When was sir ian botham knighted

Botham has been an active charitable campaigner since his retirement from the game, raising tens of millions of pounds for research into leukaemia after being staggered to learn that children were dying of the disease when he took a wrong turn in a hospital during his playing career. He was knighted in in the Queen's birthday honours. He played Tests and ODIs for England between and , and until remained their leading Test wicket-taker.

There are currently twelve English cricket personalities who have been knighted for services to the game:. There are also two English cricketers who have been knighted for reasons other than for services to cricket:. Here are some notable former cricket players from commonwealth nations other than England who have been knighted for their services to the game:.

However, it was primarily for his work as a lawyer and politician. He was knighted in in recognition of his charity work and services to the sport. A keen shooter, Botham has also long criticised conservation groups and claimed grouse shooting promotes stewardship of the environment , despite the burning of heather and the killing of animals who may disturb or kill mating game birds.

Reporters received no answer at his home near Richmond, North Yorkshire, on Saturday, where it was understood he held a cook-along charity barbecue the night before.

It was the first victory in 87 years by a team forced to follow on. England never looked back, leveling the series and going on to win it Botham refused to allow Australia to recover, taking five wickets for only one run in 28 balls to secure victory in the next match. He also scored in the fifth Test, becoming one of the few English cricketers to earn the respect of Australian fans.