Sir Ian Botham: England all-round cricketer, broadcaster and charity campaigner

Playing profile

Botham made his name as an all-round player, contributing significantly with the bat and as a bowler. He was also highly regarded for his fielding, particularly for taking catches and handling the ball in close positions. He remains a widely recognised and popular figure in British sport.

International career

During his time at the top level he appeared in more than 100 Test matches for England and produced some of his best performances in the 1981 Ashes series. That year England defeated Australia, and the campaign is frequently remembered as "Botham's Ashes".

After cricket

Following retirement from playing, he moved into broadcasting and regularly appears on television. He has also organised and completed lengthy charity walks to raise money for various charity causes.

In recognition of his services to sport and charity he was knighted in 2007.