Botham and Flintoff don the white coats

Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff both made unexpected appearances during a testimonial match for Liam Botham at The Rose Bowl. While neither man actually played, both took turns to umpire.

Botham senior, who retired in 1993, vowed at the time never to take part in another game. "If I can't reappear on a cricket field on behalf of my own flesh and blood, when could I ever make a comeback?" he grinned after a ten-over stint dressed in a fetching pink shirt. "But I won't be doing that again in a hurry. Umpiring is far too much like hard work for grandfathers like me."

Liam Botham played briefly for Hampshire before turning his back on cricket and becoming a successful professional rugby player. But his career was cut short by a serious neck injury.

Flintoff had committed to play, but his ankle injury prevented him from doing anything more strenuous than umpiring. He made his mark immediately, calling Andy Caddick for a no-ball.