NEW DELHI: A historic Baggy Green cap worn by Sir Donald Bradman during Australia's 1947/48 home series against India will be auctioned next month, offering a rare glimpse into cricketing history.
Bradman presented the cap to Indian all-rounder Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni during the tour, a landmark series that represented India's first international assignment after gaining independence.
What sets this piece apart is its exclusivity. While most Baggy Green caps from Bradman's playing days are safeguarded in museums or tightly guarded private collections, this one has never been exhibited or put up for sale.
According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), it has remained with the same family for over 75 years, making its upcoming appearance at auction particularly significant.
"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' make 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.
The bidding for his cap at Lloyds Auctions will open at one Australian dollar. The process will be closed on January 26.
It's not the first of Bradman's caps to be sold as a baggy green from the same India series fetched a staggering Rs 2.63 crore last year.
(With PTI Inputs)
