Remembering Sir Donald Bradman on his birthday, meeting Sachin Tendulkar and beyond

Widely regarded as the "greatest of all-time" batter to have ever graced the game of cricket, today marks a special day for the world of cricket. August 27, 2024, marks the 116th birth anniversary of Sir Donald Bradman. Renowned for his flawless scoring style and technique, Sir 'Don' as he was fondly known, showed his majestic batting skills back in the 1930s and 1940s eras for Australia.

The great man revolutionized the world of cricket through his cricketing genius and its magnitude can be understood by the fact that his Test average of 99.94, still remains untouchable even to this day. Notably, the world of cricket lost its enigmatic personality in the year 2001 due to pneumonia. Hence as a tribute, let us peep into some incredible records, achievements and once upon a time special meeting with Indian legend, Sachin Tendulkar.

Special Records

(1) Highest-ever batting average in Test career

When it comes to batting Test average, Sir Don continues to rule the batting chart. Notably, Bradman averaged a mind-boggling 99.94 which remains miles ahead. In the second spot, Team India's explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal follows the legendary Australian. Interestingly, when it comes to batters who are still active and have scored at least 1000 runs in the Test format, the rising star Jaiswal (1,028 Test runs) averages an impressive 68.53 from just nine Test appearances.

(2) Most consecutive centuries in Tests

Batters have often shown their rhythm by scoring truckloads of runs and eventually ending up scoring hundreds in tandem. However, when it came to Sir Don, his calibre remains unsurmountable as he seemingly scored centuries for fun. The batting legend made a mockery of the bowlers and scored six centuries consecutively in the years 1937-1938, with England being on the receiving end on all occasions.

(3) Most runs in a series as Captain

Don Bradman was not just a majestic batter but also ensured to lead by example as a Captain. During the 1937-37 Ashes, the legendary Australian smashed 270, the highest score in that series while averaging a mind-boggling 90. During these five appearances, Bradman amassed 810 runs which included three centuries and a half-century, respectively.

Also Read: Saud Shakeel surpasses Steve Smith, just below Donald Bradman in batting average charts after Rawalpindi ton

Major Achievements

Back in the year 1949, Sir Donald Bradman became the first Australian to be honoured with the ‘Knighthood’ title. Moreover, 30 years later, in 1979, Bradman was bestowed with another honour in the form of Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his phenomenal contribution as an administrator and player both.

(1) Only Australian player bestowed with Knighthood

Sir Donald Bradman became the first Australian cricketer to receive a Knighthood in 1949. Nearly two decades later he was honoured with the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his services to cricket and its administration.

(2) Australian Cricket And Sport Australia Hall of Famer

The list of achievements of this magnanimous personality does not just end there. Bradman was the first man to be inducted in the year 1985 into the coveted Hall of Fame of Sport Australia. Eight years later, he was declared as the greatest legend of Australian sports. Soon after in 1988, Sir Don was inducted into Cricket Australia’s Hall of Fame.

Also Check: When the Babe Ruth of Cricket met the Donald Bradman of Baseball

Special meeting of Sir Donald Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne

From one icon to another, a special moment happened in the year 1998. It would not be wrong to call it a moment of – ‘A GOAT recognizes another great’. On Bradman’s memorable 90^th birthday, India batting legend, Sachin Tendulkar, along with his late dear friend and Australian legspin wizard, Shane Warne, visited Sir Donald Bradman.

It is worthy to mention that the batting genius himself invited Tendulkar to see him at his residence in Adelaide. Interestingly enough, during their meet, the Master Blaster cheekily asked him about what would have been his possible batting average had Bradman been playing still. To this, having a natural flair of humour, Sir Don replied back by saying ‘around 70’. This puzzled Tendulkar as he was hoping that Bradman would not have mentioned below 90 at least. However, in his renowned wit, Sir Don completed by saying that the average 70 would be good enough for a 90-year-old.

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.