England cricket icon Ian Botham narrowly escaped a crocodile attack thanks to the quick actions of his former adversary Merv Hughes. The 68-year-old was enjoying a fishing excursion in Australia’s Northern Territory when he found himself in peril.
During a four-day fishing adventure, Botham and Hughes were making their way across a river to join their main expedition vessel when disaster struck. Botham tripped, his flip-flops snagged on a rope, sending him plunging into the croc-infested Moyle River.
With the waters also home to bull sharks, danger was imminent, but Hughes’ swift intervention saved Botham from becoming prey. Despite the scare, Botham walked away with only bruises to show for his ordeal.
Reflecting on the close call, Botham remarked: « At the end of the day Crocodile Beefy survived. I was out of the water quicker than I went in it. Quite a few sets of eyes were having a peep at me. Luckily I had no time to think about what was in the water. »
He commended the rescue team, saying: « The guys were brilliant. It was just one of those accidents. It was all very quick and I’m OK now. »
Unfazed by the incident, Botham is not deterred from his lifelong passion for fishing, a pastime he has cherished since childhood and maintained throughout his illustrious cricketing days.
In a candid chat with The Guardian, the cricket legend shared his love for a different sport: « More than shooting or golf, fishing is my biggest passion. I need solitude, and fly-fishing, which fascinates me, offers that.
« There is definitely something about rivers, the flow of water, watching on as the day goes by… I’ve never found a stretch of river that hasn’t somehow interested me.
« There certainly isn’t much salmon fishing down in London. Look, I’m a country boy, cities are fine for a good dinner, but I can’t wait to get away from them. »
Following a heroic save involving Botham, Hughes is gearing up for a reunion with his mate as they prepare to commentate on Australia’s packed summer cricket schedule, starting with the first Test against India.
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