Ian Botham has earned over £225,000 by auctioning off items from the 1981 Ashes series. The former England cricket legend sold more than 240 memorabilia pieces from his distinguished career in a 2023 auction.
Fans are hopeful that England can draw inspiration from Botham’s historic Ashes victory over 40 years ago as they gear up for this year’s Ashes series. The auction, held at the KIA Oval’s Long Room, saw Botham parting with significant items from his Ashes triumph.
Notable sales included the red cricket ball used when Botham took five wickets for one run at Edgbaston, fetching £20,000. Additionally, a stump from the Headingley win was sold for £11,000, and his man of the match medal went for £19,000.
The iconic Headingley win, where England defied 500/1 odds for a remarkable comeback, featured Botham’s remarkable 149 not out and Bob Willis’ eight crucial wickets, solidifying it as one of cricket’s greatest moments.
Botham’s auctioned items included marked stumps from Headingley and Edgbaston wins, with prices ranging from £7,000 to £19,000. His player of the season medal, England test blazer, Somerset cap, and a ‘baggy green’ cap gifted by Allan Border were also sold at the auction.
The sale was a personal decision by Botham to downsize, according to auctioneer Tim Knight from Knight’s Auctioneers of Norwich, Norfolk. Knight emphasized Botham’s cricket legacy and the significance of the 1981 Ashes items, known as “Botham’s Ashes,” in the auction.
Botham’s decision to sell off memorabilia reflects a new chapter in his life, preserving the essence of his cricketing legacy while making space for future endeavors.