Former England cricket hero Ian Botham has been appointed a trade minister to Australia.
Botham – now Lord Botham – is one of ten new envoys Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes will deliver “an ambitious global trade agenda”.
Lord Botham – honoured last year – led England twice in Ashes series.
His iconic unbeaten 149 against Australia at Headingly in 1981 is the stuff of legends.
Staring defeat in the face, his heroics – and those of bowler Bob Willis – gave England one of its greatest Test wins.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said Lord Botham – known as “Beefy” – would “bat for British business Down Under”.
She added:
“Our trade envoys play a key role in delivering our ambitious global trade agenda, and I am delighted the Prime Minister has appointed 10 trade envoys who will boost opportunities for British businesses in some of the world’s fastest growing markets.
“By boosting exports, promoting inward investment and creating high-value, high-paying jobs, our trade envoys will help us build back better from Covid-19, ensuring every part of the UK benefits from our trade strategy.”
