Together Through This Test auction raises more than £35,000

The initiative was organised by Nottinghamshire and operated by their sponsors, John Pye Auctions, with the ECB, MCC, PCA and all 18 first-class counties all showing their support

An auction initially set up by Nottinghamshire before being taken up nationwide has raised more than £35,000.

The Together Through This Test auction closed to bidders on June 14, with the final fundraising total standing at £35,217.

The ECB, PCA, MCC and all 18 first-class counties all donated items, with each of them nominating charitable organisations to benefit from the initiative.

“Cricket is a unique sport in the way it comes together at times like this, and that community spirit has really shone through in this auction,” said Sheldon Miller, business development director of John Pye Auctions, Nottinghamshire’s sponsors who operated the process.

“The final fundraising total has topped that of the other two charity auctions we’ve conducted during lockdown, and the money raised is going to benefit so many key community charities.

“Everybody in the cricket world has volunteered their time and effort, all of the regular commissions and fees have been waived, and every pound will go to a good cause.”

Among the most sought-after lots, a hospitality package for next year’s Lord’s Test between England and India saw one bid worth £3,300. The chance for a team to play a T20 fixture at Hove raised £2,500.

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