Ian Botham earned over £225,000 by auctioning off his cherished memorabilia from the 1981 Ashes series. The iconic cricketer sold more than 240 items from his illustrious career during a 2023 auction.
With England aiming for a comeback in the current Ashes series, fans might draw inspiration from Botham’s historic Ashes victory over four decades ago. At the auction held in the Long Room at the KIA Oval two years ago, Botham bid farewell to notable items from his Ashes triumph.
Notably, the red cricket ball used by Botham to achieve an extraordinary feat of taking five wickets for one run, leading England to triumph at Edgbaston, fetched £20,000. Additionally, a stump extracted by Botham after the famous Headingley win in the 1981 Ashes was sold for £11,000, and his personal man of the match medal was acquired for £19,000.
The Headingley victory marked a pivotal moment for the England team over 40 years ago when the team achieved an improbable win with odds at 500/1. Botham’s remarkable 149 not out set a target of 130 for the visitors, and Bob Willis’ eight-wicket haul sealed one of cricket’s greatest comebacks.
Among the items auctioned, Botham’s player of the season medal fetched £8,000, his England test blazer went for £1,800, and a Somerset cap was sold for £2,700. Additionally, a ‘baggy green’ cap gifted by former Australian captain Allan Border was auctioned for £13,000.
Botham also parted with his England blue day one top from the 1992 World Cup in Australia, where England lost to Pakistan, selling for £11,000. Furthermore, his BBC SPOTY Lifetime award, received in 2004, was acquired for £3,600.
The decision to sell his memorabilia was made by Botham as he sought to downsize, as stated by auctioneer Tim Knight. The auction was managed by Knight’s Auctioneers of Norwich, Norfolk.
Reflecting on the auction, Knight emphasized the significance of items associated with the 1981 Ashes, known as Botham’s Ashes. He noted Botham’s legacy as one of cricket’s greatest players and England’s premier all-rounder, highlighting his exceptional on-field performance, entertainment value, and resilient personality.