Sir Donald Bradman

The Little Bloke

The "little bloke", as he was known to his contemporaries, was a phenomenon: the greatest ever run-scorer. In a first-class career lasting 21 years and three months he made a century once every three innings and averaged 95.14. In Sheffield Shield competition for New South Wales and South Australia he averaged 110.19 and his undefeated 452 against Queensland in 1930 was the highest of his 37 double centuries, six of them being above 300.

A gifted, self-contained sportsman who also excelled at tennis and golf he was as disciplined as he was determined and constantly strove for perfection. Having averaged 139.14 in England in 1930 and 201.50 against South Africa in 1931-32, England controversially devised Bodyline to curb his dominance. Beloved by crowds in Australia and England he was also a renowned captain, selector and administrator and an expansive thinker on the game.

'It may be that Bradman had not the sheer grace of Victor Trumper, the versatility on all wickets of Jack Hobbs, the annihilating unorthodoxy of Gilbert Jessop but for sheer ruthless efficiency no cricketer in the post-Grace era could compare with him.' E.W. Swanton

'A healthy recreation such as cricket encourages clean thinking and clean living. Cricket, above all other games teaches unselfishness.' Don Bradman

The Stats

Don Bradman's greatness lay not just with his peerless batting and sound captaincy but is reflected in a respect that transcends both the sporting community and national boundaries. His contribution both on and off the field led him to become an undisputed Australian symbol, a role that he successfully maintained throughout his life. 'The best known and most acclaimed Australian of our time' wrote Governor-General Sir William Deane upon his death in 2001, Bradman is part of Australian identity.

Did you know?

Among Bradman's many records is the 1,869 runs he scored in a period of 18 innings before World War II. His average then was 116.81.