Botham predicts ripple effect

Sir Ian Botham says county players will raise their game in Twenty20 © Getty Images

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Sir Ian Botham believes the Stanford 20/20 for 20 will add extra spice to this season's domestic competition which got under way this week.

The legendary all-rounder was at Lord's on Wednesday for the launch of Sir Allen Stanford's showpiece event, where England will do battle on November 1 in Antigua for a $20m prize.

Botham hopes every county player will up their game a notch in the hope of forcing their way into Peter Moores' squad for the high-profile match that will take place at the Stanford Cricket Ground.

"There's something to play for now," said Botham. "The semi-finals, there won't be any of this buddy, buddy, pat on the back - it'll be proper cricket. Whatever form of cricket you play it should be played in that way."

Botham would have been perfect for Twenty20 cricket. Whether he was smashing the bowlers out of the ground or taking vital wickets, the former Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham man would have been the first name inked on the teamsheet.

Unfortunately he came along too early for the newest form of the game but rather than being envious, he's delighted to see the current crop given the chance to play for big money.

"Cricket has lagged behind other professional sports for so many years, it's a great opportunity for the guys," he added. "Winner gets the top prize - I don't have a problem with it, it's professional sport.

"We will see a bit of ticker, we will see who has a bit of ticker and who hasn't. That will come through, there's no doubt about that. That's what professional sport is about, being under the microscope. So many people flannel through it, there's no hiding now."

Sir Ian Botham checks out what $20m in cash looks like

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The headlines have centred on the staggering amount of money each player will receive should they win - $1m a man - but the grassroots of the sport is also a huge winner.

The ECB and the West Indies Cricket Board will share $7m a year for five years - funding that will prove crucial particularly in the Caribbean where cricket contrasts sharply with the glory years of Sir Viv Richards, Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner.

"Look at how much each board is getting," said Botham. "I was talking to Viv just now and he thought the Caribbean board over the next five years could make over $100m - that's the biggest payday they have had and can only improve West Indian cricket. Likewise here for England."

While Botham can see the value of Twenty20 cricket, his heart is very much with the longer format of the game.

"People need to keep it in perspective - it's about Test cricket," he said. "The real stars are in the Test arena. Why do you think when England play anyone the Test grounds are full? It's because people love Test cricket.

"Test cricket is still what world cricket it about, everything else is a treat, a little bonus."