Mumbai: 

The Bradman-autographed bat

CRICKET memorabilia has few takers in India (Harbhajan Singh's 2001 hat-trick ball fetched a mere Rs 50,000 at a charity auction) than England and Australia. But the game's glorious uncertainties could catch up when it comes to a bat signed by Sir Don Bradman, whose birth centenary is being celebrated today.

The autographed bat by the legend (in 1998) adorns a wall at sports booksellers The Marine Sports. Its price? A whopping Rs 3.5 lakh. Only 13 bats are available for the Indian market as of now.

Theo Braganza, the firm's proprietor says, "The autographed bat is very costly but I am expecting to sell a few. I don't think there will be too many cricket lovers and cricketers lining up to buy it but I am confident about art
collectors."

The bat sample has been booked. So is a group photograph of 15 Australian captains with their signatures. Bradman couldn't attend the 1998 photo shoot but has signed separately on a sheet.

For those who doubt the authenticity of the signature, there is proof in the form of an authentication certification by Richard Mulvaney, the Bradman Foundation's long-time director.