Legendary English cricketer legend Ian Botham’s life was again in danger as he recently fell into the shark and crocodile-infested Moyle River! He was finally rescued by his former Ashes rival, Australian fast bowler Merv Hughes.

According to reports, Botham was on a four-day fishing trip with Merv Hughes in Australia’s Northern Territory. While attempting to board a boat, his flip-flops became tangled in a rope, and he tumbled into the river.

Botham’s long-time on-field rival Hughes reacted in a snap to help him escape from the waters. Botham sustained heavy bruising to the side of his torso.

Later he stated, “I was out of the water quicker than I went in it. Quite a few sets of eyes were looking at me. Lucky for me, I had no time to think about what was in the water."

Reports also claimed that bull sharks were swimming in the waters in the proximity of Botham and Hughes’ boat.

The legendary all-rounder added, “The guys were brilliant, it was just one of those accidents. Now I am ok.” 

Botham and Hughes were in the spotlight for their on-field clashes during the Ashes in the 1980s. Botham had clubbed Hughes for 22 runs in an over, a then-record in the contest.