Who is Ian 'beefy' Botham, cricketer who was mentioned on WWE Raw?

Wade Barrett mentioned Ian Botham's name in the commentary box on WWE Raw. When Pete Dunne hit Sheamus with a cricket bat, Wade let the fans know of one of the biggest cricket legends and one of his favorites, Beefy Botham. The fans did not have a clue as it seemed like they heard his name for the first time.

Ian Botham was one of the finest cricketers of his time. The star cricketer was a part of the England team that won the Ashes series at home and away in the 1980s. Some of his best performances came while playing against Australia. While cricket is considered a team sport, he singlehandedly won England many matches.

The best example of it was in the Ashes 1981's Headingley Test. Having an odds of 500-1 against him, Botham pulled off a spectacular win when England was done and dusted in the Test. Australia batted first and posted 401/9 before declaring their innings. In reply to it, England posted 174 and was asked to follow on.

Ian Botham's Headingley heroics against 500-1 odds

The home side was in deep trouble when they were reduced to 135/7 in the second innings with a massive deficit of 92 runs. That was when Ian smashed a tremendous aggressive hundred, 149(148) which included 27 fours and a six. Botham shined with the ball too.

Defending a paltry total of 130 runs, Botham and Co ran through the visiting side dismissing them for 11 runs. Botham claimed 1/14 and ensured his team's win. He went on to win the Ashes in 1981 for England. Even outside England, Botham helped his side win the away Ashes.

In 4 Tests in the series, Ian scored 189 runs and 9 wickets including a hundred and a fifty to his name. He played a key role in England nearly winning the ODI World Cup in 1992. It was not to be, as Pakistan edged them past in the final. Despite being out of prime, Botham delivered a great performance as a bowler.