Sir Donald Bradman's Baggy Green cap, worn during the 1947-48 Test series against India, is set to go up for auction, drawing immense interest from collectors and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The auction, managed by Lloyds Auctions, will commence with a starting bid of just $1 and will conclude on January 26, 2026, coinciding with Australia Day.
A Unique Piece of Cricket History
This particular Baggy Green holds significant historical value for several reasons. Firstly, it was worn during the 1947-48 series against India, a landmark event as it marked India's first international cricket tour as an independent nation. Secondly, unlike many surviving Baggy Green caps from Bradman's era that are housed in museums or private collections, this cap has remained in uninterrupted family ownership for over 75 years and has never been publicly displayed or offered for sale.
According to Lloyds Auctions, this Baggy Green is "a genuine piece of cricket history that Sir Donald Bradman personally gifted". The cap was gifted to Indian all-rounder Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni during the series. The 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.
During Bradman's time, Test cricketers were typically issued a new cap for each series, making surviving Baggy Greens from specific tours exceptionally rare and valuable. This adds to the historical weight and collectibility of this particular cap.
Bradman's Dominance in the 1947-48 Series
The 1947-48 Test series saw Bradman at the peak of his form. He amassed 715 runs in six innings at an astounding average of 178.75, including three centuries and a double century. Australia won the series 4-0, further cementing Bradman's legacy as arguably the greatest batsman of all time. Throughout his career, Bradman averaged 99.94 runs per Test innings.
The Baggy Green: A Symbol of Australian Cricket
The Baggy Green cap has become an iconic symbol of Australian cricket, representing national sporting pride and seniority. Since the 1990s, many Australian Test cricketers have followed the tradition of wearing the same cap throughout their Test career, with the increasingly worn state of the cap symbolizing experience and dedication.
Auction Expectations
Given Bradman's legendary status and the cap's unique provenance, the auction is expected to draw significant international interest from private collectors, museums, institutions, and fans. While Lloyds Auctions has not set a formal estimate, previous sales of Bradman's Baggy Greens provide context. A Baggy Green from his 1928 debut season sold for A$450,000 in 2020. The record for an Australian Test cap remains Shane Warne's Baggy Green, which fetched A$1,007,500 in a charity sale. Some experts believe that the Bradman-Sohoni cap could potentially reach seven figures.
This auction presents a rare opportunity to acquire a tangible piece of cricket history, directly linked to Sir Donald Bradman and a defining moment in India-Australia cricketing relations.
