Ian Botham has earned over £225,000 by selling his cherished collection from the 1981 Ashes. The former England cricket legend auctioned off more than 240 items from his esteemed career in 2023.
With England aiming for a comeback in the current Ashes series, fans look to draw inspiration from Botham’s historic Ashes victory with the team four decades ago. During the auction held in the Long Room at the KIA Oval two years ago, Botham let go of iconic items from his Ashes triumph.
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. Additionally, a stump from the famous Headingley win in 1981 fetched £11,000, and Botham’s personal man of the match medal went for £19,000.
The Headingley win marked a turning point for England over 40 years ago, with Botham’s remarkable performance leading to an improbable victory. Botham’s exceptional innings of 149 not out and Bob Willis’ eight wickets orchestrated one of cricket’s greatest comebacks.
Among the items sold were 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.
Botham also auctioned his England blue day one top from the 1992 World Cup in Australia for £11,000 and his BBC SPOTY Lifetime award for £3,600. The decision to sell his collection was driven by Botham’s desire to downsize, as confirmed by auctioneer Tim Knight, who conducted the auction in Norwich, Norfolk.
Knight remarked on Botham’s illustrious career and the significance of items linked to the 1981 Ashes, known as Botham’s Ashes. He noted Botham’s intention to move forward and downsize, emphasizing Botham’s legacy as one of cricket’s finest players and England’s premier all-rounder.