Sir Bradman’s final Baggy green fetches AUD 438,500, finds home at national museum

When you see a picture of a batsman with an astonishing 99.94 batting average, one name instantly comes to mind, Sir Donald Bradman. A genius with the bat and a legend who redefined the game, Bradman was more than just a cricketer, he was an aura, an emotion, and a symbol of excellence. 

Now, a priceless piece of that legacy his final baggy green cap, worn during the legendary 1948 “Invincibles” Ashes tour has found a permanent home. Sold for an impressive AUD 438,500 (USD 289,000), the cap will be displayed at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, ensuring that generations to come can witness this rare treasure of cricketing history.

The Legacy of the Invincibles

Bradman, often hailed as the greatest cricketer of all time, led the 1948 Australian team famously dubbed “The Invincibles” on a historic tour of England. The team went undefeated across 34 matches, including a resounding victory in the Ashes. This cap marks the conclusion of Bradman’s illustrious international career, which spanned from 1928 to 1948.

A Bidding War for History

The auction witnessed intense competition among collectors before the final bid sealed the cap at AUD 438,500. While it fell short of the AUD 1,007,500 fetched by Shane Warne’s baggy green in 2020, Bradman’s cap remains one of the most valuable artefacts in cricket memorabilia.

An Icon Beyond the Numbers

Bradman’s statistics still stand unmatched, 6,996 runs in 52 Tests at an astonishing average of 99.94, including 29 centuries. More than just a player, Bradman became a symbol of resilience and hope for Australians in the post-war era.

A National Treasure Preserved

Dr. Mathew Trinca, Director of the National Museum, called the cap “a symbol of Australian pride and excellence.” It will now be on permanent display in Canberra, allowing fans to connect with the legacy of the man who changed cricket forever, a piece of history that is, for Australia, truly priceless.