Botham: The Legend of '81 (BBC2)

[@neilhutchinson4545]

R.I.P. Bob Willis. An equally important part of the success in the '81 Ashes.

[@maheshpsoni2222]

Absolutely right What a spell, memorable 8 wkt

[@geoffreyking1634]

They were all important team game,must not forget the skipper, the keeper,all contributed

[@georgestephenson7158]

Well said.

[@thadtuiol1717]

RIP Graham Dilley. He was involved in 2 key moments: Hit that marvellous 56 in the 2nd innings to keep Botham company and took that towering catch down on the boundary at 3rd man off Rod Marsh's hook shot. Died too young, sadly.

[@Muckylittleme]

RIP BBC, a one decent pro British institution.

[@jimmywrangles]

As an Aussie I hated Mr Botham. But as he isn't kicking our asses anymore i can afford to give him the enormous respect he deserves. Well played sir, I miss watching you flog my team.

[@shanmukhapraveen7406]

@Mark Richardson Except in India, they are very well respected here!

[@andrewmulligan6844]

Yeah. I love him NOW

[@markdouglas9182]

True; but also as an Aussie cricket fan; I think I can safely say that no English cricketer in the last 40 odd years - is more admired and revered in Australia, than the mighty Ian Botham. One of the very best...

[@johnroberts6753]

When our rivalry was legendary with the greats of Lillie Thompson Border Brearley boycott and Willis. What a time to fall in love with cricket and the ashes

[@joshlock4627]

Only kicked out butt in that 81 test and the 87 Ashes - that’s IT!!!! Very inconsistent player

[@Ken_oh545]

Ian's friendship with Viv Richards always inspiring

[@murdoch691]

It was full of ganja 😅

[@Round_07]

I remember this summer as a child so well. To say Ian Botham was a national hero was an understatement, I don’t think I’ve witnessed anybody getting even close to the status he had ever since. Mind you it wouldn’t have happened without ‘angry’ Bob Willis’s bowling cameo at Headingley.

[@charlesdale5965]

A pair at Lords. Losing the captaincy. England on the ropes........ Even Hollywood would struggle!

[@philmarsh1000]

Also wouldn't have happened without Graham Dilley

[@iankemp8535]

@@philmarsh1000 even Botham admits that. Stokes produced a performance yesterday that was greater than Botham in as much the Australian bowling was far better than in 1981. Both never the less great performances.

[@aggers40]

@@philmarsh1000 or Chris Old's 20-something, either. We'll conveniently forget Bob Willis' 1 though!

[@sunilkp70]

@@iankemp8535 Strokes never a bowler near Botham's class.

[@CABBIE2000]

As an Aussie, I always loved watching Botham. He was in a class of his own, a cricket giant.

[@mickleem]

Every boy wanted to be him and do what he did. A great Englishman who will be forever respected for ever in the realms of sporting hero’s and for the money he’s raised for charity’s. I wish him a very long and happy life.

[@iankemp8535]

My hero's from a different era were the great Australian all rounder Keith Miller a real boys own hero over 6 foot with looks of a film star. A night fighter pilot flying Mosquitos during world war 2 A great Bat and a instinctive very fast bowler who could change a match. A brilliant slip fielder . Very similar to Botham in attitude and manner but with much greater charm and modesty. liked by all who met him. And England's first media star Denis Compton. A great bat a genius also played foot ball for Arsenal and England a brilliant foot baller in the George Best class early in his career which was shortened due to 6 years of war when he lost his best years. Scored over 40000 runs 123 centuries and even managed to take 600 plus wickets with his left arm spinners. Averaged over 50 At one point from 1945 to 1950 scored over 60 centuries averaging over 70 in county and test cricket. and 20000 runs A serious knee injury hampered his later years. But he was one of England's real greats modest and charming to all who met him. A great sportsman a real hero.

[@Ram92026z]

I have tears watching this. I watched him in the Bangalore test during 80.81. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE my super hero, Ian Botham! Very few people inspire people across the globe!@ Ian B was certainly one of them.

[@kunalraina435]

Botham deserves a movie

[@Pom2.0]

Also a better world for his children and us.

[@spnhm34]

How could it be better than this

[@davidjones5333]

@@Pom2.0 His grandson is a Wales under 20s rugby international

[@blindlemonmusic]

As an Aussie, I salute you Sir Ian

[@vantheman12welshman66]

Michael Lemmer good on you mate. Aussie’s have always appreciated Botham more than the English.

[@bside_nl]

@@vantheman12welshman66 I see it differently, really. Aussies ( and I am one of them), wanted an Ashes tour that mattered. Botham (and Willis) gave the Aussies that. Botham took on the Thommo and Lillee attitude and gave it back to us in spades. They have our respect for that.

[@MOLMENTUSS]

Appreciate that my friend .

[@kolossimike]

When I was a kid, I asked Botham for his autograph. He said, "Fuck off." Lovely fella. (I asked Geoff Lawson for an autograph at the same game. He said, "Sure, mate," and duly obliged. What a bastard.)

[@gileshorton8282]

Beefy loves the Aussies. Great camaraderie

[@matthewcoombs3282]

I have only a handful of idols. Ian Botham is one of them. The greatest sportsman that England has ever produced.

[@simongilliat2205]

Hmm, Daley Thompson, Steve Redgrave, Lewis Hamilton, Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome might have something to say..

[@jmacattack1234]

Lewis Hamilton!! Get a grip

[@slowhand8301]

Simon Gilliat Ronnie O'Sullivan, graham Jarvis, Colin McRae , Jim Clark, and Bobby Moore are England's greatest sportsmen

[@paulwoodhall1748]

Our Nige?

[@slowhand8301]

Paul Woodhall shut the fuck up

[@Soubhik12345.]

Brings tears to my eyes seeing the love and passion for the country and ofc the game itself 😭😭💔

[@koreainsincere]

Every time I hear the late and very great Richie Benaud say "Bowled 'im, it's all over" at Headingley it makes me cry.

[@pwareham61]

I miss Richie Benaud so much.

[@thadtuiol1717]

Same here. The ending of that crazy test match still sends shivers down my spine...RGD steaming in looking like a man possessed, the stumps going everywhere and Richie Benaud's beautifully timed "Bowled 'im, it's all over". I was 9 years old and I have been hooked on cricket ever since.

[@davidcoleman757]

Having Viv and Big Bird as your nightclub bodyguards - that's hilarious.

[@eclectica1]

I'm glad that they gave Bob Willis his due in this documentary when they talked about Headingley 1981. Ian Botham quite rightly gets lauded for his efforts in that match, but without Willis' bowling spell, I think the Aussies probably end up sneaking the win.

[@joshuaspencer1578]

R.I.P the great man.....

[@huepix]

Yup. These two were the leaders for a new age of English cricket.

[@billbonnington7916]

Absolute legend. Ran Geoffrey Boycott out when he was scoring too slowly, ran the Aussies ragged, and that Old Trafford 100 was, as Stephen Fry said, his best innings ever. Don't forget Graham Dilley's part in the Headingly match, he hit a fifty in that 2nd innings and stuck around with Beefy, Chris Old hung around too.

[@retrocynical5209]

Bill Bonnington well said, people forget the part Graham Dilley played in that victory.

[@Formula1Madx]

He ran Geoffrey Boycott out? But what about Boyc's average? 😳

[@harrybrighouse5094]

Not only did Dilley hit a 50, but he was the one who started hitting -- Botham looked unsure of himself for a while, but Dilley seemed to have just thought there was nothing to lose, and Botham caught on quickly.

[@jookingstudio5292]

For me Willis' bowling that day was the greatest display of pace and hostility I've ever seen.

[@EdMcF1]

And the last wicket, the middle stump doing a cartwheel.

[@johncourtneidge]

Yes!

[@davifdavid4347]

A really amazing documentary.

[@nickpilgrim1966]

Great documentary. I used to watch Beefy, Viv and Big Bird at Taunton as a schoolboy and once helped serve drinks at the players bar. Richards was just the most incredible athelete. Its quite moving to see how much love Bob Willis had for Sir Ian.

[@Mango62uk]

Viv Richards moves with such majesty that it's breathtaking to watch.

[@cmpokhriyal]

@nickpilgrim1966: Weren't Gavaskar there with them?

[@richastle8293]

This is the best doco I've ever seen. Ian is not only a champion and knight, but also a saint. (Don't tell my friends, but as an Australian, it's OK if England win the odd game. I'm glad to share the same air as you Sir Ian!)

[@vantheman1238]

Ian Botham in 1980 took 13 wickets and scored a hundred in a test match v India in Bombay. The first cricketer to ever achieve it. No matter how great Sobers was, he never did it or Miller. Khan, Dev or Hadlee all came later, much later. Furthermore, after that Jubillee Test Match in 1980, Botham returned to England and severely injured his back in a pre season game at the Parks. His bowling was never the same again. Although he could still be great. That certain magic was gone. That he bowled with that back, that broken back was testament to the man and his incredible resolve. Whenever, I hear all this crock about Imran Khan. How many hundreds did Imran score in Test cricket. How many catches did Imran take. Botham at his peak was the true all round cricketer. Finest fast medium swing bowler in the world in 1979/80, best second slip fielder in the world for ten years and the biggest hitter and most exciting batsman in world cricket. 14 Test hundreds for goodness sake!

[@Brez6645]

Well said - he was for a short period in the late 70s the number 1 bowler in world cricket and broke many records. This in an era featuring some of the greatest fast bowlers in history. It's easy to forget how good a bowler he was when you watch footage of his later career.

[@biotechemboy]

Botham was great surely. Kapil and Imran were performing all rounders while leading as captains with almost a billion people's expectations for a good portion of a decade. Botham's captaincy was short lived and his performances were all when he was not the captain!

[@Brez6645]

@@biotechemboy I think it's fair to say that captaincy was not Botham's greatest forte.

[@iankemp8535]

You forget that the opposition was not that great . I happen to think that Botham was Englands best all rounder. But he was not as great as Sobers a far greater bat and a much more versatile bowler. Botham was a very good fast medium baller for a few years than lost a lot of his zip. and was very lucky or the opposition was rather weak. As a bat he could be very destructive but even that fell away. Botham did not do very well against the strongest sides like the west Indies or Pakistan. Keith Miller of Australia was a much greater all rounder who I would put up there with Sobers . Imran Khan, was a much more destructive baller than Botham . Best medium fast baller of all time probably Bedser after the war balled Bradman 4 times and Maurice Tate before the war. Botham was lucky because his great performances had TV exposure that was not around when some of the many great players from 150 years of Cricket were around. He did have the charm and modesty of Miller or indeed Sobers . Greats like Miller lost 6 of his best years flying Mosquitos as a night fighter pilot during second world war.

[@vantheman1238]

@@biotechemboy he did great for leukaemia though didn’t he. What a star of a human being. His walks and the money raised have saved so many lives. What an all-rounder eh

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

I discovered the beautiful game of cricket during the summer holidays of '77. I had passed my eleven plus the year before and could not be bothered to mingle for a while, I soon caught up. I layed on my long sofa and discovered these 2 genius players, Viv Richards and Ian Botham playing for the invicible Somerset team that year. I was laying fresh eyes on cricket aged 13 and it was obvious these guys were the real deal. I have loved top quality cricket ever since. My van has a West Indies fielding hat and recently replaced my lost England and Wales county hat

[@kennethcrowther2277]

Let's also not forget that in that '81 Headingley Test, Ian Botham also took 6-95 from 40 odd overs in Australia's first innings of 400 odd, then top scored for England in their first innings of only 174 with exactly 50, before the fantastic 149* in the follow-on innings. This was the fourth out of five occasions in his test career that he scored a century and took a 5-for in the same test. No other all-rounder in test cricket history achieved this feat more than twice. That says plenty about his ability as an all-rounder to take a match by the scruff of the neck and dominate it! The other great all-rounders who performed that allround feat on two occasions were Sir Garfield Sobers of the West Indies, Mushtaq Mohammed of Pakistan, and Jacques Kallis of South Africa. Just the three. Botham did it more than twice as many times as any of them. He was one of a good number of truly great test all-rounders that cricket history has given us, the other three in the '70s & '80s providing such magnificent competition for him in Imran Khan, Sir Richard Hadlee, and Kapil Dev. However there has never been another all-rounder quite like him, or indeed quite on his level in terms of being able to completely dominate a single match and more or less win it for his team. Sobers is widely regarded as the greatest actual all-rounder of all time. Perhaps rightly so - these things are somewhat subjective of course, but Botham in his own way was utterly incomparable. Especially when he was at his very consistent best in the first half of his career before the foot and back injuries affected the consistency of his game and the pace of his bowling. Nevertheless, while a lot has been made of his deterioration as a player, he remained a fantastic all-rounder to the end who was still as likely to do something remarkable as not. A truly great player, and without doubt a great English man.

[@mrkipling2201]

Well said. A fully fit and firing Ian Botham would have made the 1989 Ashes series a lot closer. After the 1986/87 Ashes series the injuries seemed to affect him a lot more. People forget how good he was in the 1992 World Cup as well. Playing the role of pinch hitter and with accurate bowling.

[@kennethcrowther2277]

@@mrkipling2201 yep. That '92 World Cup in Australia & New Zealand was one of the things I was thinking about regarding how good a cricketer he still actually was at the end of his career. His appearances for England had become very sporadic in the seasons leading up to '92 anyway. That '92 WC might even have been his very last involvement in international cricket. Maybe he played a couple of tests against Pakistan in the '92 English summer before announcing his retirement. He was excellent in that WC! A few more runs from him in the opening role partnering Gooch would've been good, but his bowling was superb. Accuracy and subtle changes of pace with some clever swing and seam. His best innings (and match) was the heat match against Australia at the SCG where he took his career best ODI figures of 4-31 off his 10 overs to help bowl the Aussies out, and then belted 53 to get the chase going and the result pretty much beyond doubt by the time he was out. However, Wasim's day on the final hey, including IT Botham caught behind for 0. Lol.

[@randyborstol2491]

@@kennethcrowther2277 as I mention above - he was still expected to turn out for his county for every game. The sheer amount of cricket he played for an all rounder was incredible and obviously took its toll. He suffered a back injury in 1980 and never totally recovered. He eventually missed the 1988 season. He opted out of touring in 1984/85 and was banned in 1986- and the following Ashes series saw him fresh and at his match winning best. I remember just before his ban in 1986 - he was on live tv batting for Somerset v Middlesex I think in a Sunday League game. Somerset needed 12 off 3 balls. He asks Umpire Dickie Bird 'can i do it Dickie?' 'I think you can son' and he hits the next ball for 6, misses the next one. 6 to win off the last ball - and he hits it for 6. He was magic like that. A giant. And this was before T20 and mass six hitting in an era where players played with caution.

[@diablovalley]

​@@randyborstol2491amazing story, thanks for sharing!

[@keithgrossmith6090]

I was on holiday in Norfolk at the time, as a naive 18 year old. I remember the Headingly test so well. Hot summer days, beer and the cricket on the BBC. Then Botham... WOW!

[@wespaul9345]

Really enjoyed this. I even produced a little moisture around my eyes. And it's not because I'm an Aussie and sore. It's the content. Sure Both was a great cricketer, a superb talent, with an ego to fit. But no. What I admire is his heart and generosity. To help those children he met in that leukemia ward. There are a lot of talented sportsman but few have the generosity of spirit to go beyond that and put out for others. Mr. Botham puts the S in Sir. Thoroughly deserved. Also RIP Bob Willis and Graham Dilley and co. A great era laden with great people.

[@simonedwards3457]

Lots of people remember watching these great matches whether it be tests or the old county cups and that was because it was all there free to see and on all day on the good old BBC. Those were golden days for sports fans. Ok you can see everything from anywhere 24/7 but that for me takes something away from the spectacle of sports today. I value and treasure those moments far more than whatever happens to be intruding on the screen in a bar today.

[@Mango62uk]

Totally agree. For cricket to move to Pay TV Sky is a disaster. An entire generation of potential new players are being missed by this short-sighted greedy decision.

[@Raj-Sahu157]

This is a MOST AMAZING video --- featuring one of the GREATEST all-rounder Match winners ever born in the history of international cricket. Whenever the high points and glories of cricket are discussed--- even a thousand years from now--- Ian Botham's name is certain to find mention. A man who could single-handedly change the complexion of any game, just as Kapil Dev did for India. I salute Mr. Botham for his fantabulous contribution to cricket-- it's people like Botham who give the color and richness to the greatest sport in the world.. C.R.I.C.K.E.T

[@jonvalbonne]

Well said, Raj, and yes, Kapil Dev was a Tour de Force and an equal, no doubt!

[@iankemp8535]

gee that's a bit over the top In 150 years of cricket Botham was lucky his great performance was recorded many others equally great or greater were not You have to get things into proportion.

[@Raj-Sahu157]

@@iankemp8535Kemp well I am afraid I must disagree with you Ian. There is nothing called "lucky" when you win several test matches for your country. It's a combination of talent, hard work, temperament and persistence which wins test matches. Test cricket has not produced too many genuine allrounders--- not ones who can do a bit of both BUT LOTS in both fields. Botham was one of those rare match-winning all-rounders cricket has produced. It's not Botham's fault that he was recorded. In fact, it makes his effort even more transparent and credible --he was on top of his career when the West Indies and Australia had some of the most fierce batting and bowling attacks ever witnessed in the history of cricket.

[@iankemp8535]

Yes not disagreeing but you have to recognise that cricket has been around for 150 years plus. Bothams performance was a great one against a pretty weak Australian team with most players well past their best. He did not do well against very strong teams. I met Botham on a couple occasions did not find him a very pleasant man. In 70 years of watching cricket also met some of the greats > Denis Compton was one of England's greatest sportsman. A genus as a bat scoring in the space of just 5 years after the war 60 plus centuries and 0ver 450 wickets 20,000 runs at average of over 66 also 12 test centuries averaging in test cricket over those few years after the war over 70 also found time to play outside left for Arsenal and England during war years.. If it had not been for war years when he lost 6 of his best years he would have broken many records. In the end despite a damaged knee in his later years which restricted his batting and bowling. he still despite losing his 6 best years scored 123 centuries and 40000 runs 17 test centuries av over 50 in test cricket. averaging over 50 over all with a light bat and 600 plus wickets with his left hand chinaman. A man of great charm and debonair good looks, and modest and respecter of the greats before him. I met him too, very different than Botham . Botham was not a respecter of the greats before him. Also Compton was the first media star , the bylcream boy after the war years.. Keith Miller another real boys own hero with the looks of a film star 6 foot a great fast bowler and a magnificent bat for Australia very similar to Botham in many ways but with far greater charm and modesty. A night fighter pilot flying mosquitos so again another great player who lost his best years due to the war, But what a player. These were real great players and sportsman . Regarding Botham over all he was England's greatest all rounder. watched him a lot . He had what one would call force of personality like Miller , but with out the charm. I still think that Sobers was the greatest and most versatile , all rounder very good bowler and a much greater bat. . Miller as I have explained above I would put second Imran Khan third Jack Killis third Botham fourth Kipital Dev fifth . Botham had some great games and his impact was considerable. Some would argue that Wilfred Rhodes was a far greater player all rounder in a different era Than Botham Have watched and played cricket over many years having met some of these players I am aware very much of the hype. cheers

[@Raj-Sahu157]

@@iankemp8535 That's a wealth of information you provided , and it's much appreciated. Yes I had read much about Compton and his genius. As a genuine cricket fan born and raised in India, I got a chance to see on TV and real life some extraordinary cricketers in 70s and 80s. By 90s the game had started becoming too commercialized. The charm of old school cricket was fading and fast getting replaced with new rules and technology. It started changing to a TV game , with all the gadgets and gimmicks in place. That being said Cricket will always hold a special place in my heart, and I appreciate good cricketers from around the world. But somehow I don't think they can come near the greats of yore. I was really glad to read all the information on the greats of the past. Thank you very much, and I'm glad to meet you sir :)...Raj.... Los Angeles

[@Peter-wc4kr]

Showed a big heart in his cricket days and even a bigger one with his charity work.

[@pwareham61]

For me, england coming back from the dead in 81was one of the greatest feats of british sporting moments, it's up there with the 66 world cup. RIP Bob Willis RIP Graham Dilley.

[@philippriestman8516]

I remember in the late eighties, I was cycling to work at Hull university one morning, I looked up and the whole of Beverley road was full of people walking towards me, as I passed there was Ian Botham, big smile, chatting laughing with his crowd. Couldn’t believe how big he was! Couldn’t believe it actually happened but I’m glad it did.

[@johnconnaughton9655]

I was 6 years old and can just about remember this. Feel so lucky to have grown up in this era.

[@Mango62uk]

Check out the recent "Gods of Tennis" documentary on BBC. It's brilliant and tells of lovely, vanished era or literal sports gods.

[@biotechemboy]

Watching in 2019! Awesome documentary and the soundtrack is right on ball!

[@eddyvideostar]

At 18:00 minutes: This proves that all police in England should carry guns and tasers. They cannot afford to display farcical fervency to extinguish the fire of the furious.

[@rezwanzahid2971]

Dear!!songs name plzz?i will be greatfull

[@lukesters7234]

Brilliant..just brilliant. Thank you for posting this

[@richardprice7763]

Watching this just after we beat the Aussies at Headingly 25th August '19 by 1 wicket!

[@largejack1000]

Me too

[@Round_07]

Me too! Onto Edgbaston 2005 next 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@huxleypig69]

Yep! Stoke's knock was better IMO though. Just amazing, record run chase with 73 required from the final wicket?! The drama of the non-run out and the burned review when we only needed 2 to win? The outrageous shots (ramp shot for 6, reverse sweep for 6)? Just unbelievable.

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

I will upper cut you, Stokes and the Poms because of Headingly anyways jokes on you we win the ashes, Smith and Cummins are the best in the world, and we’ll win 3 ashes in a row in 21,22.

[@Hetstaine]

@@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760 Absolutely flogged in the 21/22 Ashes. This comment aged like milk.

[@yeovil50]

In June 1974, Somerset were playing Leicestershire in a John Player Sunday League match at Westlands in Yeovil, my home town. I was ten years old. At the time, i didn't have much love for cricket, football being my game. So, I sloped off and started to play football in the adjecent football pitch. A boy joined me, a boy who was in the year below me at school and we played football under the hot sun. Soon we were thirsty. We saw the queue for the refreshments, so then he said "my brother will get us some water" He took me down to the changing rooms, their was no pavilion. A cricketer was sat in all his whites and my friend told me that he was his brother and was twelve man for Somerset. This was nearly 45 years ago, however I remember immediately that the cricketer was special, he argued a little with his brother but eventually got us some water. I remember how he looked, how he behaved and how I was immediately in awe of him. Of course the cricketer was IT Botham. Still 45 years later he is still my sporting hero.

[@atulterkar3947]

GREAT STORY SIR

[@nandamuriramesh]

Nice Story - I will try to make a movie

[@martinwilliamdavies7977]

I'm Welsh, not A cricket fan but I appreciate Ian's talent. Headingley 1981 says everything about him and Bob Willis.

[@willhovell9019]

The nationai cricket team is Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 and England , including Glamorgan in the county ieague

[@martinwilliamdavies7977]

@@willhovell9019 There We Are Then.

[@normanosborne7367]

SIR IAN BOTHAM A TRUE ICON OF THE CRICKETING GAME. I PLACE HIM IN THE TOP FIVE ALL ROUNDERS OF ALL TIME & HE DONE SO MUCH FOR CHARITIES TOO.

[@coldacre]

WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING NORMAN

[@normanosborne7367]

@@coldacre WHAT DO YOU MEAN COLDACRE YOU HAVE ME VERY CONFUSED? WHATEVER YOU SEE & READ IS JUST AN OPINION. THERE'S NO SHOUTING IN WHAT I'VE WRITTEN SO LIGHTEN UP YOURSELF. BLESS UP.

[@macman975]

Capitals Norman. Typing in CAPITALS GIVES THE IMPRESSION THAT YOU ARE SHOUTING

[@mattiemclean9882]

@@macman975 I think Norman is unaware of his SHOUTING CAPITALS!

[@iankemp8535]

well yes a great all rounder The top 5 would be Sobers Keith Miller Jack Kallis Imran Khan Botham in that order.

[@catchmeifyoucan1807]

Good that Bob Willis is speaking in this, although Botham got them the lead, without Willis' spell England would not have won

[@charlesdale5965]

Don't forget Graham Dilley's 56. At one point he was outscoring Botham and that catch on the boundary.........

[@catchmeifyoucan1807]

@@charlesdale5965 true. Totally agree👍

[@nudgenudgewinkwink3212]

Love beefy's attitude " we should take the game to them".

[@ashashroff6351]

Genuine Hero, Sir Ian Terence Botham.

[@colingeddes2172]

That innings he played at old trafford was just simply breath taking and incredible entertainment . The best 2 hours ive ever seen on cricket pitch.

[@sparkplugsteve402]

What ian for those kids is epic , well done Sir ian beefy botham, we love ya.

[@PaulMann8666]

What Ian and Bob did to lift English spirits in that match must deserve a couple or statutues somewhere important. It was unforgetable to watch. Great blokes both.

[@davidbrooks187]

Ian Botham in his prime was the greatest all rounder ever. Time and time again he did it when it was needed and produced world class match-winning displays with the bat and bowling at the highest level. Even the great Sobers stated that Botham at his best was different class . The English cricket Board made a big mistake in making him captain as all it did was clip his wings and it detracted from his flamboyance, upon taking the captaincy away from him immediately improved his performances & Englands results. Botham is a true Legend.

[@randyborstol2491]

I agree totally. I was not born when Keith Miller was around but players like Miller, Botham, Hammond, Warne have personalities and made an giant impact on the game far beyond statistics and averages. That said Botham scored a century and took 5 wickets in a test - five times- and no one comes close. An exciting batsman and bowler and fielder. Ranked #1 in bowling in the world and number 4 in batting in 1982. Incredible. The 1980s drinking culture affected him for sure (the Liverpool soccer team drank their way to the treble in 1984). as did a back injury he never fully shook off - sustained in 1980. With today's fitness regimes, T20, short boundaries, no county games etc he would have been incredible. Botham was still expected to play for his county in every game and the sheer amount of cricket he played as an all rounder was mind boggling - compared to today where players are wrapped up in cotton wool and have central contracts.

[@sumitdasgupta8679]

Ian Botham..A multi talented facet..Self- Confidence and a never give up attitude..

[@Isleofskye]

For Stephen Fry to say Sir Ian Terence Botham has given him more sheer pleasure than anyone else is saying something..

[@Mango62uk]

Oh, very droll.... :)

[@Isleofskye]

One does one's best, my friend. One dos one's best...

[@Mango62uk]

Seek out a bottle of "Lion" lager (from Sri Lanka) as a reward for your droll quip :)

[@joshpryor2193]

Clive Lloyd said that Ian Botham had the heart of a West Indian. Dean Jones said Ian Botham should have been Australia. Talk about respect from your rivals! I love cricket so much!

[@joshpryor2193]

*Australian

[@Mango62uk]

Sri Lankan fans give Kane Williamson a birthday cake as sign of their love and appreciation to a great cricketer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKWUZpVpeKxrgMk

[@balakrishnaganapathy7823]

Ian Botham, a great cricketer, a great man, I guess an ordinary man, which makes him an extraordinary person. Keep going, Ian Botham, don't ever stop.

[@sommerwood2920]

"Then there was a Sunday ... exactly. Bring back rest days.

[@MrWhitmojsherpa]

No.

[@marka1142]

God bless you Beefy. From an appreciative Aussie.

[@grahamlowe7388]

Childhood heroes at high school summer 81. Botham Willis. Also the brilliant commentary, Benaud, Laker, Martin-Jenkins. also 86-87 down under he had a great series.

[@stevenjohnston2263]

Laker the best ever commentator. Listening to the awful shower that inhabit the commentary boxes these days is depressing.

[@iankemp8535]

@@stevenjohnston2263 yes miss Arlott Truman et el

[@tomrailton9201]

Absolutely brilliant video thanks. Tom.

[@Mango62uk]

Always nice to see great comments like yours. Cheers.

[@gordonmckenzie926]

Thanks Ian, for everything. Many blessings to you and your family.

[@davifdavid4347]

Willis was on fire that day. I had never seen him in the zone like that before he went into " Hulk mode." One of the all-time great spells of fast bowling. RIP Bob Willis.

[@kennethcrowther2277]

Ben Stokes is indeed a great all-rounder as was Andrew Flintoff for England. However comparisons of greatness don't really work very well. Even in Flintoff's time the game had changed so much compared to Botham's day. However, if you do want to compare careers, e.g. statistics, Botham scored 14 test hundreds and took 5 in a test innings no fewer than 27 times which was the world record for a short while. He also held the test wickets tally world record for a little while there too. He took 10 or more wickets in a test match on 4 occasions. Good they they were and are respectively, Flintoff and Stokes don't really compare with Botham as genuine consistent front line wickets takers for England, even though Botham wasn't consistently as quick as either of them. His ability to swing the ball both ways late and more or less at will was something else.

[@goodlife6145]

I'll never forget THAT game, one of the most amazing things I've ever watched. This documentary tells the story very well. And some fantastic musical choices.

[@joshlock4627]

No - Langer and Gilchrist against a great Pakistan attack.

[@goodlife6145]

@@joshlock4627 I'll have to check that out.

[@andrewmaroc113]

Thanks Ian Botham for the great way you played cricket.

[@ianlove1215]

Such a prophetic piece of commentary: What a triumph it would be if he could still be batting at 6 o'clock this evening

[@simonmcpartlin6547]

Absolutely spot on. I was watching it live at school during a geography lesson (teacher was obviously a cricket fan). I wast just mentioning the quote a couple days ago and ironically then read your comment. 👏👏👏

[@wobblertv8083]

Botham 138 at the gabba in 86 .His greatest innings.He had one of the best cricket IQ's of a all time .

[@davidshand7387]

Sir ian botham, what a fantastic person, a real bloody champion, a total gentleman, you were a great cricketer, you are a inspiration to all, thanks for the memories...

[@naveed4266]

Ian is one of the best cricketers of all time

[@davidsimpson911]

sadly i never saw Botham at his prime,i fell in love with cricket in the 90s ...though Botham is to my opinion England`s greatest ever cricketer.

[@Mango62uk]

I highly reccommend "Fire in Babylon" - about the great Windies team from the 70-80s. Botham & Viv Richards !

[@iankemp8535]

no he was not there are many who did not have the media exposure in 150 years of cricket he was a lucky player often getting people out with poor balls . He did not do very well against the best teams at the time west Indies and Pakistan. Hammond Hutton Compton Hobbs Truman Bedser May were all far greater Players and modest , unlike Botham who was often rude arrogant not respecting the greats before him. He lacked a lot of charm modesty and could be very unpleasant.

[@blackfox658]

What about joe root as english best cricketer?

[@CARLIN4737]

The pitch invasions were legendary aswell back in the day.😉

[@johncourtneidge]

Those were the days my friend . . .

[@gibbopg]

My favourite English cricketer! ... even if he could occasionally break this Aussies heart with his talents!

[@begannese]

“Ian Botham took 5 wickets for 1run”.

[@dmlewey]

Absurd isn't it.

[@soumyashreebiswal14]

Ikr

[@ja-ks8dh]

What is remarkable about this program is the Ian Botham fundraiser not the cricketer. Amazing what he has done for the Leukemia charities. Amazing man.

[@MrBerry67]

the greatest Ashes performance ever

[@RetroXpert]

Plz upload full HD!

[@Mango62uk]

I wish I could, but this is the best that I can do!

[@rogase68]

His career bowling stats put him right up there with the best bowlers in history. Batting on the other hand is more middle tier. No doubt one of the games greatest all rounders.

[@iankemp8535]

Yes that is fair one of the games best all rounders certainly Englands but not the best in world . Sobers by quite a long way Keith Miller Imran Khan a better more lethal bowler Miller a much greater Bat and a great fast baller who like Botham could turn a Match much more frightening than Botham Jack Kallis allrounder as Bowler and Bat has far better averages as does Sobers.

[@northbankgooner6126]

Today, England go to make the Ashes series a contest and hopefully make the series 2-1 with a win at Headingley. That would set up another amazing climax to what has to be one of the best sporting rivalries there is in the world for any sport. I was 12 in 1981, getting into cricket and Ian Botham played a big part in that. Watching him single-handed take on the Aussies, with not insignificant contributions from the likes of Bob Willis (RIP) and Graham Dilley (RIP) just inspired me to go down to my local club and try to emulate him. A lot of people have forgotten that Mike Brealey came back into the England side as captain, and was in large part the genius that allowed Botham to flourish when the shackles of captaincy were released.

[@akmalnadeem1534]

Wonderful cricketer charisma of his present was unbelievable there’s a only one Botham that was Ian Botham

[@juanestadian8471]

viv, big bird and botham.....brothers in arms

[@sithvsjedi9696]

Legend is an understatement for this man. I can only pray we call the 2023 series "Stokes' Ashes" but I'm not too confident 😬

[@MrThefall1]

Because Beefy will happily say "that's what I think of your selection policy, yes I've hit the odd copper, yes I've enjoyed the old dooby....’

[@goodlife6145]

But will you piss off and leave me alone, I'm walking to John O'Groats for some spastics. So, that's....

[@gwynjames]

Love this ashes series botham at his best ,and of course Bob Willis taking wickets all over the place,what a team we were

[@tonyfranklin8306]

That Gatting LBW in the second innings was a shocking umpiring decision, easily missing leg stump

[@alanpontes2855]

Great doco. Will add that he held the world for most test wickets for 2 years.

[@terranceparsons5185]

CMJ's comment when Botham walked to the wicket at Headingly 2nd time around. Perfect!

[@MrBerry67]

watching again- so emotional

[@patrickgraham6786]

My brother - who I was staying with in Lancashire got given tickets by a disgruntled fan for the Monday of the 4th test at Headingley - we went without any expectations... we could have gone back the next day, the place was barely 1/4 full - but decided against it! still a great memory

[@AlonsoRules]

The greatest Test Series by one player in modern cricket history

[@iankemp8535]

Glad you said modern Cricket been around for 150 years .The hype has been inflated because it was of TV media which was not around for many of the other great performances in the history of cricket.

[@AbdulJabbarKhan-t2c]

According to Im Chappal amd proctor all time great all rounders are G. Sobers, J. Kallis, keath Miller, Imran khan, Ian Botham, kapil Dev

[@PaulSmith-it5vc]

Simply one of the greatest

[@gwynjames]

Botham,Willis the ashes 1981 pow,have some of that Australia ,have watched this so many times as good as it gets

[@Jay78bhupats]

Sir Ian Botham a true legend of both Cricket and human life, as a kid when I watched him back in India he was a style icon too … I mean no one looked more stylish and flamboyant than him ever.

[@MyNameishidden-l2f]

who is here after ben stokes won the 3rd ashes test match

[@stuartmiller7419]

After but not because of

[@evanroberts2771]

I'm here after Nathan Lyon LOST it for Australia.

[@ianbarrett4166]

Stokes hero as well for winning the ashes

[@fckem1000]

I'm here after the knighthood

[@mattylee7620]

@@ianbarrett4166 We drew that series mate & Australia kept hold of the urn.

[@timwood8733]

great doco -thank u

[@jeremypearson6852]

I remember the 1981 Ashes quite well. Not long after I moved to the US and haven’t really seen any cricket in all that time. I never realized that Botham had done so much for charity, but I’m glad to see he’s done so much with his fame.

[@Mango62uk]

Botham did a huge charity walk in Sri Lanka, after the tsunami - to help raise funds etc. I mean, in walking in that heat .. what an achievement. www.laureus.com/news/cricket-legend-ian-botham-to-cross-sri-lanka-in-his-most-daring-charity-walk-ever

[@Carstininvestments]

Terrific documentary. Have always thought Beefy was one of the greatest all-rounders. Cometh the hour, cometh the man.

[@gingertoffee2256]

Not one of... THE BEST

[@iankemp8535]

​@@gingertoffee2256 No mate Sobers was easerly the best all rounder by quite a way. Keith Miller was second a much greater bat and a fantastic fast bowler. Jack killis third Botham fourth Imran Khan fifth.

[@mrkipling2201]

I would say Adam Gilchrist could be put in the list of the greatest all rounders. Obviously not a batting/bowling all rounder but an all rounder nonetheless.

[@Noobmaster-pq5eu]

@@iankemp8535 I would rate Imran over Botham

[@jameshope398]

I.T. Botham perhaps the greatest all rounder i've ever seen since Gary Sobers

[@hughfranklin4002]

Beefy is and always will be an English sporting hero. He has the heart of a lion.

[@vinikapoorjalota]

Best documentary by faarrrrrr!!!! Absolutely goat of the game!! ❤️❤️ Sir Ian botham!! 🐐🐐

[@aniketroy9379]

What a legend Thank u SiR IAN BOTHAM .......

[@Simon-jj2pu]

My grandparents drove me and my brothers to Newcastle airport so we could visit via flying by ourselves to our parents in Germany (Army) we were 16, 14 and 8, I remember listening to the radio in the car. This was not uncommon, we use to fly to our school in the UK by ourselves from the age of 11

[@gaijinbaka]

Saw him in the 80s at the SCG as a young kid. Loved his character. Certainly gave us a run for the money. One of the absolute greats.

[@randyborstol2491]

Very similar to Warney. When he came on to bat or bowl - things would happen. It was like suddenly you were watching a new and different game. Both had a sheer force of personality. Getting 5-41 at the MCG on Boxing Day 1986 where he was trundling in with injury was legendary. Getting the great Alan Border out with a long hop or has Botham would say with his grin 'my slower ball' lol

[@hashtag_thisguy]

I never knew his story. What a man.

[@angelacooper2661]

I was eleven at the time and Botham was my hero when I was growing up. How many eleven year olds witnessed his miraculous deeds in 1981?

[@rizlar38]

Me I was 14 and not a big cricket fan but it was on the BBC and it was great viewing unlike today pay for view killed it for me but I did enjoy it back then

[@angelacooper2661]

@@rizlar38 You are therefore the same age as my brother Anthony, who turned 55 this year. I am now aged 52. At the beginning of the series in 1981, I left junior school and by the end of it I was about to start senior school!

[@jenniferjones188]

I was 17 in 1981 I was at Edgbaston brilliant series remember it so well.

[@jakhaughton1800]

I always thought Botham was an àrsehole. I felt sorry for his wife and children. Empathy helps understand the trials he went though in his early years. But being the ‘lad’ isn’t always the answer. His children have turned out as wonderful grown ups. He certainly redeemed himself with his charity work. Well recovered Beefy

[@geoffreyking4515]

There was some fine cricketers in that side,Willis,gower,dilley, bob taylor, in fact it was a team performance but the stars of the show was bob Willis r.i.p. and beefy

[@nowthenad3286]

I've never heard Bob Willis speak; he is like a character created by Harry Enfield

[@diablovalley]

Bob was a cricket commentator for years. It is possible you have heard him while watching a cricket match featuring England.

[@peterflynn9123]

I can remember exactly where I was during that fantastic Headingly match ...