Any ball which sends an Australian batsman back to the pavilion is bound to be treasured by English cricket-lovers.

However, fans now have the chance to claim a ball which once took the wicket of Australian legend Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest batsman of all-time.

Auctioneers Scarborough Perry are inviting bids for the 54-year-old ball, after it was brought into their store in Hove Street, Hove.

It was bowled by England and Lancashire fast-bowler Dick Pollard in the Fourth Test against Australia in July 1948.

Sir Donald was bowled out for 33 in Australia's first innings.

The tourists still won the match by seven wickets, on the way to a 4-0 win in the five-Test series.

Andrew Scarborough believes fans will long to hold the ball which bamboozled a man who smashed 5,028 runs from 37 Test matches.

Mr Scarborough, co-owner of the firm, said: "This is a real find. We're expecting plenty of interest across the world, particularly from Australia. It felt like perfect timing when the ball was brought in. The summer's here, and the cricket season's getting well under way."

The ball's owners, who wish to remain anonymous, brought it into the shop yesterday.

They also provided match programmes, an England tour jacket from 1946-47, and correspondence between Pollard and Sir Donald proving the ball's authenticity.

Pollard, who played four Test matches for England, died in Lancashire in December 1985, aged 73. His regard for the ball is shown by the fact it is presented on an engraved silver mount.

Mr Scarborough said: "It looks basically like your typical ball, but it's still in good condition."

The auction will be held on July 18 and 19. Details of the lots will soon be available at www.scarboroughperry.co.uk