Support saves Botham?
NZPA-PA London Public opinion may have saved lan Botham from an even heavier suspension than that handed down by the Test and County Cricket Board’s disciplinary committee. Many of his fans will feel that a two-month ban is too harsh, costing him his place in the three tests against India, the one-day
series with New Zealand, the first test against New Zealand at Lord’s, and first-team cricket with Somerset. Botham, aged 30, in an exclusive interview in the “Sun,” said: “It’s like the end of the world.” The England captain, David Gower, who called him a “potential matchwinner,” looked forward to his return.
Now the fans will hope that Botham goes ahead with an appeal, as was predicted by his solicitor, Mr Alan Herd. However, they can comfort themselves with the knowledge that it might have been a lot worse. Hardliners within the game were urging a oneyear or even two-year ban. As it is, irrespective of the outcome of any appeal, Botham can play second-team cricket for Somerset and should be back on the international scene in time to win a place on next summer’s tour of Australia.
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Press, 31 May 1986, Page 8
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192Support saves Botham? Press, 31 May 1986, Page 8
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