershire. He also helped Worcestershire win the Benson & Hedges Cup.

Final Years and World Cup (1991–1993)

Botham's last international tour was to Australia and New Zealand in 1991–92. He played in the 1992 Cricket World Cup in Australia, where England reached the final. Botham had some great performances, including taking four wickets and scoring 53 runs against Australia in one match. England lost the final to Pakistan.

In 1992, Botham joined Durham, a new team in the County Championship. He scored a century in their very first first-class match. His final Test appearance for England was against Pakistan in 1992.

In 1992, Botham was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) by the Queen for his services to cricket and his charity work.

Botham retired from cricket in the middle of the 1993 season. His last match was for Durham against the touring Australian team.

Cricket Achievements and Records

A graph showing Botham's Test career bowling statistics and how they have varied over time.

Botham played in 102 Test matches over 16 seasons.

• He scored 5,200 runs, including 14 centuries. His highest score was 208.
• He took 383 wickets, with his best bowling figures being eight wickets for 34 runs.
• He took ten wickets in a match four times.
• He held 120 catches.

In 116 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he scored 2,113 runs and took 145 wickets. He played in three Cricket World Cups (1979, 1983, 1992).

Botham was the 21st player to achieve the "double" of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in Test cricket. He also held the world record for the most Test wickets from 1986 to 1988.

He was the first player in Test history to score a century and take ten wickets in the same match, which he did against India in 1980.

Botham's Test career performance graph.

Botham is considered one of the few true world-class all-rounders in cricket history. An all-rounder is a player who is excellent at both batting and bowling. His early career statistics were incredibly strong, showing he could have been a top specialist batsman or bowler on their own. However, a back injury in 1980 affected his bowling pace and ability to swing the ball.

Playing Style and Legacy

Botham had a strong connection with his first county captain, Brian Close. They both shared a fierce determination to win. Botham was known for his incredible courage, often fielding in dangerous positions close to the batsman. He was also a brilliant fielder.

As a batsman, Botham was sometimes wrongly called a "big hitter" who just swung the bat. However, he had a very proper batting style, hitting the ball straight. His strength allowed him to hit powerful shots, but he played with good technique. As a bowler, he mastered swing bowling, which involves making the ball curve in the air. He could also change his pace and bowl fast, swinging yorkers (a type of delivery).

Botham's career was very exciting and fast-paced. He achieved many milestones quickly. His impact on the game and his ability to turn matches around made him a legend. The Richards–Botham Trophy, a cricket trophy, is named in his honour and that of his friend and fellow cricketer, Viv Richards.

Life Outside Cricket

Football Career

Even though he chose cricket, Botham was a talented footballer. He played as a centre-half for Yeovil Town and Scunthorpe United from 1978 to 1985. He played 11 games in the Football League for Scunthorpe.

Charity Work

Botham's Paddington Bear statue, named "Sticky Wicket," in Regent's Park, London. It was part of an auction to raise money for the NSPCC.

Botham is famous for his amazing charity fundraising efforts. He has completed 12 long-distance charity walks, including a 900-mile trek across Britain. His inspiration came from a visit to a children's hospital in 1977, where he saw children suffering from leukaemia.

His efforts have raised over £12 million for charity, mostly for leukaemia research. In 2003, he became the first President of Bloodwise, a leading UK blood cancer charity. In 2014, he designed a Paddington Bear statue for a charity auction that raised funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

In 2007, Botham was made a Knight Bachelor by Queen Elizabeth II for his charity work and contributions to cricket.

Media and Public Life

After retiring from cricket, Botham became a cricket commentator and analyst for Sky Sports. He is known for his calm and insightful comments. In 2009, he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

In 2020, Botham was given a life peerage by Boris Johnson, meaning he became a member of the House of Lords. He is known for his support of Brexit, the UK's decision to leave the European Union. In 2021, he was appointed the UK's Trade Envoy to Australia.

Personal Interests

Botham is colour blind. He married Kathryn Waller in 1976, and they have a son, Liam, and two daughters. The family lives in North Yorkshire and also has a property in Spain, where Botham enjoys playing golf.

He is an avid fisherman, especially for trout and salmon, and even hosted a TV series about fishing. He also enjoys game shooting and owns a grouse moor. This has led to some disagreements with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) regarding conservation issues.

Botham is known for his traditional English views and is a strong supporter of the monarchy.

Images for kids

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  Ian Botham batting against New Zealand in February 1978.

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  Ian Botham batting against New Zealand in February 1978.

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  Botham batting at Trent Bridge in 1983.