Botham reveals 2001 affair with Oz waitress 'nearly cost him everything'

Former England Test captain Sir Ian Botham has revealed that his affair with an Australian waitress had cost him 'nearly everything' and made him realise that he had been a 'terrible' husband and father.

The former England all-rounder however, insisted that his 37-year marriage is now stronger than ever.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the legend's affair with Kylie Verrells began when he was in Australia to commentate on the 1998 Ashes tour and she served him lunch in a Sydney restaurant, although in 2001, Verrells split the beans on the affair to the media when Botham refused to keep an alleged promise to leave his wife.

The former England cricketer, whose son admitted that his father was not a good husband and father, said that he was forced to rebuild relationships with his wife and their three children after they discovered his betrayal, adding that the news that he was about to be exposed made him confess his betrayal to his family.

Stating that he felt a mixture of trepidation and relief when forced to confess, Botham said that he suddenly realised that he has made a massive mistake, which had almost cost him everything that is important to him, adding that his children were hurt more than he realised.

However, Botham said that he is very happy now and believes that his marriage has got stronger over the years despite the numerous highs and lows that almost threatened to break it down.