A cricket bat used by Sir Donald Bradman has sold for $17,000 at an auction in Melbourne.

The Sykes brand bat was used by Bradman in the 1931-32 Test series between Australia and South Africa.

It was an impressive series for Bradman who finished with an average of 201.5 runs, including a score of 299 not out.

The bat features the Bradman name on its reverse side and its wood is darkened from use.

The bat was sold along with a photocopy of a letter that Bradman wrote to its new owner when it was offered for sale in the 1990s.

A baggy green cap, worn by Bradman in 1934, was also offered for sale but failed to reach its reserve price.

The Don, who finished his career with a Test batting average of 99.94, is widely acknowledged as the greatest Test batsman of all time.