JOS BUTTLER’S World Cup-winning shirt has earned £65,100 in the fight against coronavirus.
Wicketkeeper Buttler’s online auction of his prized possession attracted a total of 82 bids before ending last night.
The money will go to the Royal Brompton, where his wife Louise’s aunt is head of paediatrics, and Harefield hospitals.
It will help buy an ECMO machine, which provides emergency support to the seriously ill, including those suffering from Covid-19.
Buttler revealed the shirt he was wearing when he completed the run out that secured England’s dramatic victory has not been washed and still smells of sweat and champagne.
He wore it during celebrations in the dressing-room at Lord’s and back at the team hotel, where the party continued. Buttler said he did not take it off until 7am the following morning.
Buttler said: “I always bat in a short-sleeved shirt but I fielded in this long-sleeved one for 50 overs and then the super over. This is the shirt and it smells pretty authentic.
“I took it off around seven o’clock the next morning.
“They were great times — first, in the dressing room and then we headed back to the hotel bar with everyone still in full kit. So it’s seen it all, that shirt! All the players have autographed it.
“I’m not a massive collector of memorabilia. The only other really special thing I have is the bat I used in the final.
“The fashion in which the World Cup was won and how the drama unfolded means the shirt carries a story. It just felt like a good thing to do and a great way to help.”
