Private Owner to Sell Chappell and Gavaskar Merchandise For Charity

The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation is hoping two cricketing greats will provide an injection of funding thanks to an online auction of memorabilia launching today.

 

The auction features a 1977 baggy green from Australian Test player Greg Chappell and 1971 Test cap from Indian Test player Sunil Gavaskar.

 

The two items are being kindly donated by Steven Nasteski, an Australian art dealer who purchased the items from The Sir Geoffrey Boycott Collection auction last year.

 

Mr Nasteski says he recalls the endless summer of watching cricket listening to Benaud, the Chappell brothers, Lawry, and Co. was almost as synonymous as hearing cicadas late in the evening.

 

“My first real experience as a six year old was watching Chappell, Lillee, and Marsh play in the Series vs. India in 1981.  Gavaskar was at that time the great Indian cricketer revered at home.  God like.  Greg Chappell also revered in Australia.

 

“I thought I could bring the two great leaders of their day together by purchasing and donating these two Caps for the benefit of all small children in my home town of Sydney.  Children deserve the best healthcare possible and I’m hoping this contribution will help achieve this,” says Mr. Nasteski.

 

“These caps hold great value in the cricketing community and thanks to Mr Nasteski’s generosity, they will soon gain even greater significance for sick kids and their families.  Funds raised through the sale of the caps at this auction will help to fund world-class paediatric research and clinical excellence so that children can live their healthiest lives, and that is a priceless gift,” says Nicola Stokes, CEO at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

 

The auction is being managed by Australia’s leading marketplace, Pickles, who managed the record-breaking sale of Sir Donald Bradman’s Test debut baggy green late last year.  Pickles also managed the auction of Shane Warne’s No. 350 baggy green last January, resulting in more than A$1m being donated to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.

 

“We’re thrilled to take stewardship of Mr. Nasteski’s generosity.  Both items will be available for sale individually via an online auction at Pickles.com.au,” says Pickles spokesperson Shaquille Ali.

 

Mr Nasteski adds:  “The sale of these two wonderful parts of history will help the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation do what they do best; improve and help the lives of small children in my great city whilst give a potential Australian or Indian cricket tragic a chance to own something of incredible importance”.

 

ONLINE AUCTION AT PICKLES.COM.AU

 

1:00 p.m. AEDT Friday 15 January 2021 to

4:00 p.m. AEDT Sunday 17 January 2021

 

The auction will be held at Pickles.com.au starting 1:00 p.m. AEDT Friday 15 January 2021.  Interested parties are asked to register on the prior to the auction.

 

All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

 

About the Greg Chappell Baggy Green

The baggy green was handed to Greg Chappell at the start of the 1977 tour.  He gave it to Boycott at the end of the series, in which the Englishman finished as the highest run-scorer on either side.  An iconic symbol of Test cricket, the Baggy Green is worn by every Australian player in the field.  In Chappell’s day, a new cap was issued for each series.

 

About the Sunil Gavaskar Cap

This cap was worn by Sunil Gavaskar during India’s tour of England in 1971.  India played three Test matches and surprisingly won the series 1-0 with two Tests drawn.  This was India's first ever series win in England.  The tour was not without controversy.  When taking a quick single from the bowling of John Snow, Gavaskar and Snow collided with Gavaskar falling over.  Snow was charged with deliberately barging into Gavaskar and was suspended.  The cap features the India logo to the front and inscribed 'ENGLAND 1971', with pen inscription 'S.M. Gavaskar' on the inside.

 

Mr Nasteski adds:  “I believe investing in collectibles like art, watches, vintage cars, and rare sporting memorabilia has enormous growth opportunities.  The history in Australia of the baggy green is so important to our culture”.

 

-ENDS-

 

IMAGES OF THE MERCHANDISE

Images of the items can be downloaded here.

 

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW

·         Current owner of the Chappell and Gavaskar items:
Steven Nasteski 

·         Pickles spokesperson:
Shaquille Ali

 

ABOUT SYDNEY CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS FOUNDATION

Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation is a charitable organisation that exists to fund ground-breaking research and everyday clinical care at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Bear Cottage, the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS NSW), Kids Research and other vital children’s services.  The Foundation has contributed more than $130 million over 30 years to support sick children and their families.  For more information visit www.schf.org.au. 

 

ABOUT PICKLES

Pickles is Australia’s leading marketplace for Transport, Construction, Mining, Aviation, Vehicles, General Goods & Salvage asset, offering thousands of quality assets every week at below-market prices.  With over 50 years’ experience selling on behalf of trusted vendors including government departments, major financial institutions, fleet, lease and insurance companies, and major corporate businesses, Pickles offers customers value, flexibility, and convenience.