Don Bradman: Profile of Cricket’s Greatest Batter

Sir Donald Bradman is widely regarded as the finest batter in the history of cricket. His Test batting average of 99.94 is far above any other player who has completed a significant career, and it remains the best-known statistic in the sport.

Early life and rise

Born in Cootamundra, New South Wales, in 1908, Bradman grew up in Bowral, where he reportedly practised by hitting a golf ball against a water tank with a stump. He played for New South Wales and made his Test debut for Australia in December 1928 against England in Brisbane. After an unsteady start, he soon became a dominant force.

Playing style

Bradman’s success was built on concentration, a sharp eye and an unorthodox grip that gave him great control. He moved quickly into position, played late and was ruthless once set, regularly converting hundreds into doubles. He later moved to South Australia, where he played domestic cricket and became an administrator.

Career highlights

In the 1930 Ashes series in England he scored 974 runs, a record for a Test series, including 334 at Headingley. In 1929–30 he made 452 not out for New South Wales against Queensland, then a world record in first-class cricket. During the controversial Bodyline series of 1932–33, England’s tactics reduced his average for that tour, though he still topped Australia’s batting.

He captained Australia after the Second World War and led the 1948 tour of England, in which the team went unbeaten and became known as the Invincibles. In his final Test innings, at The Oval in 1948, he was bowled for a duck by Eric Hollies, finishing four runs short of an average of 100. In total he played 52 Tests, scoring 6,996 runs with 29 hundreds and 12 double centuries.

Legacy

Bradman was knighted in 1949 and died in 2001 at the age of 92. His record continues to be used as a benchmark of greatness, and the Bradman Oration and Bradman Museum in Bowral keep his name alive.

Frequently asked questions

What was Don Bradman’s Test batting average?

His Test batting average was 99.94 from 52 Tests.

How did Don Bradman’s Test career end?

He was dismissed for a duck at The Oval in 1948, finishing four runs short of an average of 100.

What were the Invincibles?

The Australian team led by Bradman that went unbeaten on the 1948 tour of England.