Overview:
The Baggy Green is from the 1947–48 series, when Australia sealed a comprehensive 4–0 victory over India.
A rare Baggy Green of Sir Donald Bradman from the 1947–48 Test series against India is scheduled to be auctioned next month, making its first public appearance in more than seven decades. The cap is steeped in history, having been gifted by Bradman to Indian all-rounder Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni during India’s maiden overseas tour following Independence. The cap is expected to attract considerable attention from fans.
Unlike other Baggy Green caps from Sir Donald Bradman’s time, which are typically in museums or private collectors, this particular cap has never been showcased publicly or made available for auction. According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), it has remained in the possession of the same family for more than 75 years.
The Baggy Green is from the 1947–48 series, when Australia sealed a comprehensive 4–0 victory over India. During Sir Donald Bradman’s era, players were presented with a new cap for every Test series, a tradition that has greatly enhanced the rarity of those that still exist today. This particular cap stands out because of its connection to a landmark period in cricket history and the personal link it carries between Bradman and Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni.
Lee Hames from Lloyds Auctions referred to the cap as an authentic artefact of cricket’s past, noting that it was personally given by Sir Donald Bradman. He added that the direct presentation to Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni during such a historically important phase greatly elevates its value and appeal among collectors and historians.
Hames highlighted that the cap’s continuous family ownership and detailed provenance elevate it into the top tier of Bradman memorabilia to be auctioned. Its direct connection to Sir Donald Bradman, supported by a complete ownership record, distinguishes it from most other items linked to the former Australia captain.
The piece will be put up for public sale with bidding opening at one Australian dollar and closing on January 26. With Bradman artefacts rarely appearing on the market, the auction is expected to draw strong interest from collectors, institutions, museums and cricket enthusiasts.
Regarded as the greatest batter the sport has produced, Sir Donald Bradman produced a remarkable performance in the 1947–48 series, piling up 715 runs at an extraordinary average of 178.75 to help Australia seal a 4–0 triumph. His career Test average of 99.94 continues to stand alone.
Bradman’s Baggy Green caps have consistently drawn huge interest at auctions, with one from the same India tour fetching Rs 2.63 crore last year. Given its impeccable history and prolonged private ownership, the 1947–48 cap is expected to be a major draw for collectors worldwide.