SYDNEY, Feb 24: A ‘baggy green’ cap worn by the Australian cricketer acknowledged even by rivals as the greatest ever to lift a bat, the legendary Don Bradman, has been bought for a record $500,000 Australian (US$299,500), it was reported on Monday.

“The Don”, as he is affectionately known in Australian folklore, died two years ago but such was his prolific run-scoring talent that all things Bradman are prized possessions in his home country.

His batting average was an unparalleled 99.94 — almost 40 runs better than the second best, South African Graeme Pollock.

Bradman scored his 100th first-class century in the cap during his final Test series on Australian soil against India in 1947-48.

It had been expected to fetch between 200,000 and 500,000 at the London auction.—AFP