The National Museum of Australia has recently acquired the iconic cricketer’s cap with the help of the National Cultural Heritage Account.

A green cricketer’s cap featuring a woven Australia emblem on the front with the dates 1946-47.

The 1946-47 Ashes was the first Test cricket match played on Australian soil since World War II, marking a highly anticipated return for one of the nation’s much-loved sports. It also saw the triumphant return to Test cricket for Sir Donald Bradman, seeing him lead the Australian Test team to Ashes victory despite speculation that he may no longer be at peak performance due to the long break in wartime.

Sir Donald Bradman AC is considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time. With a batting average of 99.94, the sporting legend played on the Australian cricket team from 1928 to 1948, serving as team captain from 1936 to 1948. Bradman also served in the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Army from 1940 to 1941.

The public display of his Baggy Green cap coincides with the anniversary of Bradman’s birth, 117 years ago.

This cap is a significant acquisition for the National Museum of Australia, and it is now on display in its Landmarks gallery in Canberra, which includes a section dedicated to Australia’s sporting history and already features other material related to Sir Donald Bradman.

The National Cultural Heritage Account provides support for Australian cultural organisations to acquire important pieces of Australian history to ensure they are kept in the country and enjoyed by the public. Organisations can apply for funding at any time.

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