Great Ashes moment No.2: Ian Botham becomes national hero after superb performance at Headingley Ian Botham's Headingley heroics still live large in the memory of many English fans. WITH just one day before the 2013 series gets underway, it's time to look back at the time an Ashes legend was born. Ian Botham will be remembered for many things from his colourful career, but none will be remembered as fondly in England as his Headingley heroics from 1981. It was the quintessential all-rounder's performance, as the man known as "Beefy" claimed six wickets in one innings and hit 149 in another to seal a famous win for England. Stay tuned on Wednesday as we reveal what came in at No.1 in our countdown of 35 great Ashes moments from the past 35 years. No.2 Ian Botham's heroics, Headingley, 1981 REWIND 10 days and Ian Botham was skulking off Lord's with a pair to his name. Selectors responded to a second Test draw, which left Australia 1-0 up in the series, by replacing Botham as captain with Mike Brearley. Botham, happy to be free of the millstone, took six wickets as Australia declared at 9-401, and then made 50 as the hosts were rolled for 174. Ian Botham (L) with another Ashes legend, Shane Warne. England fell to 5-105 in their second innings yet Botham, with his team at odds of 500-1 (snapped up by Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh), came out intent on action. "I just thought if we go down, let's go down burning," he said. His innings started as a hopeless slog but a lucky hand of 56 from Graham Dilley allowed Botham the time to plunder 149, the century coming off 87 balls. Australia needed 130 and were cruising at 1-56. Bob Willis changed ends and grabbed amazing figures of 8-43 as Australia collapsed 18 runs short. The England players won the series 3-1 and went from perennial laughing stock to national heroes. Still to this day if it's raining during an Ashes Test there's short odds on what game is being shown in perpetual replay on English TV.