Key points
- The cap was worn during Bradman’s post-WWII captaincy
- Now on display in Canberra, it is one of only 11 known Bradman baggy greens
CANBERRA: A cricket cap worn by the legendary Sir Donald Bradman during the 1946–47 Ashes series has been bought by the National Museum of Australia for AU$438,500 (about US$286,700).
The famous green cap, known as a “baggy green,” was worn by Bradman when he captained Australia in the first Ashes series against England after World War II.
“Invincible”
Australia won that five-match series 3–0, setting the stage for the unbeaten 1948 “Invincible” tour of England.
Half the cost of the cap was covered by the Australian federal government.
Arts Minister Tony Burke called the cap a piece of national pride. “You’d be hard-pressed to meet an Australian who hasn’t heard of Donald Bradman,” he said. “Having one of his caps in the National Museum lets visitors connect with our sporting and cultural history.”
Hardship of World War II
Only 11 of Bradman’s baggy greens are known to exist. One is in the Australian Sports Museum, while the others are privately owned.
National Museum director Katherine McMahon said the cap represents more than cricket. “It reflects a time when sporting heroes gave Australians hope after the hardship of World War II,” she said.
The cap is now on display in the museum’s Landmarks gallery in Canberra, alongside other Bradman memorabilia, celebrating key moments in Australian history.
