Amiss backing Botham

Cricket

Dennis Amiss, the Warwickshire chief executive, yesterday added his voice to the calls for Ian Botham to be brought into the England set-up to kick-start the national side's flagging fortunes.

The former England batsman joined Derbyshire and Northamptonshire officials - who have nominated Botham to be a selector - in pressing for the great all-rounder to be involved in the international scene.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Amiss said: "I believe Botham has got to be involved. He was such a great player and he has his heart in the right place.

"Even if he wasn't able to be a selector, his sheer presence would be a huge benefit to the England players. I've never seen an England team lacking so much confidence as the one at the end of the South Africa tour and in the World Cup. They are good players, but they need to have their confidence restored.''