The Don's Cap set to travel

Cricket Australia Chairman Bob Merriman announced plans today for Sir Donald Bradman's Baggy Green that he wore in his last Test during the 1948 series against England to be on display at Australia-India 3 Test Series' venues this summer.

Speaking at the annual Bradman Luncheon at the Melbourne Town Hall, Mr Merriman said the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) had accepted custodianship of the cap from its owner, Mr Tim Serisier, who bought the cap at auction in London recently.

Mr Serisier very generously has offered to cover the costs of designing and building a display module, plus travel, security and insurance associated with the Baggy Green's appearance at the various venues.

"All Australian sports lovers are indebted to Mr Serisier for bringing this wonderful piece back home," Mr Merriman said.

"It's a marvellous gesture to allow The Invincible Cap, as it will be known, to travel around the country so that the cricketing public have a chance to see it."

MCC Gallery of Sport manager Gillian Brewster was delighted to accept custodianship of such an important item. "We have a very representative collection of Bradman material but the cap will stand alone as the centrepiece of a large, circular display module supported by video footage and data projection units," Mrs Brewster said.

Mr Serisier takes possession of The Invincible Cap early next month during an England-South Africa Test and it is planned to have the Australian display ready for shipment in November.

He has advised Cricket Australia and the Melbourne Cricket Club that he wants as many Australians to be able to see the Cap first hand as possible. The Gallery of Sport plans to organise travel and is working with Cricket Australia and State Cricket Associations to assess display possibilities during this summer's 3 Test series against India.

Venue plans are finalised for Melbourne and are being assessed for Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney.

The arrangements, when finalised, will complement the display of major Australian cricket trophies, exhibited at Test venues from December to February as part of the Travelex Cricket Roadshow. Like the Invincible Cap, the Roadshow, an initiative jointly hosted by Travelex and Cricket Australia, will offer the Australian public the opportunity to experience first hand the assets and history of Australian cricket.