Classic cricket TV, tonight, for those of us of a certain age.

[Stat Brother]

It doesn't get much better than this.

BBC - BBC Two Programmes - Botham: The Legend of 81

 

[Knightsworld]

Excellent. Also, ESPN Classic have recently been showing the 81 Test Series. Some marvellous memories.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

'People see me, and they see the suit, and they go: "you're not fooling anyone", they know I'm rock and roll through and through. But you know that old thing, live fast, die young? Not my way. Live fast, sure, live too bloody fast sometimes, but die young? Die old. That's the way- not orthodox, I don't live by "the rules" you know. And if there's one other person who's influenced me in that way I think, someone who is a maverick, someone who does that to the system, then, it's Ian Botham. Because Beefy will happily say "that's what I think of your selection policy, yes I've hit the odd copper, yes I've enjoyed the old dooby, but will you piss off and leave me alone, I'm walking to John O'Groats for some spastics."

 

[Leekbrookgull]

If my memory serves me right was'nt the 500/1 odds even shown on the scoreboard ?

 

[Knightsworld]

If my memory serves me right was'nt the 500/1 odds even shown on the scoreboard ?

After a quick search on google images, you are correct.

 

[Knightsworld]

 

[Lady Whistledown]

If my memory serves me right was'nt the 500/1 odds even shown on the scoreboard ?

Just been shown

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Bob Willis is a miserable old bastard isn't he?

 

[Jambo Seagull]

'People see me, and they see the suit, and they go: "you're not fooling anyone", they know I'm rock and roll through and through. But you know that old thing, live fast, die young? Not my way. Live fast, sure, live too bloody fast sometimes, but die young? Die old. That's the way- not orthodox, I don't live by "the rules" you know. And if there's one other person who's influenced me in that way I think, someone who is a maverick, someone who does that to the system, then, it's Ian Botham. Because Beefy will happily say "that's what I think of your selection policy, yes I've hit the odd copper, yes I've enjoyed the old dooby, but will you piss off and leave me alone, I'm walking to John O'Groats for some spastics."

Great quote. Where's it from?

 

[bob monkhouse]

Bob Willis is a miserable old bastard isn't he?

Yeah - but on that day in the third test he was unplayable

 

[Stat Brother]

Great quote. Where's it from?

Looks like David Brent, to me.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Looks like David Brent, to me.

Indeed, classic Office.

Moving into serious mid eighties mullet territory now. And the spreading waistline.

 

[Jambo Seagull]

Looks like David Brent, to me.

Brilliant!

 

[Norman Potting]

I remember being fascinated by these games and I am not even interested in Cricket. A couple of things stick in my mind:-

A commentator (don't know who) - "I don't know why (insert relevant Aussie Bowler name here) is rearranging his fielders, Botham's knocking him out of the ground".
Cartoon in paper with spoof advert for "Charles, Di and Ian Botham souvenirs".

 

[keaton]

I've not watched last nights' yet, but I recommend the documentary From The Ashes.

Came out a few months ago, it's basically the English version of Fire In Babylon, very good even if Tom Hardy overdoes the voice-over a bit

 

[Julio]

I remember running home from school to see what had happened on that final Headingly day. I got in pressed the old BBC2 button (TV buttons, remember those!) and instead of Peter West and CMJ up popped the Test Card. Can you imagine that now - a few minutes after the end of the most dramatic test match ever and instead of endless replays and the witterings of ex-players they close the channel and stick up the Test Card! I had to stick on the radio and wait for the next news bulletin to find out the result. My favourite moment is still Gatts diving catch at a not so short, short leg.

 

[pasty]

Loved the commentator after one of Bothams huge sixes... "Theres no point in even looking for that let alone chasing it"

 

[DT Withdean]

It doesn't get much better than this.

BBC - BBC Two Programmes - Botham: The Legend of 81

A massive age group (anyone loving sport born mid-60's or before) remember it well. A great turn around in one match, and then rest of the series.

Brearley taking over captaincy.
Botham's innings.
Old Trafford & Edgbaston. Botham again.
Hilditch compulsively hooking him self out repeatedly.
Kim Hughes devastated.
Their batters all failing (bar some from a young Border)

 

[simmo]

Loved the commentator after one of Bothams huge sixes... "Theres no point in even looking for that let alone chasing it"

It's gone into the confectionary stand and out again.

Even in 1981 Ritchie what the heck is a "confectionary stand"

 

[Stat Brother]

I became a little self aware when the coverage got to Headingly.
I noticed I was sitting there grinning like an idiot, all the way through.