Ian Botham has earned more than £225,000 by selling his prized collection from the 1981 Ashes series. The former England cricket star auctioned over 240 items from his illustrious career in 2023.
With England aiming for a comeback in this year’s Ashes series, fans may draw inspiration from Botham’s historic Ashes victory over 40 years ago. During the auction held in the Long Room at the KIA Oval two years ago, Botham parted with notable memorabilia from his Ashes triumph.
Among the items sold, the red cricket ball that Botham used to take five wickets for one run at Edgbaston fetched £20,000. Additionally, a stump from the Headingley win in the 1981 Ashes went for £11,000, and his man of the match medal was sold for £19,000.
The Headingley victory marked a turning point for the England team four decades ago, with Botham’s outstanding performance helping secure an improbable win. Botham scored an impressive 149 runs not out, setting a target of 130 for victory, while Bob Willis took eight wickets to seal the remarkable comeback.
Botham personally marked the ‘Headingley 81’ stump. Furthermore, he sold other items such as his player of the season medal, England test blazer, Somerset cap, and a ‘baggy green’ cap gifted by former Australian captain Allan Border.
The auction, managed by Knight’s Auctioneers of Norwich, Norfolk, was prompted by Botham’s decision to downsize. Auctioneer Tim Knight mentioned that Botham wanted to clear out some possessions while retaining a few sentimental items.
Knight emphasized Botham’s legacy as one of cricket’s finest players and England’s top all-rounder, highlighting his remarkable statistics, on-field charisma, and indomitable spirit. The auction’s standout lots were the memorabilia associated with the 1981 Ashes, renowned as Botham’s Ashes.