Bradman bat expected to fetch Aus$120,000

Don Bradman on his way to a triple century against England in 1930 © Getty Images

A piece of cricket history will be auctioned in Melbourne on Thursday when a bat used by Don Bradman on his way to a double century is expected to fetch up to Aus$120,000.

The bat, which is signed by Bradman as well as 24 contemporary Australian and West Indian players, was used when he scored 232 at The Oval against England in 1930, an innings regarded as one of his best as it was made on a rain-affected pitch and helped Australia to win the match, and in so doing to reclaim the Ashes.

Charles Leski, the auctioneer, said it was the first time the bat had been offered for sale. "Bradman was in the habit of treating all of his bats with reverence, especially those he achieved big scores with," he explained. "Even bats he didn't score well with, he endorsed. But this is a special one. We expect to get a lot of interest."

The bat was presented to the chief mechanic of General Motors Australia in 1931, after the company presented Bradman with a car.