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Botham hits at Cork omission

By William Gray

Ian Botham, the former England all-rounder, believes the omission of Dominic Cork from England's winter tour party to Australian is a big mistake. "Cork is the best all-rounder we have. I would definitely have taken him," said Botham yesterday. "He can bat well and his bowling is under-rated. In fact he's a very under-rated cricketer. "I know he's had a bit of a struggle with knee injuries but he's come back from them well and I would have picked him." Botham also revealed today that he wants to get back into top flight cricket in an official capacity - either selecting, coaching or motivating the national side. Botham believes Ray Illingworth is too old at 62 for the job of being chairman of selectors and that English cricket is "again played by professionals and run by amateurs". "Why should it be the case in cricket that you have to be in your sixties before you're even considered for a position of power and authority in the game?"

Thanks :: The Daily Telegraph