Ian Botham has made over £225,000 by selling his prized collection from the 1981 Ashes. The former England cricket icon auctioned off more than 240 items from his distinguished career in 2023.
As England aims for a comeback in this year’s 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 Long Room in the KIA Oval two years ago, Botham parted ways with notable items from his Ashes victory.
The red cricket ball used when Botham claimed five wickets for one run at Edgbaston, leading England to triumph, fetched £20,000. A stump pulled out by Botham after the memorable Headingley win in the 1981 Ashes was sold for £11,000, while his personal man of the match medal was acquired for £19,000.
The Headingley victory marked a pivotal moment for the England squad more than 40 years ago, with odds of 500/1 against their improbable win. Botham’s remarkable 149 not out set a target of 130 for the visitors, and Bob Willis’ eight wickets sealed one of cricket’s most incredible comebacks.
The stump, labeled ‘Headingley 81’ by Botham himself, was also sold. Additionally, Botham auctioned off the stump he took after the Edgbaston victory, fetching £7,000.
Other items sold included Botham’s 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.
Moreover, Botham sold his England blue day one top from the 1992 World Cup in Australia for £11,000 and his BBC SPOTY Lifetime award from 2004 for £3,600.
Reportedly, Botham decided to clear out his belongings to downsize, leading to the auction managed by Knight’s Auctioneers of Norwich, Norfolk. Auctioneer Tim Knight stated that Botham’s legacy and the items associated with the 1981 Ashes were the highlights of the sale, known as Botham’s Ashes.
Knight mentioned, “I believe he is downsizing and moving on with his life and he’s kept hold of a few things but you can’t keep everything. There’s only so many grandchildren you can share things around to. Botham is one of cricket’s greatest players, and England’s greatest all-rounder in terms of statistics alone, and that is even without taking account of his massive on-field presence, entertainment value and ‘never say die’ personality.”