I had an early case of coronavirus: Botham

Sir Ian Botham says he had a corona virus earlier this year, just a few weeks before his visit to Australia.

The former English all-rounder said what he thought was “a bad case of flu” was actually COVID-19.

Botham said to Good Morning Britain: “I think it should be remembered that six months ago nobody knew what it was and hadn’t heard of it.

“I actually had it. I had it in late December, early January, and I thought I had bad flu.

“It’s amazing how long it has been, we don’t know all the details. It was kind of dark, let’s see what happens.

“I think people have responded very well. I hope they will be a little more patient in the next few weeks so we can get into a situation where everyone can move.”

Botham came to Australia later in January as part of an advertising tour with his wine company. He also did charity work and participated in the Australian Open.

Reports did not show whether he was actually tested for the virus.

While international cricket will resume on July 8th, when England go behind closed doors against the West Indies in the Ageas Bowl, club cricket remains on hold as Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week described the ball as a “natural disease carrier”.

Botham is confident that a return is not far away.

“I think cricket will be back soon,” said the 64-year-old, Durham chairman.

“I think there are a couple of meetings where the decisions are made. In my view, they are back in training with the guys in Durham, they are very, very interested in getting out and playing.” like any young athlete.

“There is talk of whether it is a white or a red ball – it should be both, all aspects of the game should come back.”