Sir Donald George Bradman

Sir Donald George Bradman AC (27 August 1908вЂ"25 February 2001), often called The Don, was an Australian cricketer, administrator and writer on the game, generally acknowledged as the greatest batsman of all time.[1] He is one of Australia's most popular sporting heroes, and one of the most respected past players in other cricketing nations.[2] His career Test batting average of 99.94 is by some measures the greatest statistical performance in any major sport.[3][4]

The story of the young Bradman practising alone using a cricket stump and a golf ball, is part of Australian folklore.[5] Bradman’s meteoric rise from bush cricket to the Australian Test team took just over two years. Before his 22nd birthday, he set myriad records for high scoring, many of which survive today, and became Australia’s sporting idol at the height of the Great Depression.[6] Special tactics known as Bodyline were devised by the England team to curb his brilliance.[7]

During his 20-year career, Bradman consistently scored at a level that made him “worth three batsmen to Australia”, in the words of Sir Len Hutton.[8] Committed to attacking, entertaining cricket, Bradman drew spectators in record numbers. However, he found constant adulation an anathema, which affected how he dealt with others.[9] The focus of attention on his individual performances strained relationships with some teammates, administrators and journalists who thought him aloof and wary.[10] After World War II, he made a dramatic comeback and in his final season led an Australian team known as “The Invincibles”.[11] RC Robertson-Glasgow wrote of the English reaction to Bradman’s retirement that, "…a miracle has been removed from among us. So must ancient Italy have felt when she heard of the death of Hannibal."[12]

A complex, driven man not given to forming many close personal relationships,[13] Bradman maintained his pre-eminence by acting as an administrator, selector and writer for three decades after his retirement. His opinion was highly sought, but in his declining years he became reclusive. Paradoxically, his status as a national icon increased to the point where the Prime Minister of Australia called him the “greatest living Australian”.[14] His image has appeared on postage stamps and coins, and he became the first