England hero Andrew ”Freddie” Flintoff’s bat was saved at an auction from the clutches of a bitter Australian determined to burn it to ashes.
All-rounder Flintoff was named man of the series after England won the Ashes against old enemies Australia in September for the first time in 18 years.
The custom-made signed bat was one of few to survive some big-hitting Flintoff performances at the crease.
Wealthy British businessman Nick Robinson made a last-ditch £22 000 (about R258 700) bid to save Flintoff’s bat from falling into the hands of Australian Darryn Lyons.
The paparazzi boss, presumably a touch upset at England’s Flintoff-inspired victory, had threatened to take it back down under and torch it to cinders.
The charity auction at the BBC’s west London headquarters for its Children in Need appeal also saw four places for children to attend the opening of England football captain David Beckham’s new soccer academy go for £15 000 (R176 400).
The auction was to be screened on Sunday. — Sapa-AFP