Denly top scored with 67 on his One Day debut for England against Ireland

Sir Ian Botham says he has been impressed with Kent batsman Joe Denly's start to his England career.

Denly, 23, made his debut against Ireland in August and went on to play in the one-day series against Australia and the Champions Trophy.

His career hit the buffers when he was injured playing football in training, but Botham thinks he came back well.

"I've been impressed with him. I think everyone's been impressed with him," Botham told BBC Radio Kent.

"It was unfortunate that the England team decided to have a game of football and he got booted in the air," he said.

"It's a shame that happened to him because it was a bit of an anticlimax.

"Then he was hobbling around on crutches, but he did make it and he's made a mark - so good luck to the lad."

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