CRICKET legend Sir Ian Botham is returning to Worcestershire as part of their former pace ace Jack Shantry’s testimonial year.

The ex-England all-rounder spent five seasons at Blackfinch New Road from 1987 until 1991 and was a key figure in the County’s second golden era.

During that period they won the County Championship and 40 Over League twice and the Benson and Hedges Cup.

He will always be remembered for Headingley in 1981 when he helped England to turn around a lost-looking cause and defeat Australia as part of what became known as Botham’s Ashes.

Now Botham, who is chairman of Durham, will be back at Blackfinch New Road on Thursday, May 16, for an evening of cricketing tales from his career plus a question-and-answer session in aid of Shantry.

The function will take place in the Chestnut Marquee beginning at 7pm and lasting for approximately two hours.

It follows on from the close of the third day’s play in the County Championship Division Two match between Worcestershire and Durham.

Shantry said: "I'm really looking forward to what will be a special evening.

"Ian Botham is not just a Worcestershire legend but an England legend too and he is as entertaining off the pitch as he was on it."

Dave Bradley will be compering the evening.

Tickets cost £20 each and there will also be the opportunity to have a photograph taken with Botham for a small additional fee plus a raffle and auction.

To book, email tickets@shants2019.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Shantry, 31, has turned his cricket attention towards umpiring and is now officiating in the Birmingham League on Saturdays as well as doing Minor Counties and second XI matches.

The left-arm bowler retired from playing aged just 30 because of a long-standing back injury.

Shrewsbury-born Shantry was a consistent performer for the club but is probably best remembered for his century and 10 wickets in the promotion-clinching County Championship win over Surrey in 2014.

For Shantry's testimonial year, the date of his Lord's dinner has also been confirmed with another England legend David Gower as a guest speaker on October 17.

For more details, email info@shants2019.co.uk.