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2.5 Crores! Sir Don Bradman's Baggy Green Beats IPL Salaries In Historic Trade

Jatin

Don Bradman’s Baggy Green bought by National Museum [Source: @FXMC1957, @churumuri/x.com]Don Bradman’s Baggy Green bought by National Museum [Source: @FXMC1957, @churumuri/x.com]

When it comes to cricketing treasures, few things come close to a Baggy Green once worn by the great Sir Donald Bradman. And now, one of those rare caps has landed in safe hands.

Sir Don Bradman’s Baggy Green Finds New Home In Canberra

The National Museum of Australia in Canberra has bought Don Bradman’s 1946-47 Ashes series cap for a whopping AU$438,500 (approximately INR 2.52 crore). Half of that amount came straight from the federal government’s pocket.

This is the same cap Bradman wore it while leading Australia in the 1946-47 Ashes series, the first showdown with England after World War II. The Aussies hammered England 3-0 in that five-Test series and laid the foundation for the legendary 1948 Invincibles tour, where Bradman’s men went unbeaten in England.

Safeguarding A National Treasure

Arts Minister Tony Burke couldn’t hide his excitement, saying:

"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. Now to have one of his iconic baggy greens in the National Museum of Australia means visitors will have the opportunity to get up close and connect with our sporting and cultural history."

It is not every day you get to protect a piece of cricketing history and this move makes sure future generations will know what the Baggy Green truly stands for.

It is worth mentioing that Bradman’s caps are as rare as hen’s teeth. Only 11 Baggy Greens linked to him are known. One sits at the Australian Sports Museum, this one is now in Canberra while the other nine are in private hands.

A Moment For The Museum

National Museum director Katherine McMahon welcomed the prized possession with open arms. 

"Sir Donald's baggy green marks the life of Australia's most celebrated batsman and reflects a time when sporting heroes gave Australians hope, following the heartbreak and hardship of the Second World War," she said. "We are delighted this national treasure has found a home here at the National Museum of Australia for all Australians to enjoy."

Now proudly displayed in the museum’s Landmarks gallery, the cap joins other memorabilia that mark defining moments in the Australia's history. Fans can get up close to a cap that once sat on the head of a man many still call the greatest to ever pick up a bat.