Botham's 118 at Old Trafford — The Greatest Hundred Ever?

England led 2-1 going into the fifth Test; a draw or win would retain the urn.

Botham came in at 104/5 in the second innings with a lead of just 205.

England were 104 for 5 in their second innings, only 205 ahead, when Botham came in. He left the new ball alone for a while, blocked the spinners, then unleashed himself when Australia took the second new ball. Lillee bounced him; Botham hooked him for six. Alderman bounced him; Botham hooked him for six. Two more sixes followed off Lillee. In the space of one over Botham went from a measured 30 not out to a counter-attack that eventually yielded 118 from 102 balls with six sixes and 13 fours. Chris Tavare offered 78 from a numbing 289 balls at the other end, providing the perfect foil. England set Australia 506 and won by 103 runs to retain the Ashes. Wisden's centenary editor John Woodcock later called the innings 'the most memorable I have ever seen at Old Trafford' and many Australians, including Lillee himself, have said it was the best Test innings of the era.

“I have never bowled at anyone who took me apart like that.”

“It was a privilege to be at the other end and watch.”

England won by 103 runs, retained the Ashes, and Botham was awarded a second consecutive Man of the Match.