Cricket icon Ian Botham has generated a remarkable sum exceeding £225,000 by auctioning a treasured hoard of memorabilia from his legendary career, with highlights from the fabled 1981 Ashes series commanding the highest prices.
The Prized Lots from 'Botham's Ashes'
The 2023 auction, held in the prestigious Long Room at The Kia Oval, saw over 240 items go under the hammer. The most sought-after pieces were inextricably linked to England's miraculous Ashes victory over four decades ago, a series forever synonymous with the all-rounder's heroics. The standout lot was the red cricket ball from the Edgbaston Test, where Botham's astonishing spell of five wickets for one run sealed an England win. It sold for £20,000.
A stump ceremoniously pulled from the ground after the unforgettable Headingley triumph, personally inscribed 'Headingley 81' by Botham, fetched £11,000. His Man of the Match medal from that iconic game realised £19,000. Further cementing the 1981 theme, the stump from the Edgbaston win sold for £7,000.
A Career in Memorabilia: From Blazers to BBC Awards
The sale offered a fascinating journey through Botham's 19-year professional journey. His England Test blazer went for £1,800, while a Somerset cap achieved £2,700. A poignant item was the 'baggy green' cap gifted to him by former Australian captain Allan Border, which sold for £13,000.
Other notable lots included his England blue day one top from the 1992 World Cup in Australia (£11,000), his Player of the Season medal (£8,000), and the BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement award he received in 2004 (£3,600).
The Reason Behind the Sale
Auctioneer Tim Knight of Knight’s Auctioneers in Norwich, Norfolk, clarified that the decision to sell came from Lord Botham himself. The cricket legend, now 70, was reportedly looking to downsize and streamline his possessions. "I believe he is downsizing and moving on with his life," Knight stated. "He’s kept hold of a few things but you can’t keep everything. There’s only so many grandchildren you can share things around to."
Knight emphasised the enduring appeal of the 1981 items, noting: "Lord Botham’s name carries that magic dust and the highlights were definitely the lots associated with the 1981 Ashes, which are known as Botham’s Ashes." He praised Botham not only for his statistical record as England's greatest all-rounder but for his "massive on-field presence, entertainment value and 'never say die' personality."
As England cricket fans reflect on past glories, the auction serves as a potent reminder of one of the sport's most charismatic figures and a series that remains etched in sporting folklore.
