Legendary ex-England cricketer Ian Botham has been appointed trade envoy to Australia, according to a tweet from International Trade Secretary Liz Truss.
Renowned for his clashes with the country in the Ashes, Lord Botham is one of ten new trade envoys appointed by the government in an attempt to boost British business across the globe.
‘Beefy’ has been identified as a good fit for the voluntary, unpaid role, which is intended to increase British engagement with countries with considerable trade and investment potential.
The appointment following the agreement of the UK’s first post-Brexit free trade deal, which was made with Australia in a pact that covers goods such as cars, biscuits and ceramics.
Mrs Truss said: “The Aussies love Beefy and he knows the country and the business community as well as anyone.
“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 said: “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.”
