Ian Botham has earned over £225,000 by auctioning his treasured collection from the 1981 Ashes. The legendary former England cricket player put up for sale more than 240 items from his celebrated career during an auction in 2023.
With England aiming for a strong comeback in the current Ashes series, fans may draw inspiration from Botham’s historic Ashes triumph with the team over four decades ago. At the auction held in the Long Room at the KIA Oval two years ago, Botham bid farewell to some iconic items from his Ashes victory.
Among the notable sales, the red cricket ball used by Botham to secure five wickets for just one run at Edgbaston was sold for £20,000. Additionally, a stump extracted by Botham after the famous Headingley victory in the 1981 Ashes fetched £11,000, and his personal man of the match medal was purchased for £19,000.
The Headingley triumph marked a pivotal moment for the England squad more than 40 years ago, with odds of 500/1 against them for an improbable win. Botham’s remarkable 149 not out set a target of 130 runs for the visitors, supported by Bob Willis who took eight crucial wickets, leading to one of cricket’s most memorable turnarounds.
The stump, labeled ‘Headingley 81’ by Botham himself, was among the items sold. The 70-year-old also parted with the stump collected after the Edgbaston victory, which sold for £7,000.
Botham’s player of the season medal was auctioned for £8,000, while his England test blazer fetched £1,800, and a Somerset cap was sold at £2,700. A ‘baggy green’ cap gifted to Botham by former Australian captain Allan Border was sold for £13,000.
Other items included Botham’s England blue day one top from the 1992 World Cup in Australia, which sold for £11,000, and his BBC SPOTY Lifetime award from 2004, which went for £3,600.
The decision to sell the collection was made by Botham, reportedly as part of downsizing plans, according to auctioneer Tim Knight. The auction was managed by Knight’s Auctioneers of Norwich, Norfolk.
Knight commented on Botham’s stature in cricket, emphasizing the significance of the lots associated with the 1981 Ashes, known as Botham’s Ashes. Acknowledging Botham’s legacy, Knight mentioned the player’s exceptional statistics, on-field charisma, and resilient personality that have solidified his status as one of England’s greatest all-rounders.
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