Exclusive – Botham: England can be the top Test nation for the next decade

Sir Ian Botham has told talkSPORT that England can be the top Test nation for the next decade.

Andrew Strauss’ side are currently preparing to take on Pakistan in Dubai this month, after a winter break following a gruelling summer schedule which saw them become the top ranked Test side as they brushed aside India to win the series 4-0.

And England’s record Test wicket taker feels that having got to the summit of world cricket they now need to cement their place there, which he believes they should be more than capable of.

He told Kick Off: “I think England will adapt to the conditions [In Dubai against Pakistan]. They are very professional; they are the best side in test cricket in the world. So I expect them to adapt and to win the series.

“I’d be surprised if they don’t win 2-0. England are superior to all the other sides and they have been the best side for two years.

“South Africa are closest to them, we’ve got three Tests against them this summer and, of course, Australia are rebuilding so never write them off.

“There’s still a lot to play for and England have done the easy part, that’s getting to number one in the world. The hard part is to sustain that and stay for the next six, eight or ten years ranked at number one and I believe they can certainly do that.”