The tattered garment -- almost 80 years old -- was sun-faded, showed signs of "insect damage" and had a torn peak.

Bradman donned the woollen cap during India's 1947-48 tour of Australia, which marked the touring side's first Tests on foreign soil after gaining independence.

"This is my last resort, but my backpack, which contained my Baggy Green, has been taken from my luggage, which was transported to Melbourne airport and flown ... to Sydney a few days ago," he said in a post on Instagram.