Apologies for stating some oft-repeated facts, but the fact of the matter is we're
hard-pressed to avoid them.
Born in Cootamundra, New South Wales on August 27, 1908, Bradman played for
Australia for 20 years (52 Tests) and retired with a phenomenal batting average of
99.94.
During his illustrious career, besides scoring 29 centuries, he survived the
Bodyline series in 1932-33 and returned to captain the 'Invincibles' after the
second World War (1948).
In his final innings, he was dismissed for a duck by English spinner Eric Hollies
and, thus, was denied a career average of 100 by just four runs.
The Don was disappointed but understanding.
"I'm very sorry I made a duck," he said. "I'd have been glad if I'd made those four
extra runs to have an average of 100. I didn't know it at the time and I don't think
the Englishmen knew it either. I think if they had known it they may have been
generous enough to let me get four."
After a stupendous innings on the field, Bradman braced for another off it. And he
excelled in that too. And, by that, we imply, as a selector and administrator. He
was, without doubt, the first global figure from Down Under. The impact he had on
Australians, in particular, and the world in general, is something that is difficult
to describe in mere words.
At a public gathering in 1948, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill
spotted Don and is believed to have said, "Isn't that Don Bradman over there? I
would like to be introduced."
There's another instance where his son, John, in a bid to avoid the limelight,
changed his surname from Bradman to Bradsen for some time.
Towards the latter part of the last century Don Bradman he moved away from public
life, partly because of ill health and partly to avoid limelight. His demise on
February 25, 2001 (aged 92) was not only a loss to Australia but to the entire
world.
But his achievements are something that will always remain immortal and withstand
the test of time.
Happy birthday, Sir Don!
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