I am currently reading about cricket to get through these baron winter months, and the book I am half way through raised a very interesting scenario that I would like to share with you.

The book in question is an old publication written in the 1980’s called Spinning in a fast world by John Emburey.

The scenario that fascinated me was a dual between the author and 1980’s cricketing god Ian Botham.

It was the semi final of the Nat West, a one day 50 over competition, where Emburey’s Middlesex had batted first and set a decent enough total. Somerset were in all sorts of trouble when Botham swaggered out to the middle at 52 for 5.

Botham totally rebuilt the Somerset innings in his usual swashbuckling style to leave the game poised at scores level going into the last over with the main man 96 not out. Middlesex were 9 down at the end of their 50, and Somerset were only 8 down. Therefore in the last over, Somerset only needed one run to win the match. But they also had the cushion of still winning if they didn’t lose a wicket.

Botham was on strike and Emburey had the ball in his hand. The field was set to cut out cheap singles and everyone was circling the batsman saving one. Botham was in imperious form and merely required another clip over the top to capture all the headlines as a match winning centurion.

Ask yourself the question, What would you do in Botham’s shoes ?

Well history shows that Botham played 6 immaculate blocks in the style of Geoffrey Boycott to guarantee that Somerset progressed to their first ever final. Botham demonstrated great self restraint and amazingly focus on winning the game for his team, rather than getting wrapped up in the moment of personal glory.

Emburey felt confident that Beefy would have a go and therefore give a chance back to Middlesex. But, however much Emburey tossed it up Botham refused to take the bait.

Somerset went on to win their first ever trophy at Lord’s.