Win Projections to be updated soon
Regarded by many as the “greatest of all-time” hitter to have ever played cricket, today is a memorable day for the cricket community. Sir Donald Bradman will turn 116 years old on August 27, 2024. Known for his impeccable scoring approach and technique, Australia’s legendary “Sir Don” displayed his magnificent batting abilities during the 1930s and 1940s.
With his extraordinary talent for cricket, the great man transformed the game, and the extent of his impact is demonstrated by the fact that his Test average of 99.94 is still unbeaten to this day. It is noteworthy that in 2001, pneumonia claimed the mysterious personality of the cricket world. Therefore, let’s pay respect by looking back at some amazing records, accomplishments, and a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Special Records
(1) Highest-ever batting average in Test career
Sir Don still dominates the batting table when it comes to average when batting in Test matches. Notably, Bradman maintained a mind-boggling 99.94 percent average, which is still much above. Saud Shakeel, a batsman from Pakistan, presently holds the second-best average at 62.12 after his recent batting prowess against Bangladesh.
(2) Most consecutive centuries in Tests
In order to demonstrate their rhythm, batters have frequently scored hundreds of runs in unison after amassing massive runs. But as far as Sir Don is concerned, his talent is unbeatable—he seemed to score hundreds of runs just for kicks. In 1937-1938, the batting great embarrassed the bowlers by hitting six hundreds in a row, with England being the victim on every occasion.
(3) Most runs in a series as Captain
In addition to being a magnificent batter, Don Bradman made it his mission as a captain to set an example. The great Australian hit the series high of 270 during the 1937–1937 Ashes, averaging an astounding 90 runs per game. In these five games, Bradman scored 810 runs, including three hundreds and a half-century, in turn.
Major Achievements
The first Australian to be awarded the title of “Knighthood” was Sir Donald Bradman in 1949. In addition, Bradman received another distinction in 1979, thirty years later, for his extraordinary achievements as a player and administrator: the title of Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).
(1) Only Australian player bestowed with Knighthood
In 1949, Sir Donald Bradman became the first Australian cricketer to be knighted. He was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his services to cricket and its administration almost twenty years later.
(2) Australian Cricket And Sport Australia Hall of Famer
There is much more to this generous person’s long list of accomplishments. In 1985, Bradman became the inaugural member of Sport Australia’s esteemed Hall of Fame. He was named Australia’s greatest sports legend eight years later. In 1988, not too long after, Sir Don was admitted into Cricket Australia’s Hall of Fame.
Special meeting of Sir Donald Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne
From one symbol to another, 1998 held a unique occasion. A fitting phrase to describe it would be “A GOAT recognises another great.” Bradman celebrated his 90th birthday with a spectacular visit from Australian legspin magician Shane Warne and legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
Not to be forgotten is that Tendulkar was personally asked to see the batting wizard at his Adelaide home. Curiously, the Master Blaster questioned him, somewhat churlishly, what his potential batting average would have been if Bradman had remained in the game during their encounter. Sir Don responded to this with a naturally comedic touch by stating, “roughly 70.”
Also Read: Star of “The Lord of the Rings,” Charlie Vickers, his favourite cricketer is Virat Kohli
Tendulkar found this perplexing because he had hoped Bradman wouldn’t have suggested anything less than 90. But Sir Don, known for his wit, finished by stating that a 90-year-old would be satisfied with an average of 70.
Famous Quotes by Sir Donald Bradman
I saw him playing on television and was struck by his technique, so I asked my wife to come look at him. Now I never saw myself play, but I felt that this player is playing with a style similar to mine, and she looked at him on Television and said yes, there is a similarity between the two…his compactness, technique, stroke production – it all seemed to gel! [On Sachin Tendulkar]
A good captain must be a fighter; confident but not arrogant, firm but not obstinate; able to take criticism without letting it unduly disturb him, for he is sure to get it – and unfairly, too.
If there is a threat to the game of cricket, that threat lies in the first class arena. One day cricket, especially day-night cricket, is here to stay.
India
