Ian Botham has earned over £225,000 by auctioning off his cherished memorabilia from the 1981 Ashes series. The renowned former England cricket player sold more than 240 items from his distinguished career during an auction held in 2023.
With England aiming for a comeback in the upcoming Ashes series, fans may draw inspiration from Botham’s historic Ashes triumph with the team four decades ago. At the auction two years ago, held at the KIA Oval’s Long Room, Botham bid farewell to some iconic items from his Ashes victory.
Notably, the red cricket ball used when Botham took five wickets for one run at Edgbaston, leading England to victory, was sold for £20,000. Furthermore, a stump extracted by Botham after the famous Headingley win fetched £11,000, and his personal man of the match medal was purchased for £19,000.
The Headingley win marked a pivotal moment for the England team over 40 years ago, with odds of 500/1 against their unlikely triumph. Botham’s remarkable 149 not out innings set a target of 130 for the visitors to win, supported by Bob Willis’ eight-wicket haul, resulting in one of cricket’s greatest comebacks.
Botham, now 70 years old, personally labeled the stump from Headingley ‘Headingley 81’. Additionally, he sold the stump from the Edgbaston win for £7,000. Various items like Botham’s player of the season medal, England test blazer, Somerset cap, and a ‘baggy green’ cap gifted by former Australian captain Allan Border were also auctioned.
The auction, overseen by auctioneer Tim Knight of Knight’s Auctioneers in Norwich, Norfolk, was a decision made by Botham to declutter and downsize. Knight emphasized the allure of items tied to the 1981 Ashes, known as Botham’s Ashes, owing to Botham’s iconic status in cricket history.
As Knight stated, “Botham’s legacy in cricket is unparalleled, and the items associated with the 1981 Ashes were the auction’s highlights. Botham’s decision to downsize and move forward in life led to this auction, showcasing his remarkable career and enduring impact on the sport.”