Botham Is Perfect Choice To Bat For British Trade

'It's hypocritical to cheer on Rashford but condemn Botham'

- Leo McKinstry

Ken Barrington, the great England batsman of the 1960s, exuded such a visceral sense of patriotism that an Australian opponent once remarked, “You could almost see the Union Jack fluttering behind him as he walked to the wicket”. Exactly the same words could be used about Ian Botham, the mighty all-around cricketer whose spectacular exploits made him a sporting legend a generation later. In the service of his country, Botham combined his extraordinary talent with an unquenchable fighting spirit and a profound sense of national pride, particularly when he was playing Australia in the Ashes. For him, even in the face of the most daunting of odds, no cause was ever lost until the last ball was bowled.

Now the power of Botham’s formidable personality is to be utilised for Britain in another, more surprising capacity. Elevated to the House of Lords last year, he has just been appointed by the Government as a trade envoy to Australia. Past combat against the old foe will give way to future cooperation. “Ian will bat for business down under,” proclaimed International Trade Secretary Liz Truss, who added that he will be “brilliant” at the job.