Historic Don Bradman Baggy Green Cap Fetches $460,000 at Gold Coast Auction
A piece of cricket history has changed hands for a staggering sum as the legendary Don Bradman's 78-year-old Baggy Green cap was sold for $460,000 at a Gold Coast auction on Monday. This iconic cap, worn by the Australian batting maestro during the first Test series that independent India played in Australia, represents a significant moment in cricketing heritage.
The Remarkable Journey of Bradman's Gifted Cap
The cap carries a unique personal connection, having been gifted by Don Bradman himself to Indian cricketer Ranga Sohoni, who participated in one of the five Tests during that historic 1947-48 tour. For decades, this precious artifact remained carefully preserved within Sohoni's family, treated with almost reverential care.
"That's over three generations under lock and key. If you were a family member you were only allowed to look at it when you were 16 years old for five minutes," revealed Lee Hames, the chief operating officer of Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers, highlighting the cap's protected status through the years.
Preservation and Provenance of a Cricket Treasure
Remarkably well-preserved, the cap features inscriptions of both "D.G. Bradman" and "S.W. Sohoni" on the inside, authenticating its dual ownership history. This condition stands in contrast to another Bradman cap auctioned in 2024 that showed sun-fading and insect damage while still fetching $311,000.
The anonymous winning bidder has ensured this piece of sporting history will remain accessible to the public, with reports indicating the cap will be displayed at an Australian museum. This acquisition represents the highest price ever paid for a cap worn by the legendary batsman.
Contextualizing the Historic 1947-48 Test Series
The cap originates from a pivotal moment in cricket history when Bradman captained Australia against an Indian team led by Lala Amarnath. Australia dominated the series 4-0, with Bradman delivering one of his characteristic masterclasses.
Bradman's statistical dominance during that series remains breathtaking even by modern standards. He amassed 715 runs in just six innings, maintaining an extraordinary average of 178.55. Indian batsman Vijay Hazare emerged as the second-highest scorer with 429 runs across ten innings at an average of 47.66.
The Dual Legacies of Bradman and Sohoni
While Bradman's place in cricket history is secure with his record 52 Tests and unprecedented batting average of 99.94, Ranga Sohoni's career followed a different trajectory. His Test career comprised just four matches with modest returns of two wickets and 83 runs.
However, Sohoni established a substantial first-class career spanning nearly three decades. Making his Ranji Trophy debut at just 17 years old, he eventually captained both Maharashtra and Bombay teams, leaving his own mark on Indian domestic cricket.
This auction not only highlights the enduring fascination with Don Bradman's legacy but also preserves the memory of a unique cricketing connection between two nations during a formative period in post-independence Indian cricket history.
