Ian Botham’s Crocodile Encounter: Saved by Ashes Rival Merv Hughes
Legendary English cricketer Ian Botham has had a close encounter with danger during a fishing trip in Australia. While fishing for barramundi on the Moyle River, Botham suffered a painful fall into crocodile-infested waters.
The incident occurred as Botham was attempting to move from a smaller boat to another. His footwear became entangled in a rope, causing him to lose his balance and plunge into the water. The fall left him with severe bruising to the side of his torso.
The situation was particularly perilous due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles in the river. However, Botham’s former Ashes rival, Merv Hughes, was quick to react. Hughes, who was also on the fishing trip, swiftly pulled Botham out of the water, preventing any potential attack.
“At the end of the day, Crocodile Beefy survived,” Botham joked, referring to his nickname. “I was out of the water quicker than I went in.”
Botham admitted that he was aware of the crocodiles in the water but had no time to dwell on the danger. “Quite a few sets of [crocodile] eyes were having a peep at me,” he said. “Luckily I had no time to think about what was in the water.”
The accident occurred on a four-day fishing trip for barramundi, a popular sport fish in Australia. Botham and Hughes, who shared a fierce rivalry during the Ashes series in the 1980s, were enjoying a break from their usual cricketing pursuits.
Despite the incident, Botham remained in good spirits and praised the quick thinking of his former opponent. “The guys were brilliant, it was just one of those accidents,” he said. “It was all very quick and I’m OK now.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can be encountered in the Australian wilderness. While fishing and other outdoor activities can be enjoyable, it is important to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions.
