Saddest day of my life: Ian Botham

Press, 10 November 1986, Page 40

Saddest day of my life: Ian Botham

NZPA-AAP Perth The England test cricket all-rounder, lan Botham, has confirmed his decision to leave Somerset after his teammates, Viv Richards and Joel Garner, were dumped by the club.

He held his emotions in check in Perth yesterday but he brightened when talking about his proposed links with Queensland and playing there either late summer or next season with the Maroons.

He said he proposed going out on his last overseas tour, in Australia, on a high note and he hoped the Australians were “prepared for what is coming.” Botham, aged 30, heard in his hotel room yesterday morning the decision by members to back their committee in the sacking of Richards and Garner.

He was informed by his mother, Marie, and father, Les. “It is the saddest day of my life,” Botham said.

Botham’s decision to end his association with Somerset cut short a 14-

year link but he said he would continue to play county cricket.

He said he could not approach another county until January 1, but an autographed cricket bat signed in the tour opener at Bundaberg read “I. Botham Somerset” and had as a rider “Worcestershire?”

“I was very emotional when I spoke to my parents and wife this morning,” he said. “It is the end of an era — I wish Somerset all the best but I cannot be part of it.

“But blood is thicker than water — I cannot leave those guys entirely.” Botham spoke of the heartbreak of leaving true Somerset types, such as the wicket-keeper, Trevor Gard, and former England off-spinner, Vic Marks, the latter playing at present in Western Australia.

Viv Richards joined Somerset in 1974, Garner in 1977, and the trio became soulmates.

“But without Viv and Joel out on the lovely ground at Somerset ... would be sheer torture,” Botham said.