NEW DELHI: A historic Australian Test cap worn by legendary Don Bradman achieved $250,000 at an auction in Sydney on Tuesday, as enthusiasts competed to acquire this significant piece of sporting memorabilia.
The weathered cap, approaching its 80th year, displayed considerable wear, including sun damage, pest-related deterioration and a damaged peak.
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According to Bonhams auction house, Bradman sported this cap during the 1947-48 Indian tour of Australia, marking his final Test series in his home country.
The spirited bidding session lasted 10 minutes, with the price escalating from $160,000 to reach $250,000 (Aus$390,000).
The final amount, including buyer’s premium charges, totalled $310,000.
Bonhams confirmed this was ‘the only known baggy green’ Bradman wore in that series, where he accumulated 715 runs across six innings, maintaining an impressive average of 178.75, including three centuries and one double-hundred.
Australian Test cricketers receive these dark green wool caps before their first Test match, with both players and supporters holding them in high regard, particularly those showing signs of extensive use.
Another ‘baggy green’ worn by Bradman in his 1928 Test debut sold for $290,000 at auction in 2020.
This amount was considerably lower than the $650,000 paid for Shane Warne’s baggy green, which he auctioned to support Australian bushfire victims that same year.
Bradman, who passed away in 2001 at the age of 92, concluded his career with an unprecedented Test batting average of 99.94.
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