June 16: Former England all-rounder Ian Botham, the first to reach the Test double of 5,000 runs and 300 wickets, received a knighthood in Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Honors list officially released on Saturday. He won over former football captain and sport star David Beckham as a contender for the country’s great sporting Knighthood.
The 51-year-old Botham, now a leading TV cricket commentator, was at the fourth Test between England and West Indies when the news of his knighthood was revealed.
The English all-rounder destroyed Australia on the pitch and raised millions for children's cancer charities. After formally announcing his knighthood Botham will now be called Sir Ian.
"Sir Beefy (nickname for an expanding waistline of late) was honored for his services to cricket in a career spanning almost 20 years scoring 5,200 runs and 383 wickets to his name in a 15-year Test career that ended in 1993. He followed it by long-distance charity walks - one of them over the Alps with elephants and is also known for raising 10 million pounds for Leukemia Research.
He has been chosen to the knighthood in recognition of both his outstanding Test career and tireless work on behalf of Leukemia Research.
As far as Beckham’s rejection for the honour is concerned, it is said that former England manager Sir Bobby Robson had recently accused British Prime Minister Tony Blair of handing out honours "too lightly". He was of the opinion that Beckham should not be considered for a knighthood for at least another ten years. Although Beckham stands as a role model for the youth with his ever inspiring performances and an ambassador for the game he still has a long way to go.
"However, on careful balance, I don't think those qualities on their own are enough to earn him such a high individual honour. David has played in three World Cups but, despite all the anticipation, England didn't come close to lifting the trophy, as the boys of '66 did," Robson said.
The 10 million pounds charity for the Leukaemia Research was reportedly inspired by the cricketer going to the hospital with a foot injury and meeting terminally-ill children after getting lost.
"In early '80s there was a 20 per cent chance of survival and now that has risen to 80 per cent," Botham said.
"I'm delighted that I've been honored, not only for myself but for the people that have helped me get there," he said.
Botham dominated both the front and back pages of Britain's voracious tabloid newspapers during his career. However his stunning sporting performances were mixed with colorful reports of his fondness for partying.
By the end of his career, Botham had scored 14 Test centuries and 5,200 runs, taken 383 wickets and held 120 catches to stand alongside the best all-rounders in history.
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