Botham’s bat of 1981 Ashes to be auctioned

Ian Botham of England hits a four during his innings of 149 not out in the Third Ashes Test match against Australia at Headingley in Leeds, England © Getty Images

London: May 29, 2011 

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The bat used by legendary English all-rounder Ian Botham in his match-winning unbeaten knock of 149 in the Headingley Test of the 1981 Ashes will go under the hammer next month and is expected to fetch 2,500 pounds. The DF bat will feature in Bonhams June 1 sale of Sporting Memorabilia in Chester.

 

Following on in the third Test of the series after scoring just 174 runs in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 401, England were tottering at 105 for five when Botham went in to bat. He immediately got into the act and managed to take England’s total to 356 thanks to useful partnerships with Graham Dilley, Chris Old and Bob Willis.

 

Chasing 130 runs, Australia were bundled out for 111 with Willis pocketing eight wickets and Botham and Old one each. Wisden rated Botham’s unbeaten innings of 149 the fourth best of all time.

 

The lot on offer also includes a stump cut in two, hand signed by 13 players from the same series.

 

© PTI