England all-rounder showed such discipline in compiling his 176 at Old Trafford and that willingness to learn and improve should see him scale yet more heights for his country
Many more innings like the one he scored here and there must be a peerage around the corner for Ben Stokes, though I’ve not yet ascertained where he stands on Brexit, which is obviously crucial. It is 13 years since we learned that Ian Botham was to be knighted and I recall being asked to cast aside my astonishment – and delight – for a moment to pen a swift profile for the Observer. This time no profile is required; not that much has changed for Sir Ian since 2007 but perhaps the manner in which peerages are distributed has.
Related: 'Not in a position to say': Ian Botham refuses to comment on peerage claims
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