The Friday Five: Men who played cricket and football

All eyes are on the Ashes this week, as reigning champions England attempt to capitalise on their best-ever chance against Australia in Brisbane.But for many young sportsmen, a passion for cricket has gone hand-in-hand with impressive abilities on a football pitch, and some have had to choose between the two.As Andrew Strauss sets out to lead England to their first victory Down Under in 24 years, we look back at the stars with a talent for both football and cricket. Moonlighting: Ian Botham played as a centre forward for Yeovil Town and Scunthorpe United, while maintaining a first class cricket craeerBig man between the sticks: Bill 'Fatty' Foulke, as the Chelsea goalkeeperWilliam 'Fatty' FoulkeWilliam 'Fatty' Foulke was one of the heaviest first-class cricketers of all time, reaching about 24 stone to match his huge 6ft 4in by the end of his career. He made four appearances for Derbyshire County Cricket Club in 1900, but was mainly known for his 299 matches as Sheffield United's goalkeeper. Foulke then became Chelsea captain and later joined Bradford City. He also played football for England once, against Wales in 1897.Willie WatsonWillie Watson made his debut for Huddersfield Town in midfield at 17years old, and for Yorkshire II a year later. He went on to play forSunderland and helped the England football team beat Ireland, Italy,Scotland and Wales in 1949-50. He then focused on cricket and, as part ofthe national team that beat Australia in the first Test at Lord's in1953, helped England to an Ashes win at the Oval. Football: Willie Watson in his Sunderland days, and right, hammering a ball to the boundary for England in his cricket whitesDenis ComptonDenis Compton was a true star of both sports. As an Arsenal winger for his entire career, he won the League in 1948 and the FA Cup in 1950. He played in 12 wartime matches for England, but was never officially capped. Compton spent 22 years as an all-rounder at Middlesex County Cricket Club and appeared in 78 Tests. His brother Leslie also played at Middlesex and Arsenal, and won two England football caps. Winger: Denis Compton was a flying outside left for Arsenal, and right, was an all-rounder at Middlesex in his cricketing careerSir Ian BothamOne of England's greatest Test players, Sir Ian Botham, was also a talented football player. 'Beefy' notched 14 centuries and 383 wickets for his country, while appearing as a centre forward for Yeovil Town and then Scunthorpe United. He spent most of his career at Somerset County Cricket Club after joining in 1974, and later played for Worcestershire and Durham. A real all-rounder, he made the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009. Legend: Ian Botham takes a run off Australia's all-rounder Steve Waugh Chris BalderstoneChris Balderstone was a long-time midfielder who also played and umpired first class and international cricket, appearing in two Tests in 1976 and continuing well into his 40s. In 1975, after finishing the day 51 not out for Leicestershire against Derbyshire, he headed to Doncaster Rovers for a 1-1 draw with Brentford. He returned the next morning to complete a century and take three wickets as Leicestershire won their first County Championship title. Midfield magic: Chris Balderstone played in the centre at Carlisle United Opening batsman: Balderstone at the Oval with Leicestershire  Explore more:People: Andrew Strauss, Ian Botham Places: Worcestershire, Scotland, Australia, Italy, United Kingdom, Wales, Ireland

Source: Daily_Mail