"Cricket is NOT racist, misogynistic or elitist!" 🏏 Sir Ian Botham | Up Front

[@Charlieandersali]

Test match cricket is extraordinary. When someone says ‘I can’t believe you enjoy a sport that’s so complicated, long and boring’ - makes me smile because that person will never understand.

[@tekkn_579]

What makes it complicated?

[@lodersdriving]

Agree - I don't watch cricket often, but it's only ever been test match cricket that has got me enthralled by it.

[@skrrttz]

​@@tekkn_579alot. There's a t20 tourny in the USA at the moment and they haven't got a clue on certain details of rules.

[@callummorgan2974]

@@tekkn_579try explaining the sport to a foreigner or someone who hasn't grown up watching it. You will soon realise the complexities of it

[@kevyarham]

It's the ultimate test for a cricketer and I hope it's not forgotten amongst the white ball game.

[@garethlewis1006]

I lived in Australia for a while in the early 90's, saw him play in the world cup in 92 out there. I got to know a lot of Aussies, they all loved Botham, still gave him lots of banter, but he took it, they related to his personality and way he played the game, and the Australian fans would walk away from the bars to watch him. Very few players could make them do that! 🙂 I saw it for myself at the SCG. Legend.

[@chriskolovos6143]

That era there were some great cricketer's. Ian Botham was one of them

[@jimmyodriscoll9273]

This guy has done a lot not just for cricket but for all the charities he's worked with. More than a legend to me Sir Botham...🏏😉 if anyone deserves to be a Sir this man does...100%

[@markhiggins8315]

He's actually Lord Ian Botham

[@markhiggins8315]

To be fair he's actually still referred to as Sir Ian

[@jimmyodriscoll9273]

@@markhiggins8315 what is Mr Botham (sir or Lord ) or both..😉 he's "beefy" to me..😃

[@markhiggins8315]

@@jimmyodriscoll9273 Beefy it is then, fair enough. To be honest I don't actually go in for titles or royalty come to that I'm just a bit of a pedant at times. He was hell of a cricketer I followed his career from when I saw him play his first test at Trent Bridge back in 1977. That is probably one of my favourite tests of all time. Boycott making his comeback with a century and England's win made possible by Knotty who was my personal cricketing hero as a kid. Without APE Knott Boycott's comeback would have been very, very different. England were around 80 for 5 when Knotty came in to bat and Boycott, although still there was a mess. He'd run out local hero Derek Randall and was a very unconvincing 20 odd not out and couldn't get the ball off the square. Knott came in and almost immediately started to take the Aussies apart. Knott and Boycott put on over 200, Knott scored 135 and Boycott got I think about 107(?) and England went on to win the match. Beefy famously got his first 5 for in his very first test. What a match. Excuse my long response and I hope I didn't bore you too much.

[@jimmyodriscoll9273]

@@markhiggins8315 nice enjoyed that mate... 😉 that sounds like good memories👍 correct me if I'm wrong the "Great" Bob Willis got 5/wickets to. I've got that match on DVD or tape somewhere.

[@PETERNESS]

As a teenager at The Mcg i still remember the enormous roar this legend would get each and every time he came out ,Australians just adored Botham ,he was English no doubt but i wished so hard that he was an Aussie ,he was not a toffee nosed stuck up pretentious blow hard ,he was just fantastic ,what a guest 10/10 AAA top Shelf

[@nickkray5938]

Thats a shame because he hates convicts

[@lonestar6709]

@@nickkray5938 He doesn't. It's just Ian Chappell. One of Botham's best mates, is Aussie legend, David Boon. Botham actually stated that the Aussies made him a better player, and for that, he's always held Australians in a high regard. It's just a shame, that Chappell and Botham can't let their beef go.

[@kevyarham]

Beefy mentions in his book about having the Aussie side over for bbqs when they were over here for the Ashes..Allan Border changed all that when he became captain.

[@PETERNESS]

@@nickkray5938 haha we aint been convicts for a spell mate ,your man was a champion,you should be building statues for him not blocking traffic like a bunch of halfwits

[@nickkray5938]

@@PETERNESS Isn't asstralia a communist cuntry now?

[@since-jx1ix]

One of the greatest sportsman of any era, and add in his charitable work for decades and you've one of the worlds greatest humans as well.

[@northshorecouple1060]

He’s not even a great of cricket.

[@jasonmusicka8271]

​@northshorecouple1060 no he's a sir that's one up isn't it

[@northshorecouple1060]

@@jasonmusicka8271 so was Sir Jimmy Saville OBE, KCSG.

[@thiefoftomorrow]

Nasser Hussain is the best commentator going around… Simon is well off if he thinks otherwise

[@rjt4020]

Absolutely idolised this man for most of my life. True Legend. Great interview. Many thanks.

[@philiphudgens4726]

Yes Simon is amazing.

[@philbrainy2399]

Agreed! Bothams ok too

[@snookerstones]

From my experience which is local/village cricket, cricket is the most diverse sport in the country.

[@snookerstones]

@@sids61 that’s just not true, no doubt more opportunities to the privilege like in every thing in life.

[@snookerstones]

@@sids61 nah tennis is the worse for that, plenty have made it through being working class in cricket.

[@snookerstones]

@@sids61 yeh no doubt it benefits the privilege but that’s just life unfortunately.

[@Ryro-os2cg]

​@@snookerstonesCoward 🙄

[@snookerstones]

@@Ryro-os2cg nonce

[@oehasan]

Any chance you could interview Daley Thompson next? Another great from that era.

[@alanm1894]

An absolute legend. Ian has done so much, achieved so much, given so much to charities.

[@iangascoigne8231]

Yes he has, but why did he have to do that? Because the political party he supports, and is now part of the government continually runs the health service down.

[@TheVanillatech]

Sold a lot of shredded wheat too!

[@66meikou]

Excellent interview with Sir Ian. I never played much cricket, but during a England V Australia test series in 84 or 85, my Grandad and I were playing cricket in my Uncle's pub rear garden. As I was on the chunky side, some punter going into the pub said "Okay Beefy, show us what you've got". My Grandad bowled me a googlie and I smacked it over the fence. The punter went into the pub giving me a thumbs up and made my day. That was a great test series as well.

[@66meikou]

@@paulhiggins6024 Cheers mate!

[@ChrisWood-t3l]

Growing up Ian was my total hero. They say you shouldn't meet your heroes but Ian is the exception.

[@anshumanmahanty6044]

Inherent self-belief. Confidence. Infectious presence. Towering personality. Easy to love, easy to hate Ian Botham.

[@stephenreeds3632]

Don't hate him. Despise him.

[@keepitbluezola]

Could listen to sir beefy all day. Really enjoyed the podcast, great questions throughout.

[@davidpeters3857]

💯

[@davidpeters3857]

Ian,Viv and Brian Close all absolute legends…..brilliant interview…….❤ Beefy

[@scabthecat]

I once shook Brian Close's hand at a book signing. Even as an elder gentleman, his grip was intimidatingly strong.

[@PuffaThePostie]

Always will be my all time favourite sportsman Can you imagine playing in the current team Not just his talent his personality and presence etc

[@americathisweek.6077]

This was the best episode of the show. Ian is a legend. Greatest cricketer England ever produced.

[@stevebailey4128]

Brilliant interview. Especially near the end and institutional racism being a myth . Well said

[@petermcfarlane6749]

I think that Botham is a boorish clown. Great cricketer, but politically deeply stupid.

[@stetomlinson3146]

See I disagreed with him on that. Institution racism does exist. It might not mean to, but it does. It's easy for a white person, and I'm white, to say it doesn't because in the main we've never experienced it, certainly in the UK. But ask someone who isn't white and from their perspective it does. What might seem harmless banter, is quite demeaning, whether meant or not and if you are experiencing it, complain about it, either to the person who is doing it, or to someone higher up the organisation, and it still persists, then clearly the organisation, or institution, isn't bothered about it. Certain people will use their personality and place in an organisation to bully staff below them. I've worked for bosses that did it. If we call it bullying and not "institutional racism" would you say it didn't happen? Add in the dimension on colour and it can't be denied surely? I think Sir Ian is a sporting god. I don't like cricket, but would, and did, watch him every time he was on the telly playing, or when he was doing his walks and other stuff, so I'm not criticising him for his view, I just think he's wrong on this point.

[@Geokinkladze]

​@@stetomlinson3146If you are poor and black in the UK you are 3 times more likely to get a university place than a poor white person. This is despite white people achieving better grades at college. Do you believe this is due to racism?

[@Neil-dl3ke]

If your white racism does exist now

[@stephengowler5360]

A hero in the truest sense.

[@KevinSheedy10]

Not really. Sporting hero maybe.

[@tomben6180]

@@KevinSheedy10has done more for charity than most sportsmen put together

[@marineboy1964]

I was there at old Trafford and edgbaston in 1981 Ian and Bob on that final day with live with me till the day I die

[@jamespark1854]

Fantastic interview featuring two very good men. The hour went very quickly. A lot of sense and honesty spoken.

[@colinchristie8642]

Ian Botham got me into cricket. Great player and great fun.

[@laurencewoolcott1678]

Watched him playing at Worcester against Essex. He came in with them rocking at 35 for 4... He went and hammered us into submission in 20 odd overs. Two balls in the river, three in the ladies pavillion into the cakes, and over the main stand into the car park. Basil Doliveras car was hit twice.. awesome power play

[@granvillebaveystock5362]

Brilliant interview, even more of a legend than I realised. If only people like Botham and Jordan could run our country! It would be a much better and fairer place!!!

[@andychatt23]

Simon can't resist giving his opinion even when meant to be finding out other people's.😊

[@El_Gato1066]

Yup…talks too much…should listen more…

[@philbrainy2399]

SIMON = TOP LAD PROPER CLOBBER

[@LIFE-CRICKET-TRAVELS]

It's about being on the field and playing . Not talking. But always a pleasure to hear Ian Botham , because he played the game like a true champion and worked hard to do that apparently.

[@arthurthistlewood1225]

Cricket has always been a great arena for strong characters to thrive, as there are so many players that lack mental toughness. Botham was able to impose himself, even after his brilliant early career pitch it up and swing diminished, in the same way that a lot of the West Indies players of his era, and more recently Warne, Flintoff and Stokes have been able to do.

[@shazmah786]

Frances Edmonds (Phil Edmonds' ex-wife) wrote a couple of books on England tours of the mid-80's. She said, of Botham. "Always be wary of someone whose weight in kilos is higher than their IQ". Honestly, not bad advice.

[@brksk4309]

When u hear the name of some people, you feel a sense of happiness and nostalgia. Ian is one.

[@Rawkers55]

Simon a good interviewer has a way of steering the overall direction without interrupting the flow of his guest.

[@mickyp9844]

He’s everything British people stand for. Absolute legend!

[@elspencer6334]

Haha, you got that right, but not in the way you think! And it's English, not "British".

[@mickyp9844]

@@elspencer6334 I did mean British and i did get it right in the way I meant.

[@JRA73]

I've never been interested in cricket but Ian Botham is one my heroes, only reason I watched it was because of him and another point for me admiring him.... his charity work!! 😎

[@lesblakeman]

Excellent from Ian Botham , real honesty and common sense , his decision to turn down a massive pay day for a rebel tour South Africa remains one of the great triumphs of integrity over greed , some of todays sportsmen might take note

[@rsbaggy1]

Real honesty by denying facts? I think not.

[@whodoyouratemore]

Players went to south Africa for the money because at the time they had no money . Cricket was a part time low paid sport back then

[@darrenjohnbryant51]

You are amazing sir Ian ! Thank you for 1981! You and Bob ( RIP ). My generation we remember your acclomplishments at a time the country really needed it on all levels. Old Trafford was your best day. " We steam rollered them ". Only one Ian Botham!.

[@TheWorldofMomus]

Another brilliant conversation with a true legend.

[@davidpeters3857]

This is what you call a Legend

[@markfalshaw-gv9im]

Being from Liverpool cricket was never high if at all on the school cariculem but through my Dad I got to love it and Mr Botham became one of my Heroes and with good reason wow what a cricketer he made cricket popular all over the UK again ,I met him twice what a nice fella he is ,thank you for all the great sporting moments Mr Botham

[@paulpiper9696]

Wish you spent longer with him and allowed him to speak more and open up but like you SJ he was my hero. During that period of growing up in England I can only think of two sporting elites that in their prime scared the opposition and that was Daley Thomson and Iam Botham. Both were treated appalling by their respective national bodies throughout their careers and injuries impacted upon their legacies greatly also. Curiously both had been offered contracts to play professional football!

[@Compassiron1]

My 7 year old daughter was listening to Beefys closing wisdom and said ‘that sounds like Dumbledore, he must have got it from Dumbledore’. I can’t imagine higher praise Sir Ian

[@LockedDownSpectator]

Things That Did Not Happen.

[@northbankgooner6126]

Ian Botham is one of my childhood sporting heroes. Got me into playing cricket. Legend is a word used too much these days, but Ian is nothing short of one.

[@jacquilegeyt]

Thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you both. Love how Botham backed Bairstow here pre Manchester despite form and look what happened. Lad knows his cricket!

[@hywelmurray]

A legend from a legendary era in cricket

[@Southstand83]

You are watching one of the best our country has ever produced...top top bloke!

[@trevorhart545]

8.20. onwards, West Indies was the best Test Side ever. As an English man, I have to agree.

[@chelseaalex9601]

Sir Ian Botham, one of our greatest sportsmen and a brilliant interview!

[@davidstafford6628]

Simon Jordan interviewing but he talks more than the people he's interviewing

[@darylpalmer9103]

Never really followed cricket, but I knew who Botham was as a sportsman, as a character, as an ambassador of the sport and Charities he supports. A great guy interviewed by Upfront.

[@mikehinton9079]

Never ever scared to give his opinion on any questions asked to him , Sir Botham best ever

[@ryan-jonnoble6793]

The great man. Nice how Azeem's comments from the past got swept under the carpet quick smart. Double standards. Standard

[@stevetattersall5933]

Rafik was so affected by institutional racism at Yorkshire that he signed for them twice? In between sending antisemitic tweets, obviously…

[@nigelawson5524]

I love English cricket, because I watched Beefy, and im a proud to be Scottish. People like him unite disparate groups of people, this is to be celebrated. P.S Gower had a better cover drive

[@Winkle1970]

Botham was one of my idols growing up, he will always be one of my favourite sportsmen, a complete legend. The nearest players of the modern era are Flintoff and Stokes.

[@anncartner3393]

Thought I may have thought he had oldfashioned views but no. What a great bloke. Was my hero in the day and is now. All the best Ian.

[@ieatlotsoftoast]

Sir Ian Botham is a legend. I remember he managed to stop a massive fight in Duffield Derbyshire 30 years ago, at least. How did he do it? He simply stepped out of his car and told everyone it was not worth it. Everyone stopped fighting.

[@JamesLimb]

I don't live by "The Rules" you know, and if there's one person who has influenced me in that way of thinking, someone who is a maverick, someone who does 'that' to the system then it's Ian Botham. “Beefy will happily say, ‘That’s what I think of your selection policy. Yes, I’ve hit the odd copper, enjoyed the odd doobie. But will you piss off and leave me alone cause i’m walking to John O’Groats for some spastics

[@MrBannystar]

I've got so many things to do, but your comment has made me start to rewatch the entire series instead, you bastard lol.

[@JamesLimb]

@@MrBannystar 😂

[@sparephone8228]

I seem to recall in one of Imran Khan's biographies he wrote that the 'typical old pro has racists views..' on his reflections in playing county cricket in the 70s and 80s.

[@majidhussain8266]

Sir Ian Botham is my altime favourite cricketer!!very entertaining, no nonsense player,I wish he was playing today cos he was a natural 20/20 aswell as great 1day player and greats of test match player!!He was full of life and put cricket on the map for so many people! Amazing guy ,I respect and admire him!!my no1 cricketer !!God bless you sir IAN BOTHAM 🙏

[@alandutton4544]

Another brilliant podcast, thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@dongorgon4168]

The greatest English Sportsman of my generation and all time!

[@simonmoon8773]

“Ride the torpedo to the end of the tube”. Like it. Sir ITB a bona fide legend.

[@bobbarford]

Sir Ian Botham, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Ali, Pele. Not many come even close.

[@ModinikiLuli-m5n]

Ali so far ahead of all of them.

[@digeme69]

I'd add Roger Federer to that list. Played the game with elegance

[@Badlighter]

Add Michael Jones.

[@gregp5014]

Shane warne

[@markhiggins8315]

Don Bradman, Garfield Sobers, Viv Richards, Malcolm Marshall etc.

[@shazmah786]

"I don’t know whether it’s just that I’m lucky or whether it’s because people know my thoughts on racism and the stances I’ve made, or the time I’ve spent with Nelson Mandela. He tapped me on the shoulder and said to me ‘you’re my hero’." What a first class bell end

[@MW92.]

I know of Ian botham from David Brent…beefy

[@lfcspectre4335]

Sir MW OG Legendary Jordanite Leader = Top LAD Proper Clobber ✊💯 Facts

[@cinemainsymphony737]

Love the comment from Sir Ian at 23:29. As a commentator myself one has to realise that not all ex-sportsman will cut it in the commentary box. Sir Ian certainly did and this early piece of advice paid off! You need a balance of professionals to present and ex-players to enhance - or become full-on presenters, a la Richie Benaud who mastered it all. Sir Ian is a childhood legend, alongside footballer Chris Waddle - and both made their stamp - and personalities playing for England in their respective sports.

[@howardsend6589]

Haven't watched this yet ... any mention of the tackle photo that ended up online?

[@AlexDeLarge77]

I have always respected Beefy. He is and always has been his own man. A proper Englishman who is a role model and ambassador for our country.

[@jackdominiak445]

Botham is absolutely right!!! Rafique was an absolute nobody cricketer and all his after is a big compensation cheque based on lies 😡

[@golfbulldog]

Suspect he will have an administrative career and political career based off of this now....professional victim.

[@TheTW11]

Brilliant chat, this. Arrogance is the main symptom of immaturity. Confidence is what a youngster needs to be successful not arrogance. It's how you should bring a child up - instill confidence with humility but without arrogance. I'd love to go for a pint with Both. A proper bloke.

[@sydbarret8416]

@TheTW11 Completely agree with your comment. He bought myself, friends and everyone in the pub a drink many years ago in Canterbury the early 90's? at the Granville in Stone Street. He was playing at the St Lawrence with Durham, I also remember chatting with David Graveney both very confident likeable men. Beefy buying the beer wasn't arrogance but confidence from his personality and achievements playing the game we all love. He's a man of good standing....

[@philiphudgens4726]

Explain Cristiano Ronaldo then!

[@markhiggins8315]

​@@philiphudgens4726Arrogance never made Ronaldo a better player. A lack of confidence would have made him worse but it's not arrogance but the talent and no lack of confidence. Not complicated.

[@andrewharris1837]

Legend.grew up watching him in awe at Somerset although I only ever play minor counties cricket for Devon.My school cricket captain Vic Marks went on to play with Botham.Wonderful era for cricket.😊

[@brianroads3694]

Grew up watching Botham. One of the best. Box office! Would fit in with the current England team in his prime .

[@ontrackfitness8547]

I've never experienced that in a dress room ever- Coming from a white guy 😂😂

[@beefy1986]

Ya it's coming from a guy that denied a rebel tour to South Africa.

[@markhiggins8315]

​@@beefy1986I absolutely support his stance on the South Africa issue and totally get that he personally may not be racist but it doesn't for a moment mean he could ever experience how it is for someone who's grown up having to deal with things he hasn't. Empathy is great but has limitations, that's just how it is.

[@beefy1986]

@@markhiggins8315 But he is right about the report regarding Yorkshire. The focus was all on racism regarding a person who behaved inappropriately with women, ie, Azeem Rafiq. So yes there may have been some instances of aloofness here and there no doubt. But if Beefy is saying that he has never experienced or seen others go through it then there must be some truth to it.

[@markhiggins8315]

@@beefy1986 We can only genuinely comment on what we've been witness to.

[@rockywright8365]

Who left his job because they did the dirty on his BLACK friend

[@rowens123]

fascinating watching this after day 3 of old Trafford. Ian has nailed it

[@billwarby4835]

Sir Ian, Lord Botham. What a talent. He is so missed as a commentator. Sir Ian would have been a perfect fit for the way Stokes plays and visa versa.

[@michaelayling1651]

What a legend. Not just as a cricketer but as a person. He is a leader by example. He is mine and Mandela’s hero !!!

[@architectsocialhousing9115]

It’s been UK policy for years not to give pitch invaders TV coverage; yet the BBC showed Just Stop Oil’s protest at the Lords test, and the lunch slot on BBC Radio 5 that day was devoted to the ‘Equity’ report that English cricket is ‘institutionally racist, sexist and elitist’. Both events were state-sanctioned propaganda. The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) was set up by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in July 2021, its five commissioners state, ‘in the wake of global movements such as Black Lives Matter and MeToo’. So it's an explicitly woke organisation. The ICEC is a product of UK public institutions having to enforce ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’ criteria. These are an obligation of the ECB’s Public Sector Equality Duty, which came into effect in April 2011 under section 149 of the Equality Act 2011. In addition to controlling the public sector, ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion criteria are set and enforced on UK businesses by international asset managers like BlackRock, who also set the ‘Environmental, Social and corporate Governance’ (ESG) criteria demanded by Net Zero promoters like Just Stop Oil. And as BlackRock’s CEO, Larry Fink, made clear in 2017, compliance with these criteria will be enforced as a condition of companies receiving investment. ‘If you don’t force behaviours, whether it’s gender or race, you’re going to be impacted. We’re going to have to force change.’ So if you’re wondering why Just Stop Oil can get past security onto the Lords ground, Doctors for XR can hang a 12-yard banner from the stands, and BBC presenters spend their lunchtime calling English cricketers contesting for the Ashes ‘racist, sexist and elitist’, this has something to do with it.

[@jimprice6486]

"That's what I think of your selection policy..."

[@JamesMoss23]

Beefy is a proper player ans character. Need more like him these days

[@greyalien295]

I could listen all day to Sir Both for me the most entertaining all rounder I've seen cheers

[@mxlarge6915]

Gotta like Bothem, maybe not the brightest when you consider education, but he does have a street smarts and I enjoyed this interview a lot. Thanks for it.

[@adrianthomas722]

I love Botham as a cricketer. His cricketing style and heroics inspired me to play the game. My opinions on cricket (as a former local village Cricket club Chair who played for over 45 years), are exactly what the latest Reports show. Cricket is racist, elitist and dying at the roots. The game needs to change radically to survive.

[@dlamiss]

People forget just how technically correct as a batter Botham was

[@Googy1972]

Great interview with one of England's greatest ever men

[@ljw5768]

I went to a one day international between England and India at edgbaston back in the day and watched Allan Lamb making monkey gestures at the Indian supporters.

[@tomd2103]

And a few years later, Indian players and supporters made monkey noises and gestures at Andrew Symonds.

[@davidbrooks187]

I wanted a Duncan Fearnley bat aswell purely because Botham played with one. I watched Botham, Richard’s & Garner as a child on television for Somerset in the 70s & 80s, they were different class. Botham in his or was the Greatest all rounder ever.

[@gavinmcleod7446]

Great all rounder, you need to have a look at Jacque Kallis all round stats.

[@davidbrooks187]

@@gavinmcleod7446 yes there are some comparable stats but no other cricketer changed matches on the big stage like Botham, no other cricketer had his presence on the pitch and his critical innings and wicket taking in the big matches so many times when it was needed makes him so hard to beat. Botham’s performance in 1981 against Australia is unmatched still to this day. . Viv Richards said that Ian Botham at his Best produced moments of brilliance that he had not witnessed anywhere else.

[@zztop6460]

​@@gavinmcleod7446your spot on there. Kallis was amazing. Even Ian himself rates Sir Garfield Sobers was in his eyes the greatest all rounder

[@RevJock]

In the words of the great Zuby: "The demand for racism has been higher than the supply for a long time... but there are people who keep it alive because their 'careers' depend on it."

[@MrBannystar]

I'm fairly sure that Zuby bases his rhetoric from the words of the great Thomas Sowell. Everyone should read his work, he's the absolute master.

[@KevinSheedy10]

Interesting choice of words in a discussion of racism.

[@richwearz]

Love this show, met Beefy a few times in Durham and Nth Yorkshire. A genuine Legend. Great interview

[@matth3569]

There's two sports as a fighting fan that I want to get into: F1 and Cricket. I like the style

[@lucamenato9997]

Michael Holding said everything that needed to be said about race on behalf of the generation Botham played with and against. When it comes to these subjects it is well to listen to the voices of those who have lived with racism. As for the enquiry Sir Ian has trashed, Botham was asked on at least two occasions to contribute to it and refused to take part. His business. But his refusal to take the process seriously diminishes the value of his contribution to its outcome. I have no idea what Simon Jordan would NOT do for clicks.

[@randyborstol2491]

Holding 'I don't like England and its racism and the endless offers to play cricket and getting paid for it - but I'm just going to stay here and get treated shabbily by getting paid for playing cricket by these English people and getting paid for talking about cricket. The struggle in my life goes on. And don't talk to me about racism in Australia. That racist Kerry Packer came along and offered me thousands to play in the world series and nearly destroy test cricket. Those whites are all racist except my white wife. Harold Larwood was down a coal mine aged 14 you say? Well that was his white privilege'

[@john-k6k6w]

Ian was a Sporting ledged and a Complete Human Being

[@cliveuuking4602]

Speak to his wife and son.

[@sayedabedin5368]

well said Sir Botham

[@Pure_B]

Very disrespectful to other players who have experienced racism during their careers and dismiss their experiences like this. How on earth would he know there isn't racism if he hasn't experienced it personally? Just because he may not have witnessed any (or chose not to) doesn't mean there is none.

[@realMaverickBuckley]

So now you know that you're biased. Helps you to move forward. You don't want to believe a person who's saying there isn't any, but you do believe the guy that says there is.

[@Pure_B]

@@realMaverickBuckley It wasn't just one guy. There are several people saying they experienced racism.

[@ryancarlo9328]

@@Pure_B if you don't see something or experience something, of course you are going to say you haven't seen it. Asking people to talk about something they haven't experienced is ridiculous.

[@Jayjaymk1978]

He was saying he never saw racism ....do you want him to lie and say he did see racism you utter bell end

[@El_Gato1066]

Ask Michael Holding about the racism….

[@zippy_uk1046]

He is not just "beefy" - hes a smart bloke and tough character too

[@lewisreynolds5283]

Sorry cricket is definitely elitist, I experienced it myself as a colt

[@nickkray5938]

What, like a gun?

[@robjanko-d3j]

@@nickkray5938 Nah like a horse lol

[@lewisreynolds5283]

Maybe you guys are unaware of the term? Maybe I spelt it wrong? If the latter,,,, how pathetic ?

[@robjanko-d3j]

@@lewisreynolds5283 we are playing with your words Dont get too offended by it. Are the girls teams called fillies??

[@paulwilliams5296]

Thoroughly enjoyed that. Very interesting the last part as a Yorkshire fan

[@HWTLToon]

Beefy is a gem of a guy 👍 keep up the great episodes Simon 👍

[@261klunge]

Sir Ian is an English and Great British legend and hero to millions.

[@boxinguniverse1064]

Imran Khan has confirmed that he did see racism when he was playing cricket.

[@paulmanchip8116]

Difference between see racist incidents and institutionally racist like report said. Which Beefy also said in interview.

[@elmondo3543]

Oh well then it must be true!....

[@seanhickin9959]

anyone can claim anything doesn't make it truths

[@nickkray5938]

Yeah, by his own teammates

[@realMaverickBuckley]

But he would say that. I wanna hear from someone *without* a chip on their shoulder

[@darylcumming7119]

One of a kind. When it comes to Test cricket

[@edose977]

Cricket is an elitist sport - always has been let’s be honest

[@realMaverickBuckley]

But it isn't. Out if the last 23 caps handed out by England, 2 .. we're kids who went to a private school. One on a sports scholarship. It's followed by some rich people, but that doesn't make the whole sport elitist.

[@lankystreakofpiss4765]

That's why poor kids play it in poor countries.

[@larrysellers7891]

@@lankystreakofpiss4765Yeah. Ex colonial countries.

[@IrishFrank22]

​@@larrysellers7891Most of those countries including Ireland have been standing on our own feet for a long time now. Our problems are our own now and not Britain's. Get over it!

[@ModinikiLuli-m5n]

​@@larrysellers7891and.....

[@andrewcurtis4568]

30:58 I take issue with Botham on Bazball being a media invention. Bazball means playing agressively ALL of the time regardless of the match situation, the conditions etc. Bazball is a fantastic plan A, but you still need a plan B, you can't just play one way all of the time.

[@mickw1842]

Amazing they can’t put two and two together. Wondering why Australia outperforms with such a small population then denies that English cricket is elitist. While only 7% of the English population have a private school education, 45% of your first class cricketers came from these schools. Racism is an issue in both countries but cricket is more accessible financially in Australia. Even if you ignore the moral element, making cricket inaccessible to poor people is costing you test matches.