A recent auction in London saw cricket legend Ian Botham part ways with over 200 souvenirs from his famous career. The auction generated significant interest, particularly for memorabilia from the iconic 1981 Ashes series.
Valued Items at the Auction:
Among the most valued items auctioned was the ball from the fourth Test at Edgbaston, which fetched an impressive £20,000. During that match, Botham claimed five Australian wickets, contributing to England’s comeback win. Another treasured item was a stump inscribed with “Headingley 81,” which sold for £11,000. This memento was taken by Botham after his remarkable unbeaten 149-run innings, which propelled England to victory despite being forced to follow-on.
Botham’s man-of-the-match medal from that game, where he added six wickets and another half-century to his tally, exceeded pre-sale estimates and went for £19,000. Interestingly, the auction’s most expensive item had no ties to cricket at all. A Manchester United shirt donned by Sammy McIlroy in the 1977 Charity Shield match against Liverpool at Wembley, later gifted to Botham, sold for a staggering £23,000. This figure was over seven times its original estimate of £3,000.
Ian Botham’s Career:
Botham, now 67 years old, is celebrated as one of cricket history’s finest all-rounders. Throughout his 15-year Test career spanning from 1977 to 1992, he scored over 5,000 runs in 102 matches, notched up 14 centuries, and claimed a then-England record of 383 wickets as a fast-medium bowler.
Further showcasing his versatility, Botham took 120 catches, many of which were outstanding slip catches. His role in the 1981 England-Australia Test series remains unforgettable. With the series standing at 1-0 in Australia’s favor following a loss at Nottingham and a draw at Lord’s, Botham stepped down as England’s captain. This decision paved the way for his legendary performances at Headingley and Edgbaston.
His 118-run innings at Old Trafford, replete with 13 fours and six sixes, sealed England’s series victory.
Ian Botham’s Life After Cricket:
Apart from his on-field achievements, Botham is a dedicated fundraiser for cancer charities. After retiring, he became a revered cricket broadcaster and newspaper columnist. In 2020, his already-established knighthood was further enhanced when then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson appointed him to the House of Lords in the UK Parliament, acknowledging his support for Britain’s exit from the European Union.
