Don Bradman's Historic Baggy Green Cap Sells for Record A$460,000 at Auction

A piece of cricket history has changed hands in spectacular fashion, with Don Bradman's iconic baggy green cap selling for A$460,000 (£232,000) at auction—the highest price ever paid for a cap worn by the legendary Australian batter.

The cap, worn during the historic 1947-48 series against India, carries immense significance both as a sporting artifact and a symbol of cricketing friendship between two nations.

The Remarkable Journey of a Cricketing Treasure

What makes this particular baggy green extraordinary is its provenance. Bradman personally gifted the cap to Indian cricketer Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni following the series, and the Sohoni family protected this treasure for a remarkable 75 years.

The cap's secrecy was maintained with almost religious devotion. According to Lee Hames, Chief Operating Officer of Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers, the family imposed strict viewing rules.

"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."

The cap has never previously been on public display, making its emergence at auction a significant moment for cricket memorabilia collectors worldwide.

Condition and Authenticity

Unlike other Bradman caps that have surfaced at auction, this particular piece is in remarkably good condition. The inside bears the inscriptions 'D.G. Bradman' and 'S.W. Sohoni', providing irrefutable provenance and adding to its historical value.

With the 16.5% buyer's premium of A$75,900 added, the total price reached A$535,900—surpassing the previous record set in 2024 when another Bradman cap from the same series sold for A$479,700. That earlier cap was notably sun-faded and insect-damaged, explaining the premium commanded by this better-preserved example.

The Historic 1947-48 India Series

The series from which this cap originates holds special significance in cricket history. It was Bradman's final home series, and he marked the occasion with a batting masterclass that still resonates through the ages.

Bradman's Stunning Performance

Across six innings, Bradman amassed 715 runs at an astonishing average of 178.75. His highlights included:

• Three centuries
• A double-hundred
• His 100th first-class ton

Australia dominated the series, winning 4-0, but the tour held deeper meaning—it was India's first international cricket tour as an independent country, adding layers of historical significance to every artifact from that campaign.

The Legacy of Don Bradman

Bradman, who passed away in 2001 at the age of 92, remains widely regarded as cricket's greatest-ever batter. His Test average of 99.94 across 52 matches stands more than 37 runs higher than the next best in the format—a statistical anomaly that may never be matched.

During his era, players received a new baggy green cap for each series. This differs from the modern tradition where Test debutants are awarded a single cap that they retain throughout their career. Of the 11 Bradman caps known to exist, this one now holds the distinction of fetching the highest price.

Remembering S.W. Sohoni

Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni, the Indian all-rounder who received this remarkable gift from Bradman, played four Tests for India. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 75, but his family's dedication to preserving this piece of cricketing heritage ensured that Bradman's generosity would eventually be shared with the wider cricket community.

Where the Cap Will Reside

The cap was purchased by an anonymous bidder but will not disappear into private obscurity. It will be kept on display at an Australian museum, ensuring that future generations of cricket fans can appreciate this tangible connection to the game's greatest batter.

Looking Ahead: The Cricket Memorabilia Market

This record-breaking sale signals continued strong demand for premium cricket artifacts, particularly those connected to Bradman. As fewer original pieces from his era remain available, values for authenticated Bradman memorabilia are likely to continue appreciating.

For collectors and cricket historians alike, items with clear provenance and compelling stories—like the seven-decade family guardianship of this baggy green—will command the highest premiums in an increasingly competitive market.