Sir Donald George Bradman

Sir Donald George Bradman AC (27 August 1908—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