Ian Botham generated over £225,000 through the sale of his treasured memorabilia from the 1981 Ashes series. The renowned former England cricket icon auctioned off more than 240 items from his distinguished career in 2023.
With the current Ashes series underway, supporters are looking to draw inspiration from Botham’s historic triumph with the team over four decades ago. During the auction two years prior, held at the KIA Oval’s Long Room, Botham bid farewell to significant items linked to his Ashes victory.
Notably, the red cricket ball that led England to victory at Edgbaston, where Botham claimed five wickets for one run, was sold for £20,000. Additionally, a stump extracted by Botham following the iconic Headingley win in the 1981 Ashes fetched £11,000, while his personal man of the match medal was purchased for £19,000.
The remarkable Headingley victory marked a pivotal moment for the England team over 40 years ago, defying 500/1 odds for an improbable win. Botham’s exceptional 149 not out set a target of 130 for the visitors to triumph, with Bob Willis’ eight-wicket haul aiding England in executing one of cricket’s greatest comebacks.
Botham personally labeled the stump from Headingley ‘Headingley 81.’ In addition, he sold the stump acquired after the Edgbaston triumph for £7,000. Notable auctioned items included Botham’s player of the season medal (£8,000), England test blazer (£1,800), Somerset cap (£2,700), and a ‘baggy green’ cap gifted by former Australian captain Allan Border (£13,000).
Further items included Botham’s England blue day one top from the 1992 World Cup in Australia (£11,000) and his BBC SPOTY Lifetime award from 2004 (£3,600). The decision to auction off these possessions was driven by Botham’s desire to downsize, as confirmed by auctioneer Tim Knight of Knight’s Auctioneers in Norwich, Norfolk.
Knight remarked on Botham’s iconic status in cricket and the significance of items tied to the 1981 Ashes, revered as Botham’s Ashes. Reflecting on Botham’s legacy, Knight noted his exceptional achievements on the field, charismatic presence, and unwavering spirit, making him one of cricket’s finest players and England’s premier all-rounder.