Description
Introduced by Ian Botham

Featuring an interview with Ian Botham and BBC highlights from all five days of England's greatest ever Test match.

Regularly voted as one of the greatest moments in the history of British sport, Ian Botham's 149 not out against Australia at Headingley in 1981 was nothing short of miraculous. But the whole stroy of that match - and the part played by England's other heroes - is equally fascinating...

The third Test, found England - already one down in the six match series against Australia - in disarray. After poor performances, Ian Botham had resigned as captain and the selectors had recalled former skipper Mike Brearley to lead the side. Australia won the toss, and immediately set about England's mediocre bowling attack. English cricketing fans feared the worst...

Botham's extraordinary second innings, as England languished at 135-7, turned the game around. However, this was but one story in an absorbing match: Bob Willis's journey from wicketless failure to match-winning hero; Botham's first innings resurgence (a great catch, a six-wicket haul, and a 50); England's Saturday night odds of 500-1 that even tempted Lillee and Marsh; the terrific contributions of a swashbuckling Graham Dilley, and a stonewalling Chris Old; and the mood swing of a swaggering, jovial Australia into a frustrated, angry and ultimately, humbled team.

Relive the miracle of Headingley '81.