Botham set to win test match?

Press, 26 November 1982, Page 32

Botham set to win test match?

NZPA Brisbane lan Botbam, England’s effervescent all-rounder, was poised to turn in a matchwinning performance against Australia in the second test, the tourists’ manager, Doug Insole, predicted yesterday. ‘The talent is all there bubbling away under the surface and ready to break out,” said Mr Insole, as his team went through its final workout' for the test, starting at the Brisbane Cricket Ground today. The 27-year-old Somerset star was the powerhouse in England’s Ashes triumph against Kim Hughes’ tourists in 1981. After being dropped as , England’s captain for the third test Botham replied with 145 not out at Headingley and followed up with 5 for 11 from 14 overs in the fourth test at Birmingham a week later. But Botham has failed to reproduce the same scintillating form so far this summer and England’s performances have suffered.

“Although we' are far from a one-man team Botham is always likely to swing a match with an inspired display,” Mr Insole said. Botham’s recent run of outs includes a 12 and 0 double failure in the first test, although he brushed that aside by claiming the Perth ground had always been a jinx for him. Meanwhile Australia’s record breaking wicket-keeper, Rod Marsh, is ready to pass yet another milestone in bis long playing career which started in 1970. Marsh needs one more catch to reach 300 test dismissals by that method. He has a world record 311 test dismissals to his credit with 89 of his 299 catches coming off the bowling of the West Australian speedster, Dennis Lillee. But Marsh will have to combine with another bowler to add another catch during the Brisbane test — Lillee has been forced out with a knee injury that seems likely to sideline him for the rest of the season.