Famous Cricketers: Donald Bradman
Sir Donald George Bradman was an Australian cricketer. He was born in 1908 in Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia. He was nicknamed as “The Don”, “The Boy from Bowral” and “Braddles”. He’s widely acknowledged as the best batsmen in World Cricketing history. His test average of 99.94 is considered one of the biggest achievements in World Sport. In his career he played for Australia in 52 test matches between 1928 and 1948. 37 of those matches were played against England, 5 were played against India, 5 were played against South Africa and 5 were played against the West Indies. He made his debut against England in 1928. He finished his career against England as well, playing in his last test against them in 1948. Even though he retired as a player Donald Bradman was involved in the Australian Cricket Administration until 1980. The Australian Government awarded him with the Companion of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to the sport of cricket in the country in 1979.
Donald Bradman still holds the following records in Cricket today:
- Highest career batting average (minimum 20 innings): 99.94
- Highest series batting average (5 Test series): 201.50
- Highest ratio of centuries per innings played: 36.25% (29 centuries from 80 innings)
- Highest 5th wicket partnership: 405 (with Sid Barnes, 1946–47)
- Highest 6th wicket partnership: 346 (with Jack Fingleton, 1936–37)
- Highest score by a number 5 batsman: 304 (1934)
- Highest score by a number 7 batsman: 270 (1936–37)
- Most runs against one opponent: 5,028 (v England)
- Most runs in one series: 974 (1930)
- Most centuries scored in a single session of play: 6 (1 pre lunch, 2 lunch-tea, 3 tea-stumps)
- Most runs in one day’s play: 309 (1930)
- Most double centuries: 12
- Most double centuries in a series: 3 (1930)
- Most triple centuries: 2 (equal with Brian Lara and Virender Sehwag)
- Most consecutive matches in which he made a century: 6
We’re living in the year 2009 now and it’s amazing that he still holds all the above records in cricket. A truly remarkable achievement. He’s truly worthy of being featured as a Famous Cricketer on Sports Fanatic.
