Sir Donald Bradman’s legendary Baggy Green cap from the 1947/48 series against India is set to be auctioned in Sydney this week. This historic piece of Australian cricket memorabilia is expected to fetch between $195,000 and $260,000 (approximately ₹2 crore).
The series holds special significance as it marked India’s first overseas tour following independence. Despite its age, with noticeable wear such as faded color and insect damage, the cap remains a symbol of cricketing excellence and is anticipated to draw significant bids, according to auction house Bonhams.
Bradman’s Stellar Performance Against India
The 1947/48 series was a milestone not only for Indian cricket but also for Sir Donald Bradman’s illustrious career. In this historic series, Bradman showcased extraordinary form, amassing 715 runs across six innings, including three centuries and a double-century. His contributions were instrumental in Australia’s dominance during the series.
Bradman’s decision to continue playing that season was rooted in honoring India’s post-independence debut tour. In his autobiography Farewell to Cricket, he mentioned choosing to delay his retirement for this occasion, describing the series as “less exacting” but still important.
Public Display and Bradman’s Legacy
The Baggy Green cap was recently displayed in Melbourne and Sydney, offering fans a chance to connect with an era that defined Australian cricket. Bradman’s career came to a close in 1948 during the Ashes series at The Oval in London, where he famously fell for a second-ball duck, narrowly missing an average of 100 and finishing with an unparalleled 99.94.
Over his 52-Test career, Bradman scored 6,996 runs, including 29 centuries, earning him the title of the greatest of all time (GOAT). This is not the first Bradman artifact to go on auction; his debut cap from 1928 fetched $290,000 in 2020. The current auction serves as yet another testament to Bradman’s enduring legacy and his pivotal role in cricketing history.
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