XtraTime Web Desk: Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne’s Baggy Green cap has raised more than $1 million for victims of Australia’s devastating bushfires, more than doubling the record price for a cap exclusively awarded to Australia’s Test cricketers.
Warne, Australia’s most prolific Test wicket-taker and arguably the greatest spin bowler of all time, sold his Baggy Green for $1,007,500 through an online auction today, with 100 per cent of the proceeds dedicated to bushfire victims.
SOLD!@ShaneWarne's baggy green has been auctioned off for more than ONE MILLION DOLLARS, with all funds raised going to the bushfire appeal https://t.co/atYoOrhDcV pic.twitter.com/QgWHMze0jc
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 9, 2020
The bidding was fierce between two people from Sydney, listed on the website as “MC” from Sydney and “WC” of Gordon, a suburb of Sydney.
The pair went head-to-head for the cap, making it a two-horse race as the price passed $700,000. Bidding had intensified as the price jumped from $700,000 to $860,000 in 30 frenetic minutes on Thursday night.
The bidding picked up again after 7am today, quickly rising to $990,500 where it stalled until a flurry of bids in the final 60 seconds of the auction pushed the price to $1,007,500 with “MC” of Sydney lodging the winning bid.
The auction had extended past 10am as under the rules of the site, time is extended if there are late bids.
Warne announced he was putting the cap up for auction last Monday at the SCG during the third Domain Test between Australia and New Zealand.
“The impact these devastating fires are having on so many people is unthinkable and has touched us all,” Warne said.
“I hope my Baggy Green can raise some significant funds to help all those people who are in desperate need.”