Don Bradman's Legendary 'Baggy Green' Cap Sells for Rs 2.63 Crore at Auction
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Sydney, Dec 3 (NationPress) The revered 'Baggy Green' Test cap belonging to Australian cricket legend Don Bradman, used during the 1947-48 series against India, was sold for a remarkable $390,000 (Rs 2.14 crore), eventually reaching $479,700 (Rs 2.63 crore) when including auction fees.
This cap is believed to be the only known 'Baggy Green' that Bradman wore throughout that historic series, which is of profound historical significance. During the 1947-48 series, Bradman's performances were nothing short of phenomenal. In what turned out to be his last Test series held on home ground, the Australian captain scored a total of 715 runs across just six innings, achieving an incredible average of 178.75, which comprised three centuries and one double-century.
The auction house Bonhams, overseeing the sale, referred to the cap as a rare artifact and a tangible link to Bradman's illustrious career. It was reportedly presented by Bradman to Pankaj "Peter" Kumar Gupta, the Indian tour manager, as reported by Fox Sports.
Although the auction lasted only 10 minutes, it featured frenetic bidding from collectors eager to acquire this treasured item. When the final bid was accepted, the cap had achieved a winning bid of $390,000, marking it as one of the priciest pieces of cricket memorabilia ever sold.
Bradman is recognized as the greatest batsman in cricket history, amassing 6996 runs in 52 Test matches, which includes 13 fifties and 29 hundreds. He holds the record for the most double hundreds (12) in Test cricket and shares the record for the highest number of triple hundreds (2).
For Bradman, the Baggy Green symbolizes a career that remains unparalleled in the world of cricket. His extraordinary Test batting average of 99.94 has become a lasting standard.
Don Bradman, often affectionately called "The Don," has made an everlasting impact on the cricketing world. His exceptional ability to outplay bowlers during an era of uncovered pitches and minimal protective equipment established him as a sporting legend. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 92.
