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Sir Donald Bradman's Historic Test Cap Heads to Auction After 75 Years

One of Sir Donald Bradman's Australian Test caps will be auctioned by Lloyds Auctions in January 2026, marking its first public sale after being gifted to a fellow cricketer and remaining with one family for over 75 years. The cap was worn during the 1947/48 series against India, where Bradman scored 715 runs. This historic piece is expected to draw international interest from collectors and institutions, potentially challenging the record set by Shane Warne's cap sale of over $1 million. Bradman, who averaged 99.94 in Test cricket, remains one of the sport's most legendary figures, making this auction a landmark event in cricket memorabilia history.

Key Points: Bradman's Test Cap Auction: Rare Cricket Memorabilia

  • Bradman's 1947/48 Test cap
  • 75 years in same family
  • Bidding opens at $1
  • Auction closes Jan 26, 2026
2 min read

Sir Donald Bradman's Australia Test cap to go under hammer

Sir Donald Bradman's original Baggy Green cap, worn in the 1947/48 series, is set for auction in January 2026 after 75 years in private hands.

"A genuine piece of cricket history that Sir Donald Bradman personally gifted. - Lee Hames, Lloyds Auctions"

Melbourne, December 30

Sir Donald Bradman's Australia Test Cap will go under the hammer next month, according to cricket.com.au. One of Bradman's Baggy Green caps will be auctioned at Lloyds Auctions, with bidding starting at $1 and closing on January 26, 2026.

The great cricketer Bradman gifted one of his Australian Test caps to a fellow Test cricketer, and since then, it has remained with the family for more than 70 years. The family didn't auction Bradman's Test cap or display it for public sale.

"This is a genuine piece of cricket history that Sir Donald Bradman personally gifted," Lloyds Auctions' Lee Hames said.

"Its uninterrupted family ownership for 75 years and its direct link to 'The Don' make it one of the most important Bradman-related pieces to come to auction," he added.

The cap, which will be auctioned, will draw international interest from private collectors, museums, institutions and fans. Bradman wore that cap during the 1947/48 series against the first Indian team to tour Australia. The series saw Bradman amassing 715 runs from six innings.

Shane Warne holds the record price for a Baggy Green cap sold at auction. The leg spinner's cap was sold, in aid of emergency services responding to the 2019-20 bushfires, to the Commonwealth Bank for $1,007,500 - but Warne only wore the one cap.

Donald Bradman was born on August 27, 1908, in New South Wales. The legendary cricketer passed away at the age of 92 years on February 25, 2001, in Adelaide.

The great batter made his Test debut for Australia against England during the Brisbane Test in November 1928.

In 52 Tests and 80 innings, Bradman notched up 6996 at an astonishing average of 99.94, including 29 centuries and 13 half-centuries.

In First-Class cricket, the legendary cricketer amassed 28067 runs in 234 matches and 338 innings. The right-handed batter had an astounding average of 95.14, with the help of 117 centuries and 69 half-centuries.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The stats are just mind-boggling. An average of 99.94! Even in today's era, no one comes close. While the auction is exciting, part of me feels a bit sad that a personal gift is being sold after 75 years with the family. I hope the proceeds go to a good cause.
D
David E
Interesting to see the Warne comparison. His cap sold for over a million for charity. I wonder what this one will fetch. The historical significance is arguably greater, but Warne's was for a recent, very emotional cause. The bidding will be fascinating to watch.
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Ananya R
As an Indian cricket fan, this connects directly to our history. That first tour must have been something! Respect to The Don, but I do wish more such artifacts from that era from our side were preserved and celebrated with the same fervour.
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Vikram M
The ultimate legend. His records are untouchable. While the auction is a commercial event, it does help keep the legacy alive for new generations. Maybe an Indian collector or institution should bid? It's a shared piece of Indo-Aussie cricket heritage, after all.
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Sarah B
A respectful criticism: The article mentions the family had it for 70+ years and didn't display it for public sale. Now it's being auctioned to the highest bidder, likely to go into a private collection. It feels like public history is becoming privatised, which is a bit of a shame.

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