Don Bradman's Australian Test blazer a must for collectors

Don Bradman’s 1936-37 Australian Test blazer from his first series as Australian captain will be a massive drawcard to Mossgreen’s sporting memorabilia auction from 10am Monday September 7 at 935 High Street, Armadale.

The 1936-37 Ashes series was notable for the fact that Bradman scored successive ducks and Australia lost the first two Tests.

He then scored two double centuries and a single century inn the last three Tests to help forge a remarkable Australian Ashes win.

During the Third Test in Melbourne, Bradman’s second innings 270 in 458 minutes was at the time the longest Test innings played in Australia – and he joined with Jack Fingleton in a Test record sixth-wicket partnership of 346.

The blazer was donated in 1974 by Bradman (who remained Australian captain until retiring in 1948) to the Lord’s Taverners for a charity auction and is the first time it has been offered for public sale.

The auction also offers Richie Benaud’s Australian “baggy green” Test cap from his last Test series in 1963-64.

Benaud played 63 Tests from 1951-64 and during his captaincy Australia did not lose a series and became the dominant team in world cricket.

His success was based largely on his ability to attack, his tactical boldness and his penchant for extracting great performances from his players.

As an all-rounder, Australian captain, journalist and commentator, Benaud became the most significant figure in cricket since World War II.

The auction contains many other interesting sporting memorabilia items including many other Don Bradman items such as the match-used bats from the 1930 Ashes series, signed by members of both teams including Bradman, Jack Hobbs, Herbert Sutcliffe, Bill Woodfull and Bill Ponsford.