Expected to fetch a good sum, the green cap worn by Bradman in his last Test for Australia went for half that price at an auction.

The cap from the 1948 Invincibles Ashes Tour of England did not even attract a single bid last night and was ultimately bought for about 400,000 Australian dollars by an Australian, who did not wish to be named, according to auctioneer Charles Leski.

Though setting a record for an item of sporting memorabilia in Australia, the cap fetched less than the 420,000 paid by Tim Serisier in 2003 and substantially below the reserve price of 450,000, 'Australian Associated Press' reported.

The National Sports Museum at the MCG -- where the cap was on display -- and the Bradman Museum expressed interest in talking to the cap's new owner.

The cap comes with a letter of authenticity and a second letter written by Bradman shortly before the 1948 tour in which he said he was not the player he once was and he was gaining runs mainly by experience.

Australia went undefeated on the 1948 tour and Bradman, needing four runs in his final Test innings to finish with an average of 100, was bowled for a duck to leave him with an average of 99.94.