Bradman’s 1946-47 Ashes ‘Baggy Green’ Cap Sells for $287,000

A 'baggy green' Test cap worn by Australian cricket legend Don Bradman was purchased by the National Museum of Australia for Aus$438,550 (US$287,000), marking it as an iconic piece of history.

Bradman, known for his remarkable Test average of 99.94, wore the cap during England's 1946-47 Ashes tour of Australia, the first series between the two nations after World War II.

National Museum director Katherine McMahon noted that cricket was far from people's minds during the war, and the Test series symbolized hope and optimism.

The cap is one of 11 known to have been worn by Bradman, with another from the 1947-48 India tour fetching US$250,000 last year.

Australia's cricketers receive these dark green woolen caps before their Test debuts, and they are highly revered by players and fans. Arts Minister Tony Burke emphasized the importance of preserving this piece of national history.

The cap will be part of the National Historical Collection in Canberra, alongside other Bradman memorabilia, including an autographed bat from the 1934 Ashes series.