Ian Botham has earned over £225,000 by selling his prized collection from the 1981 Ashes series. The former England cricket legend auctioned off more than 240 items from his illustrious career in 2023.
As England aims for a comeback in the current Ashes series, fans may draw inspiration from Botham’s historic Ashes triumph with the team over four decades ago. During the auction held at the KIA Oval’s Long Room two years ago, Botham let go of several iconic items from his Ashes victory.
Notably, the red cricket ball that led England to victory at Edgbaston, where Botham took five wickets for one run, was sold for £20,000. Another significant item was a stump pulled out by Botham after the memorable Headingley win, which fetched £11,000, along with his man of the match medal that sold for £19,000.
The Headingley win marked a turning point for the England team more than 40 years ago, defying odds of 500/1 for an unlikely victory. Botham’s remarkable 149 not out and Bob Willis’ eight-wicket haul helped England secure one of cricket’s greatest comebacks.
Botham personally marked the stump from Headingley ’81. Additionally, he auctioned off the stump from the Edgbaston win for £7,000, his player of the season medal for £8,000, his England test blazer for £1,800, a Somerset cap for £2,700, and a ‘baggy green’ cap gifted by former Australian captain Allan Border for £13,000.
Other items included Botham’s England blue day one top from the 1992 World Cup and his BBC SPOTY Lifetime award, which fetched £11,000 and £3,600, respectively.
Reportedly, Botham decided to downsize and clear out his collection, leading to the auction conducted by Knight’s Auctioneers of Norwich, Norfolk. The auctioneer, Tim Knight, highlighted the significance of Botham’s items associated with the 1981 Ashes, known as Botham’s Ashes.
Knight mentioned, “Botham is one of cricket’s greatest players and England’s greatest all-rounder statistically, with an immense on-field presence, entertainment value, and ‘never say die’ spirit. He is downsizing and moving on with his life, keeping only a few cherished items.”
