Submitted by aarAdmin on Mon, 06/30/2025 - 00:00
When former Australian Test fast bowler Jason Gillespie decided to sell some of his comprehensive cricket memorabilia collection through Melbourne-based Abacus Auctions as part of their four-day sporting memorabilia, stamps, coins and banknotes, and postal history sale from June 24-27, he could not believe that each of the 69 items would successfully go under the hammer.
Leading the results were two ‘coffin’ cricket travel trunks (lots 4652 and 4651) that respectively sold for $2100 and $1900.
Now 50, Gillespie, who began both his Test and one-day career in 1996 aged 21 and took 259 wickets in 71 Tests, said it was pointless having the collection in storage boxes where no one ever saw it.
“Time for others to also enjoy it,” said the man who established a world record for a nightwatchman by scoring 201 not out against Bangladesh in 2006 in what was to be his final Test.
Another results highlight was the $2100 paid for Gillespie’s candy-striped Australian team blazer (lot 4626) he wore during the 1997 Ashes tour.
The cricket ball collection (lot 4691), featuring balls he took five or more wickets in an innings in international, domestic and English county cricket was another solid gain at $1500.
Man of the Match medals, (lot 4690), including the 1997 Fourth Test at Headingley, was another auction success story at $1250, while memorabilia from the 2000-01 Melbourne Cricket Ground Fourth Test against the West Indies – including a 12-signature stump, Gillespie’s boots and ball recording his three wickets for 38 and six for 40 – sold for $1150.
One of the stumps from the 2006 match where he scored his unbeaten 201 (lot 4667) brought $1100, while Gillespie’s Test shirt from the Australia/South Africa 2001/02 Test series, signed by all members of both teams, sold for $900 – and his much worn one -day-international sweat-stained cap (lot 4612) for $750.
