Don Bradman

When is a Test batting average of 56 really bad? When you are a Bradman! This is exactly what happened when the strategy of Bodyline was thought about by England’s Douglas Jardine, as an antidote against the run machine that went by the name of Don Bradman. Bradman and the rest of the Australians struggled to cope with it, but still managed to score more than 50 every innings, which in hindsight was another 50 lesser than the Don’s over all Test average! That was the only time the Australians lost the Ashes (1932-33).

Sir Donald Bradman of Australia was the greatest batsman and cricketer in the world to have ever graced the gentleman’s game. He dominated throughout the 1930’s and 40’s, scoring 974 runs in a single series that included a 309 at Headingley. Not only was he a world-class player surrounded by adulation, but also an apt administrator in the Cricket Australia set up, a fine selector and truly knowledgeable cricket expert.

Bradman ended his career with 29 centuries and 6996 runs in 80 Test appearances, becoming the first-ever batsman to score two triple centuries in Test cricket. Post World War-II, he led the Aussies to 11 victories in 15 matches, not losing a single match thus giving rise to the sobriquet of ‘The Invincibles’. A four in his final innings would have ensured a perfect 100 in terms of average, but Eric Hollies’ full toss had other ideas and the Don was dismissed for a duck, thereby ending his career with an average of 99.94 – 9994 has since been ABC’s PO Box number!

“The Don” left for his heavenly abode on 25th February, 2001, aged 92 years, leaving behind a lifetime of legacy to cherish for generations to follow!