A cap worn by legendary Australian cricketer during the 1946-47 Ashes series has been purchased by the National Museum of Australia for AU$438,500 (around US$286,700). The federal government contributed half of the cost to secure the historic item.
Bradman captained Australia in that post-war series, the first Ashes contested after World War II. Australia dominated, winning 3-0 across five Tests, laying the foundation for the famous 1948 “Invincibles” tour, where Bradman’s team went unbeaten in England.
The baggy green is considered one of Bradman’s most iconic pieces of memorabilia. Only 11 of his caps are known to exist, with another housed in the Australian Sports Museum and the remainder held in private collections.
Arts Minister Tony Burke hailed the acquisition as a way to preserve national heritage. “You’d be hard-pressed to meet an Australian who hasn’t heard of Donald Bradman, arguably the greatest cricketer of all time. To have one of his baggy greens in the National Museum ensures future generations can connect with our sporting and cultural history,” he said.
National Museum director Katherine McMahon described the cap as a national treasure that symbolizes more than just cricketing success. “Sir Donald’s baggy green reflects a time when sporting heroes gave Australians hope after the hardship of the Second World War. We are delighted this treasure has found a home here at the museum for all Australians to enjoy,” she said.
The cap will now feature in the museum’s Landmarks gallery, alongside other Bradman memorabilia and items from defining moments in Australia’s history.
