England cricket star Sir Ian Botham narrowly escaped disaster after plunging into shark and crocodile-infested waters during an Australian fishing trip. The sporting legend was dramatically hauled to safety by former Aussie rival Merv Hughes after tumbling head-first into a Northern Territory river when his flip-flops became tangled in rope.

CRICKET legend Ian Botham survived a terrifying fall into a crocodile- infested river when he was dragged out by his former rival Merv Hughes. The pair, close pals since their playing days, were

Sir Ian Botham, who suffered severe bruising, was rescued by his friend Merv Hughes. Sir Ian Botham, cricket legend and House of Lords member, has revealed that he had to be rescued by his friend Merv Hughes after falling into saltwater crocodile-infested waters during a fishing trip in Australia.