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Waugh set to shunt Bradman
Sydney, Dec 01: Donald Bradman -- once thought untouchable in Australian sport -- is about to be eclipsed by retiring Test skipper Steve Waugh.
Sydney, Dec 01: Donald Bradman -- once thought untouchable in Australian sport -- is about to be eclipsed by retiring Test skipper Steve Waugh.
Bradman's batting deeds may be light years ahead of his nearest rivals, but he is set to be shunted down the order in the memorabilia stakes by Waugh.
When Waugh walks on to the field for his final Test against India at Sydney, he will carry more than just the goodwill of an adoring public.
He will also carry a bank-bursting price tag on his equipment and apparel, a media report said.
Experts estimate his gear alone could be worth a six-figure sum, while his cherished baggy green cap has been described by experts as priceless.
Collectors are already making space in their bar-room shelves as anticipation of a bidding frenzy for his gear mounts.
Since Waugh announced his retirement last Wednesday, his management has been inundated with offers from eager souvenir hunters.
Legends genuine memorabilia, which owns exclusive rights to Waugh collectables, says Waugh is the most lucrative Australian sportsman on the memorabilia market.
"In the past five years he has been second to Bradman and I think, within a short space of time he will overtake him," LGM managing director Victor Yoog was quoted as saying by a newspaper.
"Sir Donald has always had remarkable demand but I think demand for Steve Waugh's signature over the next few months will be even greater."
Yoog believes Waugh's final Test kit would fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"His shirt, gloves, pants, bat and lucky red rag could go for well in excess of $100,000," Yoog said.
"But I would say his baggy green cap is priceless. You just can't put a figure on it."
Waugh's manager, Robert Joske, has already received an offer from an Internet auction firm to sell his final Test gear on-line.
"A proposition has been put in front of us and we will look at it over the next few days," Joske said.
Unlike the retirements of other sporting greats, there would not be a glut of official Waugh memorabilia.
LGM said collectables were likely to be kept to a limited edition series of signed MRF bats and pictures.
Of all the items in Waugh's cricket kit, one certain to stay away from the auctioneer's hammer is his treasured baggy green cap.
Waugh has already declared it off limits to bidders and once said giving it away would be like "getting rid of your grandmother". Bureau Report
When Waugh walks on to the field for his final Test against India at Sydney, he will carry more than just the goodwill of an adoring public.
He will also carry a bank-bursting price tag on his equipment and apparel, a media report said.
Experts estimate his gear alone could be worth a six-figure sum, while his cherished baggy green cap has been described by experts as priceless.
Collectors are already making space in their bar-room shelves as anticipation of a bidding frenzy for his gear mounts.
Since Waugh announced his retirement last Wednesday, his management has been inundated with offers from eager souvenir hunters.
Legends genuine memorabilia, which owns exclusive rights to Waugh collectables, says Waugh is the most lucrative Australian sportsman on the memorabilia market.
"In the past five years he has been second to Bradman and I think, within a short space of time he will overtake him," LGM managing director Victor Yoog was quoted as saying by a newspaper.
"Sir Donald has always had remarkable demand but I think demand for Steve Waugh's signature over the next few months will be even greater."
Yoog believes Waugh's final Test kit would fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"His shirt, gloves, pants, bat and lucky red rag could go for well in excess of $100,000," Yoog said.
"But I would say his baggy green cap is priceless. You just can't put a figure on it."
Waugh's manager, Robert Joske, has already received an offer from an Internet auction firm to sell his final Test gear on-line.
"A proposition has been put in front of us and we will look at it over the next few days," Joske said.
Unlike the retirements of other sporting greats, there would not be a glut of official Waugh memorabilia.
LGM said collectables were likely to be kept to a limited edition series of signed MRF bats and pictures.
Of all the items in Waugh's cricket kit, one certain to stay away from the auctioneer's hammer is his treasured baggy green cap.
Waugh has already declared it off limits to bidders and once said giving it away would be like "getting rid of your grandmother". Bureau Report