Botham to lead Durham fightback

SIR Ian Botham is set to be Durham’s new chairman after both parties announced their desire to reach an agreement.

Botham, 60, was voted as the greatest England cricketer of the 20th century, having played 218 times at international level.

He played for Durham in their inaugural season in 1992 and ended his career there the following year.

Durham were relegated to Division Two at the end of the 2016 season over financial issues and the England legend has no illusions over how tough the job will be.

Botham said:“I am very privileged to be invited to accept the role of chairman at Durham but it is important that we all recognise the size of the task ahead.

“I was fortunate enough to play for the club during its first professional season and have always taken a keen interest in the club’s fortunes and many successes.

“As someone who lives locally it is an honour to have the opportunity to contribute to the club’s future, to look forward and to continue to produce the talent that will serve both the county and England well in the years ahead.

“We will work closely with the England and Wales Cricket Board and Durham County Council in the months ahead as we develop a plan to ensure continued success for this great club.”

Botham, who is currently in India as part of his job as a pundit for Sky Sports, will be given a hands-on role in assembling a team to return Durham to Division One of the County Championship.

The county were the longest serving in the top flight before enforced relegation and they will start next season in Division Two with a 48-point reduction.

The county’s ground at Chester-le-Street is still eligible to hold international T20 and ODI matches, but has been relegated from Test status by the ECB.