LONDON: Veteran all-rounder Tan Botham will join England’s cricket tour of New Zealand next year but only after he has completed his appearances in pantomime
Botham was on the 17-man roster announced Tuesday by the team selectors for the winter matches in New Zealand and the World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.
But he will miss the first Test against New Zealand because he still will be appearing in pantomine at Bournemouth south England.
If selected to play in the second Test against New Zealand it will be his 100th for England.
“Ian Botham along with everyone else will undergo all the pre-tour training preparations” said Ted Dextor chairman of selectors. “These are extensive and he will be as fit as anybody when he joins the tour”.
Team manager Micky Stewart added “To be honest Ian was specifically selected for the World Cup but it’s also probable that he will make his 100th Test appearance in New Zealand” Worcestershire’s Zimbabwe-born batsman Graeme Hick who made a series of poor scores against the West Indies this summer was recalled along with Lancashire batsman Neil Fair brother.
The selectors left out Glamorgan’s’ left-handed opening batsman Hugh Morris but included Lancashire’s Mike Atherton and Middlesex bowler Angus Fraser even though they are doubtful to make the tip because of long-term injuries
Allan Lamb was recalled in case Atherton’s troublesome knee breaks down and Warwickshire’s Dermot Reeve will go if Fraser is unfit to travel
The Squad Named By England
Is:Graham Gooch (captain) Mike Atherton Graeme Hick Allan Lamb Neil Fair brother Robin Smith Alec Stewart Mark Ramprakash Jan Botham Jack Russell Philip Depreciates Chris Lewis Derek Pringle David Lawrence Angus Fraser (or Dermot Reeve) Philip Tufnell and Richard Illingworth.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 20, 1991
