Sir Ian Botham : Legend of 81 Ashes on BBC Two

July 17, 2011   ·   0 Comments

BBC Two are to broadcast a documentary marking the 30th anniversary of arguably the most remarkable comeback in English sporting history – the 1981 Ashes series, known as “Botham’s Ashes”.

The programme tells the story of a team that had been written off completely, led by a man who was forced to resign the captaincy after a loss and a draw in the first two Tests of the 1981 Ashes series.

Days later, that same man, Ian Botham, produced a ‘boys own’ performance to inspire his team, England, to beat Australia against 500-1 odds.

The drama started at Headingley with the visitors on the verge of wrapping up an easy win within four days to go 2-0 up in the series. Ian Botham stepped up with a gung-ho 149 to at least make Australia bat again, followed by an inspired Bob Willis who swept through the Australian line-up with 8-43.  It was the second time in the history of Test cricket that the side following-on had won and England’s unbelievable victory defied all logic. It sealed a remarkable 18-run win and signalled an about turn in the series which England went on to win 3-1.

Botham: The Legend of ’81 tells the simply incredible story of how Ian Botham went from national zero to hero, not once but twice. As well as the story of that almost unbelievable summer of ’81, the programme tells how the success that followed changed Botham’s life, making him, but breaking him at the same time.

The programme demonstrates how the anti-establishment Botham unwittingly became a national hero once again, this time through his tireless work to help children suffering with leukaemia.

Featuring contributions from Beefy himself, plus his family, colleagues and eyewitnesses such as Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Viv Richards, Sir John Major, Stephen Fry, Sir Elton John, Bob Willis and David Gower, Botham: The Legend of ’81 charts one of English sport’s most colourful and controversial careers and tells surely its most enduring comeback story.

Sir Ian Botham : The Legend of the 1981 Ashes will be shown on Wednesday 20 July at 9pm on BBC Two, repeated on Wednesday 27 July at 11.20pm on BBC Two.

Tags: BBC Two, Bob Willis, Ian Botham, The Ashes