Donald Bradman's Iconic 'Baggy Green' Cap Sells for Whopping $250,000!

The "baggy green" cap of legendary Australian cricketer Sir Don Bradman was up for auction on Tuesday, December 3 at Bonhams Auction House in Sydney. It cost $390,000 (about Rs 2.14 crore) to purchase the headgear that Bradman wore during his final Test series in Australia against India in 1947–48. After the buyer's premium was added, the fee was raised even more to $479,700 (Rs 2.63 crore).

The 80-year-old cap is a little worn down, with a damaged peak and evidence of insect damage. Bradman wore the cap during his final Test series at home, India's 1947–48 tour of Australia. According to France 24, Bonhams also stated that it was "the only known baggy green" that Bradman wore throughout the series. Bradman scored 715 runs at an average of 178.75 in six innings, making him the series' top run scorer. Australia easily prevailed, winning 4-0. It's interesting to note that Bradman's 1928 Test debut outfit, the Baggy Green, sold for $290,000 at auction in 2020.

 A tribute to Donald Bradman's journey:

The renowned batter wore the headgear up for auction when India made its maiden post-independence tour of Australia. Bradman brought up his 100th first-class hundred throughout the series, displaying his arrogant demeanour. The right-handed batter amassed three hundreds, one of which was turned into a double century, with 715 runs from six innings at an average of 178.75. Bradman gave the cap to the Indian team management at the time, who presented it to the wicketkeeper during that tour. It is also the only known Baggy Green surviving from the series. Decades later, a collector bought the cap and gave it to the Bradman Museum.

The Don's Test batting average of 99.94 was the highest it had ever been when he retired. The finest to "have ever graced the gentleman's game" is another quote from Wisden that mentions the cricketing genius. Bradman amassed 6,996 runs in the 52 games, including 13 half-centuries and 29 hundreds. Bradman has a long list of accomplishments.  

Watch this space for more cricket news.