A “baggy green” Test cap worn by Australian cricketing legend Don Bradman was sold for Aus$438,550 (US$287,000) to the country’s National Museum, which called it an iconic slice of history.
Skipper Bradman, who averaged 99.94 in Test matches, and wore the cap during England’s 1946-47 Ashes tour of Australia, the first to be played between the two sides after World War II. Bradman, who was regarded as the greatest to “have ever graced the gentleman’s game”, died in 2001 aged 92.
National Museum director Katherine McMahon said –
“Sir Donald’s baggy green marks the life of Australia’s most celebrated batsman and reflects a time when sporting heroes gave Australians hope, following the heartbreak and hardship of World War II,”
“We are delighted this national treasure has found a home here at the National Museum of Australia for all Australians to enjoy.”
He used during India’s 1947-48 tour of Australia, his final Test series on home soil, and was sold for US$250,000 last year.
Arts Minister Tony Burke said –
“You’d be hard-pressed to meet an Australian that hasn’t heard of the great Donald Bradman, arguably the greatest cricketer of all time,”
“Now to have one of his iconic baggy greens in the National Museum of Australia means visitors will have the opportunity to get up close and connect with our sporting and cultural history.”
