Summary:
- Sir Donald Bradman’s “baggy green” cap, worn during the 1947-48 series against India, is set to be auctioned in Sydney, expected to fetch between $195,000 and $260,000.
- The cap is significant as it was used during India’s first Test series abroad post-independence, where Bradman scored 715 runs at an average of 178.75.
- Despite its worn condition, including fading and insect damage, the cap’s historical value enhances its appeal to collectors.
- Bradman is celebrated as the greatest batsman in cricket history, with a record Test average of 99.94, and his memorabilia continues to attract high bids.
A historic piece of cricket memorabilia is set to capture the attention of collectors and fans alike as Sir Donald Bradman’s iconic “baggy green” cap goes under the hammer in Sydney. This particular cap, worn by Bradman during the 1947-48 series against India, is expected to fetch between $195,000 and $260,000 at auction, according to Bonhams auction house.
The cap holds significant historical value, as it was donned by Bradman during India’s first Test series on foreign soil following its independence. During this series, Bradman delivered one of his most prolific performances, scoring an impressive 715 runs in six innings at an average of 178.75, including three centuries and a double-hundred. Despite its faded color and signs of insect damage and wear, the cap’s connection to such a pivotal moment in cricket history enhances its appeal.
Bradman, revered as the greatest batsman in cricket history, retired with an unparalleled Test batting average of 99.94. His legacy continues to influence the sport, with Wisden, the authoritative cricket publication, describing him as the greatest to have ever played the game.
This auction follows the sale of another “baggy green” worn by Bradman during his Test debut in 1928, which fetched $290,000 in 2020. However, that record was surpassed by Shane Warne’s baggy green cap, which was sold for $650,000 to support Australian bushfire relief efforts in the same year.
The auction of Bradman’s cap not only highlights his enduring legacy but also serves as a reminder of cricket’s rich history and the deep ties between Australia and India. As collectors prepare to bid on this rare artifact, the cap stands as a testament to Bradman’s extraordinary career and the timeless allure of cricket memorabilia.
Source: France 24
