New Delhi: Former England cricketer Ian Botham suffered a near-death experience in Australia’s Northern Territory. Botham, who was supposedly on a fishing trip in the northernmost part of the country survived a fall into a crocodile-infested river in the Northern Territory after being rescued by his close friend and former Ashes rival, Merv Hughes.
According to reports, Botham, 68, fell into the dangerous river after his flip-flops got tangled in a rope when he was boarding a boat. Botham e Moyle River during a four-day fishing trip.
Located about 200 km southwest of Darwin, the 133 km long river is also home to giant saltwater crocodiles and bull sharks that feed on the scraps left behind by the massive reptiles.
The Moyle River reportedly has roughly five crocodiles per square kilometre.
Botham was quickly pulled out of the river by Hughes, 62, his close friend after their fierce rivalry days in the 1980s. The Englishman suffered heavy bruising along his torso but was fortunate to come out otherwise unscathed from the dangerous river.
Close shave for Ian Botham
Did Ian Botham Survive a Terrifying Encounter with Crocodiles and Sharks? 🐊
Sir lan Botham’s Terrifying Fall into Crocodile and Shark-Infested Waters – Legendary England cricketer, Sir lan Botham, suffered a terrifying fall into crocodile and shark-infested waters on a fishing… pic.twitter.com/d6q3X1CwaZ
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Hughes and Botham were crossing the river to join other members of the fishing tour when the latter fell in.
Botham, who was named UK’s trade envoy to Australia a year later, travelled to Down Under for business and charity events.
Australia is home to the largest number of crocodiles ( freshwater and saltwater species) with most of the population covering the northern regions of Australia including the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Botham, regarded as one of the finest all-rounders, played 102 Test matches for England, scoring 5200 runs and taking 383 wickets. He also featured in 116 ODIs. Meanwhile, Hughes enjoyed a stellar career with the Aussies, taking 212 wickets from just 53 Test matches.
Ian Botham suffered heavy bruising along his torso but was fortunate to come out otherwise unscathed from the dangerous river. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
