Ian Botham earned over £225,000 by auctioning off his cherished memorabilia from the 1981 Ashes series. The legendary former England cricketer sold more than 240 items from his illustrious career during a 2023 auction.
As England aims for a comeback in the upcoming Ashes series, fans look back to gain inspiration from Botham’s historic Ashes triumph over four decades ago. Among the items sold were the red cricket ball that Botham used to take five wickets for one run at Edgbaston, fetching £20,000. Another highlight was the stump pulled by Botham after the famous Headingley win, sold for £11,000, along with his man of the match medal which went for £19,000.
The iconic Headingley victory marked a turning point for England’s team in 1981, defying 500/1 odds for an improbable win. Botham’s remarkable 149 not out and Bob Willis’ eight wickets sealed one of cricket’s greatest comebacks.
Botham’s auctioned items included a stump marked ‘Headingley 81,’ his player of the season medal sold for £8,000, an 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. Additionally, his England blue day one top from the 1992 World Cup and BBC SPOTY Lifetime award fetched £11,000 and £3,600, respectively.
The decision to sell his memorabilia was made by Botham as part of downsizing plans, according to auctioneer Tim Knight. The auction, managed by Knight’s Auctioneers of Norwich, Norfolk, showcased the significance of items linked to Botham’s impactful 1981 Ashes performance.
Knight reflected on Botham’s legacy, emphasizing his cricket prowess, larger-than-life persona, and enduring impact on the sport, underscoring his status as one of England’s greatest all-rounders both on and off the field.