Don Bradman’s baggy green from historic home series against India up for auction

A rare Baggy Green cap worn by the legendary Sir Donald Bradman during a 1947/48 series against India is set to go under the hammer next month.

Bradman gifted the cap to Indian all-rounder Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni during the series, which marked India’s first international cricket tour as an independent nation.

Unlike most surviving Baggy Green caps from Bradman’s era, many of which are preserved in museums or closely held private collections, this cap has never been publicly displayed or offered for sale.

It has remained in uninterrupted family ownership for more than 75 years, according to the Australian Associated Press (AAP).

“This is a genuine piece of cricket history that Sir Donald Bradman personally gifted,” Lloyds Auctions Lee Hames said.

“Its uninterrupted family ownership for 75 years and its direct link to ‘The Don’ makes it one of the most important Bradman-related pieces to come to auction.”

The Test cricketers of Bradman’s era wore a different cap for each series. The cap will be offered at a public auction, drawing international interest from private collectors, museums, institutions and fans.

Widely regarded as the greatest batter the game has known, Bradman amassed 715 runs in six innings at an astonishing average of 178.75 during the 1947/48 Test series, which Australia won 4-0. His tally included three centuries and a double hundred.

Bradman, who died aged 92 in 2001, averaged an astounding 99.94 runs per Test innings.

Don Bradman is bowled by Vijay Hazare (not in picture), being watched by wicket-keeper P.K. Sen after scoring 201 runs in the first innings during the fourth Test between India and Australia at Adelaide Oval (January 23 to 28, 1948).
| Photo Credit:
THE ADVERTISER

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