ON this day in 1973 a young Ian Botham made his debut for Somerset County Cricket Club against Sussex in the John Player League.

Somerset lost the game by six wickets most likely due to a disastrous start with the bat from the team from Taunton, losing five wickets for only 39 runs.

Despite Botham only scoring two runs after being dismissed by M Buss, the youngster made an impression in the field.

He took an impressive diving catch to remove England all-rounder Tony Greig.

Take a look at the article published in the Somerset County Gazette from that week in 1973 below.

Somerset County Gazette: ARCHIVES: Article in the Somerset County Gazette from September 1973ARCHIVES: Article in the Somerset County Gazette from September 1973