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Australian cricket player Sir Donald George Bradman, AC (August 27, 1908 – February 25, 2001), also known as “The Don”, is regarded as the greatest cricket player of all time, and is one of Australia’s greatest popular heroes. Though he received many criticisms in his first Ashes series in 1928-1929, he was determined and continued to persevere. Bradman played domestically for New South Wales (1927-1934) and South Australia (1935-1949).

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Greatest Sporting Achievements

Donald Bradman is said to be the greatest batsman to ever grace cricket. His scoring average over a long Test playing career is unparralelled. Before he even turned 22, he already set many records for top scoring. His statistical achievements were unparalleled in his 20-year career span. His highest international score (334) stood for decades. He finished with a test average of average 99.94. He was the only player with two Test triple centuries in a career. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.

Bradman received the nation’s second-highest civilian honor in June 16, 1979 – Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), “in recognition of service to the sport of cricket and cricket administration”.

Why Was He So Good?

The Don was complex, highly-driven and he had a deep and undying love for cricket. He became a national icon. Prime Minister John Howard of Australia in 2001 even called him the “greatest living Australian”. He was so far ahead of the competition as to leave comparisons meaningless and to excel the game he graced. During his career years, he changed the history of cricket. Most of his records up to this date are still unbeaten.

What You May Not Know

• On his birthday, August 27, 2008, the Royal Australian Mint issued a $5 commemorative gold coin with Donald Bradman’s image.
• Don Bradman played his first cricket match at age 11 in Bowral. He scored 55 runs and the oval on which he played is now called 'Bradman Oval' (see photo).
• He scored his first century at age 12
• Young Donald honed his cricketing skills by throwing a golf ball against a small brick wall and hitting it on the rebound with a cricket stump.
• His father took young Don to the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1921 to watch a Test Match. Don said to his father "I shall never be satisfied until I play on this ground".
• His memorial service was broadcasted live to a viewing audience of 1.45 million held on March 25, 2001. Big personalities attended his service including host of former and current Test cricketers, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, then Prime Minister John Howard and leader of the opposition Kim Beazley.

 

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Related Pages

• List of Winners of the Don Award, named after Donald Bradman.
• See also "SIR DONALD BRADMAN: THE AUSSIE ICON"
• Rate Don Bradman as a hero
• Who is better - Don Bradman v Sachin Tendulkar?
• Don Bradman Collectables
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