Former England cricket legend Ian Botham generated over £225,000 through the sale of his treasured collection related to the 1981 Ashes series. Botham auctioned off more than 240 items from his esteemed cricket career in 2023.
With England aiming for a resurgence in the upcoming Ashes series, fans may draw inspiration from Botham’s historic Ashes triumph four decades ago. At the auction held in the Long Room at the KIA Oval, Botham bid farewell to some iconic memorabilia from his Ashes victory.
Notably, the red cricket ball used by Botham to secure five wickets for one run at Edgbaston, leading England to triumph, was sold for £20,000. Additionally, a stump extracted by Botham post the renowned Headingley victory in the 1981 Ashes fetched £11,000, while his personal man of the match medal was purchased for £19,000.
The pivotal Headingley triumph, where England defied 500/1 odds for an improbable win, saw Botham’s remarkable 149 not out setting a 130-run target for the opponents. Bob Willis’ eight-wicket haul further propelled England to a memorable comeback in cricket history.
Botham’s marked ‘Headingley 81’ stump, along with other items like his player of the season medal, England test blazer, Somerset cap, and an Australian ‘baggy green’ cap gifted by Allan Border, were among the items sold. The auction, managed by Knight’s Auctioneers of Norwich, Norfolk, was a decision made by Botham to streamline his possessions.
Reflecting on the auction, auctioneer Tim Knight highlighted the significance of Botham’s association with the 1981 Ashes, known as “Botham’s Ashes.” Knight mentioned Botham’s intention to downsize and move forward, emphasizing Botham’s enduring legacy as one of cricket’s finest players and England’s premier all-rounder.