Ian Botham has earned over £225,000 by auctioning off his prized collection from the 1981 Ashes series. The former cricket star from England sold more than 240 items from his celebrated career at an auction in 2023.
With England aiming for a comeback in the current Ashes series, fans are looking to Botham’s historic Ashes triumph over 40 years ago for inspiration. During the auction held two years ago in the Long Room at the KIA Oval, Botham parted with notable items from his Ashes victory.
Among the sold items was the red cricket ball that Botham used to take five wickets for just one run at Edgbaston, fetching £20,000. Additionally, a stump extracted by Botham after the famous Headingley win sold for £11,000, and his personal man of the match medal was acquired for £19,000.
The Headingley victory marked a pivotal moment for the England team four decades ago, with odds of 500/1 for an improbable win. Botham’s remarkable 149 not out set a target of 130 runs for the visitors to secure victory, supported by Bob Willis who took eight wickets, leading to one of cricket’s most memorable turnarounds.
One of the stumps, labeled ‘Headingley 81’ by Botham, was also sold, along with the Edgbaston stump that fetched £7,000. Botham’s player of the season medal was sold for £8,000, while his England test blazer, Somerset cap, and a ‘baggy green’ cap gifted by former Australian captain Allan Border were also auctioned off.
Moreover, Botham sold his England blue day one top from the 1992 World Cup for £11,000, and his BBC SPOTY Lifetime award received in 2004 went for £3,600. The decision to auction these items was made by Botham, who reportedly wanted to downsize, as stated by auctioneer Tim Knight from Knight’s Auctioneers of Norwich, Norfolk.
Knight mentioned that the highlight of the auction was the lots associated with the 1981 Ashes, known as Botham’s Ashes. He shared that Botham is downsizing and moving forward, holding onto a few select items. Botham’s legacy as one of cricket’s greatest players and England’s premier all-rounder, based on statistics and his remarkable on-field presence, was emphasized.