Ian Botham rescues rival Ash from crocodile-infested water after fishing accident

SYDNEY. England cricketer Ian Botham was rescued by his former Ashes rival Merv Hughes after falling into crocodile-infested water while fishing in northern Australia.

Botham was on a boat with Hughes and a group of friends when the accident occurred, which left him badly bruised but the former England all-rounder was not seriously injured.

Botham, 68, reportedly became entangled in the ropes while transferring to another boat, causing him to slide head first into the Moyle River, 125 miles southwest of Darwin in Australia’s tropical north. It is known that sea crocodiles and bull sharks live in the river.

Posting a message about the incident on social media, Botham shared his relief, saying: “My catch of the day was a barra when I was pretty much the catch of the day for all the crocs and bull sharks…thanks guys for pulling me out.”

The two cricketing legends, who clashed many times during the Ashes series in the late 1980s and early 90s, have maintained a close friendship over the years.

In a comment to News Corp, Botham compared himself to a character in the Australian film Crocodile Dundee, saying: “In the end, Beefy the Crocodile survived.

“I got out of the water faster than I got in it. Many eyes were looking at me. Fortunately, I didn’t have time to think about what was in the water. The lads were brilliant, it was one of those crashes. It was all very quick and now I’m fine.”

There have been three fatal crocodile attacks in Australia this year.