Episode 3: The Ashes ’86/87 - Botham’s Brisbane Fireworks

“One of the greatest innings I’ve ever seen” says Phil De Freitas who, for a few hours, on the second day of the first test match, stood at the non-striker’s end at The Gabba in total awe. Sir Ian Botham’s final test century was one of his most memorable. In one over, he struck the bemused Merv Hughes for 22. It just so happened to be the over which brought up his three figures. Botham had been in trouble with the TCCB, so much so, some selectors didn’t want him on the tour. This is why he wanted to be there – why he had to be there. This is the story of one of the greatest innings, from one of the greatest England cricketers, and the result which shocked Australia.

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