A "baggy green" Test cap worn by legendary Australian cricketer Don Bradman has been acquired by the National Museum of Australia for AUD438,550(US287,000). The museum's acquisition safeguards a significant piece of national history, ensuring it remains accessible to the public. The cap was worn by Bradman during the 1946-47 Ashes tour against England, the first to be played after World War II.
The significance of the cap extends beyond its owner, representing a moment of hope and optimism for a nation recovering from the hardships of war. According to National Museum director Katherine McMahon, "Sir Donald’s baggy green marks the life of Australia’s most celebrated batsman and reflects a time when sporting heroes gave Australians hope." She added that the museum is "delighted this national treasure has found a home here... for all Australians to enjoy."
This particular cap is one of only 11 known to have been worn by Bradman that are still in existence. Another one of his caps, worn during the 1947-48 tour against India, sold for US$250,000 just last year. This demonstrates the immense value and reverence associated with memorabilia from one of cricket's most iconic figures.
Arts Minister Tony Burke praised the purchase, stating, "You’d be hard-pressed to meet an Australian that hasn’t heard of the great Donald Bradman, arguably the greatest cricketer of all time." He emphasized that having the cap in the National Museum will allow visitors to "get up close and connect with our sporting and cultural history."
The cap will now be housed in the National Historical Collection in Canberra, joining other Bradman artifacts, including an autographed bat from the 1934 Ashes series. Bradman, who famously held a career Test batting average of 99.94, passed away in 2001 at the age of 92, but his legacy, and now his cap, continue to inspire generations.