Botham: England can upset the apple cart

Legendary England allrounder Sir Ian Botham feels England can win the upcoming Ashes against Australia and he feels Ben Stokes will have a crucial role to play.
Botham, who took 383 wickets and scored 5200 runs in 102 Tests for the Three Lions, says the first Test will be vital in determining who will take home the urn.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Botham said: "The first Test is crucial, but I think England can upset the apple cart and win. It will only be by a Test, likely 3-2 either way.
"But if this (sunny) weather stays there are probably going to be results in all five Tests and it will be very tight.
"If the bowlers turn up, James Anderson with over 400 Test wickets and Stuart Broad closing in on 300, plus Mark Wood, who I think is an exciting prospect, I think England can do it."
Botham also said allrounder Ben Stokes will play a pivotal role if the Three Lions have any chance of regaining trophy they lost in Australia last year.
Stokes has just come off a good series against New Zealand where he starred with bat and ball and will go into the first Test in Cardiff, on 8 July, with confidence.
Botham continued: "Ben Stokes could have a massive impact. He’s a genuine all-rounder, good enough to be in the team in both departments – bowling and batting – plus is an exceptional fielder.
"He could have a massive part to play in this Ashes series, he just gives the captain more options."
Latest
-
News
Jos Buttler and Harry Brook give England hope of levelling ODI series
England reached 342 for seven against South Africa, with Buttler making 94 and Brook 80.
-
News
Jason Roy was never ready to ‘roll over’ despite year of setbacks and low points
Roy has for so long been England’s pacesetter at the top of the order but lost his place in the side.
-
News
England batter Jason Roy emotional after return to form in South Africa defeat
Roy’s slump with the bat led to him being dropped ahead of England’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign last year.
-
England
Jofra Archer will ‘get better and better’ but England batting needs more bite
Archer took one for 81 on a hot and sunny afternoon in Bloemfontein.
-
England
England beaten by South Africa in first ODI despite blistering Jason Roy century
Roy scored 113 off just 91 balls but South Africa ran out winners by 27 runs.
-
Women's Cricket
England reach Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup final after winning thriller
With Australia 96 for nine chasing 100, the England captain trapped Maggie Clark lbw to send her side through to face India in the final.
-
England
Jofra Archer toils for little reward as South Africa set England 299 to win ODI
Archer believes he is at about “80 per cent” fitness so some rust was inevitable.
-
Women's Cricket
Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa to have all-female match officials
Three match referees and 10 umpires will form the 13-strong team.
-
England
5 talking points as England turn attention to ODI format in a World Cup year
England have travelled to South Africa for three one-day internationals.
-
England
England captain Jos Buttler backs Jason Roy as the opener bids to find his form
Roy will open the innings alongside Dawid Malan as part of a new-look top-order in Friday’s first ODI against South Africa.