London, Feb.13 : Former England cricket captain and fast bowler, Sir Ian Botham, refused to commentate for Sky Television during England's second one-day international against New Zealand on Tuesday because of fears over the 100-foot high television studio.

Arriving at Seddon Park to commentate for the match, "Beefy" Botham saw the commentary position situated in a Portakabin mounted on top of 100 foot high scaffolding, and simply refused to work, reports The Mirror.

He took up a commentary position located in the main pavilion and assisted with reports to the Sky studio in London in addition to providing commentary for New Zealand television.

"I don't do heights. I'll go in helicopters and planes, but they're meant to fly - commentary boxes aren't!," he was quoted, as saying.

England lost the match to New Zealand by ten wickets, and is due to play the opening Test at the same venue from March 5.

ANI