Ian Botham has earned over £225,000 by selling his treasured memorabilia from the 1981 Ashes series. The legendary former England cricketer auctioned off more than 240 items from his illustrious career in 2023.
As England seeks a resurgence in the upcoming Ashes series, fans may draw inspiration from Botham’s historic Ashes victory with the team over four decades ago. During the auction held at the Long Room in the KIA Oval two years ago, Botham parted ways with significant items from his Ashes triumph.
Notably, the red cricket ball that led England to victory at Edgbaston, where Botham claimed five wickets for one run, sold for £20,000. Additionally, a stump extracted by Botham after the iconic Headingley win fetched £11,000, while his personal man of the match medal was purchased for £19,000.
The Headingley win marked a pivotal moment for the England team, with Botham’s remarkable performance altering the course of the match. Despite 500/1 odds against them, Botham’s unbeaten 149 runs set a target of 130 for victory, supported by Bob Willis’s eight wickets, resulting in one of cricket’s greatest comebacks.
Among the items auctioned were Botham’s player of the season medal, which sold for £8,000, his England test blazer for £1,800, and a Somerset cap for £2,700. Moreover, a ‘baggy green’ cap gifted 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, sold for £11,000, and his BBC SPOTY Lifetime award from 2004, which fetched £3,600.
The decision to sell the memorabilia was made by Botham, aiming to downsize, as stated by auctioneer Tim Knight of Knight’s Auctioneers in Norwich, Norfolk. Knight highlighted the significance of the lots associated with the 1981 Ashes, acclaimed as “Botham’s Ashes.”
Reflecting on Botham’s legacy and impact on cricket, Knight emphasized Botham’s stature as one of cricket’s finest players and England’s greatest all-rounder, attributing his success to remarkable statistics, on-field charisma, entertainment value, and indomitable spirit.