Cricket memorabilia belonging to legend Sir Donald Bradman will be auctioned in Bombay on 1st March.

Part of the proceeds will go towards helping victims of the Gujarat earthquake in western India, which has claimed the lives of at least 30,000 people.

There will be 77 items for auction, mostly consisting of photographs of the Australian legend at the crease and in different fielding positions.

But the souvenir likely to rouse the most interest will be "The Australian Captains Bat".

Cricketing gods

The bat, valued between �4160 ($6000) and �8300 ($12000) by auctioneers Hughes & Ludgrove, is signed by 20 past Australian Test captains, including Ian and Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Bradman himself.

Former Australian captain Kim Hughes, now a partner with the auction house, believes the auction will attract huge interest in the sub-continent.

"In India cricket is a religion and cricketers are revered like gods," he said.

"I am sure Indians who take these memorabilia will keep them safely like they do with their heirlooms or idols of gods in their houses."