It seems the only thing missing is the Ashes themselves. A collection of cricket art and memorabilia rarely surpassed outside the Lord's Museum opens this week in London.

As Ashes fever reaches burning point, Nick Potter and Steve Gilbert have collected over 200 items of unique and near-priceless material, ranging from Herbert Sutcliffe's passport (£4,995) to the Australian touring team of 1930's original contract, a 13 page document between solicitor Robert Oxlade and the 17 tourists; Bradman, Grimmett et al (£7,500).

The exhibition/sale almost did not happen at all, thanks to Vijay Kumar, who invited himself to former dentist Gilbert's Barnet house, only to be denied entry. Kumar will not be at the Sackville Street gallery opening on Tuesday 17th (12 noon to 8pm), as he was recently sentenced to serve ten months in prison for stealing thousands of pounds worth of cricket items from collectors and dealers.

Collection organiser Gilbert, who gave up wisdom teeth for Wisdens 13 years ago, puts together annual sporting shows in Potter's gallery. "I do it principally to tell the story of an event," he reveals. His method is to collect signed scorecards, photographs, letters and paintings, then mount them together to form a tableaux, commemorating the history of a game or performance.

"Sometimes it takes years of waiting for the right piece to come along," he told CricInfo.

Almost overshadowed by the quality of the Potter display is an auction at Sotheby's (also Wednesday 18th from 10.30am), featuring Fred Trueman's cricketing artefacts, including the rusting, whitewashed boots he took his 300th Test wicket in (estimate £1500-£2500). Many items were unsold from a 70th birthday Trueman sale held earlier this year. Needless to say Gilbert was in attendance, snapping up some prizes.

Poms and Aussies at Nick Potter's, 34 Sackville St. until 27th August. Sotheby's New Bond Street Sporting Auction 18th July 10.30am.

© CricInfo