CRICKET legend Sir Ian Botham is to bat for Britain — as our new trade envoy to Australia.
The Ashes-winning superstar is part of a crack team being assembled by the Government to bang the drum for British business.
It comes just months after the UK inked its first post-Brexit trade deal with Australia, bringing cheaper barbecue food and wine to supermarkets.
An ally of International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: “The Aussies love Beefy and he knows the country and the business community as well as anyone.
“It’s an inspired appointment by the PM and Liz.”
Lord Botham is one of ten new trade tsars being appointed by No10 to boost UK plc in booming markets including Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Ms Truss said: “We might be rivals on the cricket pitch, but Britain and Australia share a strong belief in the power of free and fair trade.
“Having Lord Botham going in to bat for British businesses will help them seize the opportunities our trade deal presents.”
Lord Botham, also known for his epic charity walks, added: “It’s a great honour to carry out this role in a country that I love and have come to know so well.
“I have spent a significant amount of my career in Australia, and I am excited to have the opportunity.”
The legendary all-rounder played Down Under and was also a pundit there.
