THE bat used by Sir Geoffrey Boycott to score his 100th first-class century in a Test against Australia has sold for £43,750.
The iconic bat with which controversial legend Boycott made 191 on his home ground at Headingley in 1977 was the star item in an online auction of the controversial legend‘s memorabilia conducted by Christie’s.
In total, the auction of 130 lots raised £207,625.
Former opener Boycott, 80, said: “I’m pleased the auction of my personal cricketing collection was so well received.
“Knowing these items have gone to people who will treasure them and enjoy them is all I could have hoped for.
“The fact they can now be seen in the light of day instead of being in boxes in my attic is fantastic.”
Estimates for how much his bat would make were pretty accurate as it was valued between £30k-50k.
Other big ticket items included Boycott’s ceremonial England cap (£11,250) and Viv Richards’ West Indies cap (£10,625).
A stump from the famous Headingley Test of 1981 – in which Ian Botham scored 149 not out and Bob Willis took 8-43 – went for £8,125.
Boycott’s contribution in that Ashes-turning miracle win was an overshadowed 46 in the second-innings, lasting three and a half hours.
It is unclear why the Yorkshire legend chose to sell off such mementoes.
But the pundit’s contract as a summariser for BBC Radio’s Test Match Special was not renewed this year after 14 summers in the job.
Boycott averaged 47.72 from his 108 Tests, from 1964 to 1982.
He was also Yorkshire president from 2012-14.
