On this day in 1987, Worcestershire County Cricket Club pulled off one of the most prolific signings in our illustrious history, as Lord Ian Botham joined the Pears.
Now, 39 years on, we look back at the impact one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders made during his five-year spell at New Road, a period that brought silverware, unforgettable performances and lasting memories for supporters.
Botham arrived at Worcestershire in January 1987 alongside Graeme Dilley, having been signed by Duncan Fearnley after an outstanding spell with rivals, Somerset. His debut came that April in a two wicket win against Kent, showing his class straight away by scoring 46 in the first innings of the match.
Across five seasons, Botham represented Worcestershire in 137 competitive matches, scoring over 4,000 runs across both first-class and List A cricket while continuing to deliver with the ball at the highest level.
Amongst his most memorable innings in Pears colours was a magnificent 126 not out from just 111 balls against former club Somerset in July 1987, during his very first season. It was a vintage knock, characterised by his aggression, dominance and cutting edge.
His highest first-class score for Worcestershire came in May 1991, when he struck 161 in a three-day match against the touring West Indies. Facing a world-class attack that included Courtney Walsh, Ian Allen and Patrick Patterson, Botham carried his bat to secure a draw against one of the era’s most feared sides.
Although not bowling during the match, the crowd were treated to a Sir Viv Richards masterclass, as the West Indian skipper stroked a classy century of his own in his side’s first innings total of 409-7d.
With the ball, Botham remained a potent force. He claimed 131 first-class wickets for the club, including a best of 7-54 against Warwickshire at New Road in August 1991, to go alongside his 123 List A wickets.
1988 season proved a challenging one for Botham. Plagued by long-standing back issues, he underwent surgery to fuse vertebrae in his spine and was sidelined for eleven months. As a result, he featured in just four first-class and seven limited-overs matches during April and May and did not represent England that year.
Despite his absence, Worcestershire enjoyed a historic campaign, lifting both the County Championship and the Sunday League titles.
Botham returned to action in May 1989 and played his part as Worcestershire secured a second successive County Championship title – a remarkable achievement that cemented the club’s place at the top of the domestic game.
His final season in 1991 ended with more silverware, as Worcestershire lifted the Benson & Hedges Cup – the club’s only triumph in the competition – providing a fitting high point to Botham’s Pears career.
Ian Botham’s final appearance for Worcestershire came on 28 August 1991 against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. Although the match ended in defeat, Botham signed off in trademark fashion, taking four wickets in the game.
