England's Ian Botham almost singlehandedly won the Ashes series with Australia in 1981, boosting the morale of a nation in deep recession. That remains the enduring memory of the great allrounder, who scored 5200 runs, took 383 wickets and 120 catches for England, reaching the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in a still record low of 21 Tests.

Despite being sacked as captain, he turned the series on its head winning Tests at Headingley, Edgbaston and Old Trafford. The Headingley win was defining. With England facing an innings defeat after following on Botham greeted the arrival at the crease of tailender Graham Dilley with the words "Let's have some fun." And they did.

His county career with Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham was less distinguished despite a 1985 record of 80 sixes in a season.

Beefy, Guy the Gorilla and Iron Bottom were just some of his nicknames, the third due to the favoured pronunciation of his name by Indian commentators. He was abrasive, engaging in feuds with rivals such as Ian Chappell and Javed Miandad. And his famous run-in with Imran Khan ended in a rare defeat, albeit in Court.

His sacking by Somerset - with West Indian pair Viv Richards and Joel Garner - came after allegations that the trio were disruptive influences. But Botham had a gentle side and remains a tireless worker for charity, embarking on marathon walks to raise money for leukaemia causes.