The legendary and rare cap by the former Australia captain and opening batter, Donald Bradman, during the 1946-47 Ashes series has been bought by the National Museum of Australia for a price of AU$438500, which is nearly US$286700. The cap has been collected by the Canberra museum, with the federal government also contributing half of the cost.

The former right-handed Australia batter wore the cap when he led the national side in the 1946-47 series, which was the first to be played against England after the Second World War. They won the five-match Test series by 3-0, lighting a fuse for the 1948 tour, where the Australia side went undefeated in the United Kingdom.

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“You'd be hard-pressed to meet an Australian who hasn't heard of the great Donald Bradman, arguably the greatest cricketer of all time.” Tony Burke, the Arts Minister, expressed that while purchasing the cap, which is now an important piece of the national history, for future generations.

Donald Bradman’s baggy green cap bought for over $400000 price

The New South Wales batter has overall smashed 6996 runs in 80 innings of the Test matches at an average of 99.94, thanks to 29 centuries and 13 half-centuries at the best score of 334 runs. In first-class cricket, he clubbed 28067 runs in 338 innings at an average of 95.14 with 117 centuries and 69 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 452 runs.

“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.” Burke shed light on the statement as the cap now sits with other memorabilia of Bradman.

“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. We are delighted this national treasure has found a home here at the National Museum of Australia for all Australians to enjoy.” National Museum director, Katherine McMahor, welcomed the cap in museum collections.