A rare piece of cricketing history, a “baggy green” Test cap once worn by Australian cricket legend Don Bradman, was sold at auction for an impressive $250,000. The auction attracted significant attention from collectors eager to own a unique item linked to one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
This particular cap, almost 80 years old, showed its age. It was sun-faded, displayed signs of insect damage, and had a torn peak, adding to its character as a cherished relic of the game. The auction house Bonhams confirmed that Bradman wore this cap during the 1947-48 India-Australia Test series, which marked his final series on home soil.
The bidding began at $160,000 and quickly escalated in a tense 10-minute session, culminating in a winning bid of $250,000. Including the buyer’s premium fees, the total cost for this historic item reached $310,000.
Bonhams described the cap as “the only known baggy green” worn by Bradman during that series. In those matches, Bradman showcased his legendary skills, scoring 715 runs across six innings with an extraordinary batting average of 178.75. His performances included three centuries and a double-century, further solidifying his place as a cricketing icon.
For Australian cricketers and fans, the “baggy green” holds deep sentimental value. These dark green woollen caps, awarded to players when they make their Test debuts, symbolize pride and achievement. The more worn and battered the cap, the greater its legacy.
This was not the first time a Bradman cap made headlines at auction. In 2020, a baggy green he wore during his Test debut in 1928 sold for $290,000. However, this figure was still below the record-breaking $650,000 paid for Shane Warne’s baggy green in the same year. Warne auctioned his cap to raise funds for Australian bushfire relief efforts.
Don Bradman remains an enduring figure in the cricketing world. With a record-breaking Test batting average of 99.94, he is celebrated as the greatest cricketer in history by Wisden, a leading authority on the sport. His remarkable career left an indelible mark on the game, and his achievements continue to inspire players and fans alike.
Bradman passed away in 2001 at the age of 92, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to cricket and the treasured memorabilia connected to his illustrious career.
Check Also: Indian politician supports sending team to Pakistan for Champions Trophy