Born as Ian Terence Botham, the English all-rounder who ruled the English cricket world for more than 14 years was called as “Beefy” and “Guy the Gorilla”. Born on 24 November 1955, this former Test team captain, and current cricket commentator. Has scored 14 centuries and has taken 383 wickets in Test cricket. Known as a controversial player both on and off the field at times, Botham also held a number of test cricket records. He still remain as the highest wicket taker in English cricket history.

Botham was born in Heswall, Wirral. He began his first class career in 1974 with Somerset In 1985 he joined Worcestershire and in 1992 joined with Durham. His debut into Test cricket was on 28 July 1977 in the Third Test against Australia. In his Test career of 15 years,he has worn the English jersey for 102 matches. Botham has scored 5,200 career runs at an average of 33.54; taking 383 wickets at an average of 28.40; and holding 120 catches. Considered as one of England’s greatest players, Botham also has led the English side for 12 Tests in 1980 and 1981.

Even though was an all-rounder, Botham is known mostly for his bowling talent, which makes him stand apart from other players. Sir Ian Botham holds the record of reaching the fastest “doubles” of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets, 2,000 runs and 200 wickets, and 3,000 runs and 300 wickets. He was once the biggest wicket taker, but has now been surpassed by several players. In his ODI career, Botham played 116 games from 1976 to 1992 and has scored 2113 runs and has taken 145 wickets. This controversial figure of England team had faced charges for smoking cannabis in 1986 and was accused of racism and ball-tampering. He also had involved with arguments with different players including Imran Khan, Ian Chappel and Geoff Boycott froim time to time. Botham retire from international cricket in 1992 and is now involved with commentating.

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