The National Museum of Australia has acquired Sir Donald Bradman's 1946/47 Ashes Tour of Australia baggy green cap for $438,550 with the support of the Australian Government's National Cultural Heritage Account (NCHA).
The NCHA is a grant program designed to assist Australian cultural organisations in acquiring cultural heritage objects. Through the NCHA, the government aims to provide public access to objects that are significant to Australia's cultural identity for future generations.
Bradman is arguably the greatest batsman of all time and an iconic figure in Australian sports. His Test batting average of 99.94 remains unchallenged, and his reputation drew large crowds to games throughout his playing career.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke MP, stressed the importance of safeguarding this artefact for future generations.
"You'd be hard-pressed to meet an Australian that hasn't heard of the great Donald Bradman, arguably the greatest cricketer of all time," Mr Burke said.
"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."
Katherine McMahon, the museum's director, thanked the Federal Government for its financial support and noted the significance of sport in providing hope for Australians following the war.
Bradman's cap has "1946/47" embroidered under the coat of arms, as it dates from an era when players would receive new caps before each series.
The 1946/47 Ashes series was significant as it was the first Ashes series following World War II, and it was not without controversy.
England was reluctant to tour with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), agreeing to tour with the help of lobbying from Australian Attorney-General Dr HV Evatt.
However, the MCC intended the tour to be a "friendly" morale booster before the resumption of "serious" cricket in 1948.
Nevertheless, Bradman adopted a competitive approach as captain, which drew criticism. There was also tension within the Australian camp as Bradman had not served overseas throughout the war, unlike other players.
Bradman's baggy green will be displayed alongside other cricket objects. They include a bat signed and used by Bradman in the First Ashes Test of 1934 at Trent Bridge and a cricket ball used by Eddie Gilbert, a First Nations (Kanju) man, to dismiss Bradman in the Sheffield Shield.
