A cap worn by Australian cricket legend Sir Don Bradman during the historic 1947-48 India tour of Australia is set to be auctioned in Sydney. Experts predict it could fetch as much as US$260,000.
The Significance of the Cap
This woolen “baggy green” cap is believed to be the only known one worn by Bradman during his remarkable series in which he scored 715 runs in just six innings, including three centuries and a double century, at an astounding average of 178.75. The series marked India’s first-ever tour of Australia following its independence, adding to the cap’s historical value.
Signs of Wear, But High Value
Despite visible signs of wear—including fading, insect damage, and a torn peak—the auction house, Bonhams, expects the cap to sell for between US$195,000 and US$260,000, thanks to its immense historical and cultural significance.
Bradman’s Legendary Status
Sir Don Bradman, with a career Test batting average of 99.94, remains the highest in cricket history and is widely considered the greatest cricketer of all time. Wisden, the authority on cricket, hailed him as the finest to ever play the sport.
Previous Record-Breaking Sales
This auction follows the record-breaking sale of another Bradman “baggy green” cap worn during his 1928 Test debut, which sold for US$290,000 in 2020. However, the price of that cap pales in comparison to the US$650,000 fetched by the cap worn by spin legend Shane Warne, sold to raise funds for Australian bushfire victims in 2020.
The Legacy Continues
Bradman passed away in 2001, but his legacy continues to shape the world of cricket. The sale of his memorabilia, including this iconic cap, ensures that his place in cricketing history remains firmly entrenched.
