Page "The Ashes" Paragraph 135

Brearley retired from Test cricket in 1979 and was succeeded by Ian Botham, who started the 1981 series as England captain, by which time the WSC split had ended.

After Australia took a 1 – 0 lead in the first two Tests, Botham was forced to resign or was sacked ( depending on the source ).

Brearley surprisingly agreed to be reappointed before the Third Test at Headingley.

This was a remarkable match in which Australia looked certain to take a 2 – 0 series lead after they had forced England to follow-on 227 runs behind.

England, despite being 135 for 7, produced a second innings total of 356, Botham scoring 149 *.

Chasing just 130, Australia were sensationally dismissed for 111, Bob Willis taking 8 – 43.

It was the first time since 1894 – 95 that a team following on had won a Test match.

Under Brearley's leadership, England went on to win the next two matches before a drawn final match at The Oval.