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Don Bradman

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Sir Donald George Bradman was a famous Australian cricketer.

Donald Bradman australian cricket player pic
Donald Bradman australian cricket player pic

People often call him "the Don." Many believe he was the greatest batsman in history. His career Test batting average was 99.94. Some experts say this is the best achievement in any major sport. He became a sporting hero for Australia during the Great Depression.

He remained a hero through the Second World War as well.

Bradman practiced his skills in a very unique way.

Don Bradman's cricket bats at the State Library of South Australia, Adelaide, February 2023
Don Bradman's cricket bats at the State Library of South Australia, Adelaide, February 2023

As a young boy, he played alone with a cricket stump. He used the stump as a bat instead of a real one. He also used a small golf ball to practice. He hit the ball against a curved brick stand. The ball would bounce back at high speeds and different angles. This special way of practicing helped his timing and reactions become very sharp.

Bradman was born on 27 August 1908 in Cootamundra, New South Wales.

SirDonaldBradmansBirthplaceCootamundra
SirDonaldBradmansBirthplaceCootamundra

He was the youngest son of George and Emily Bradman. His family had English heritage on both sides. One of his great-grandfathers was also among the first Italians to move to Australia. He grew up in a small place called Yeo Yeo. Later, his family moved to Bowral to be near friends. He even played his first formal cricket match at age 12.

His rise to the top was very fast.

Bradman c.1928
Bradman c.1928

He went from playing bush cricket to the Australian Test team in just over two years. In 1929, he set a world record by scoring 452 not out. He did this in only 415 minutes of play. After the Second World War, he led a team called "the Invincibles." This team went on a record-breaking tour of England without losing.

Aus1930Team
Aus1930Team

He also served as a selector and writer for many years.

Today, Bradman is remembered as a national icon in Australia.

Don Bradman statue at Adelaide Oval
Don Bradman statue at Adelaide Oval

In 1997, Prime Minister John Howard called him the "greatest living Australian." His face has appeared on postage stamps and special coins. The Royal Australian Mint even made a gold coin for his 100th birthday. In 2009, he was added to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. A museum was also opened to show the story of his amazing life.

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🖼️ Images & Media (22)
File:SirDonaldBradmansBirthplaceCootamundra.jpg
SirDonaldBradmansBirthplaceCootamundra.jpg
File:Bradman c.1928.jpg
Bradman c.1928.jpg
File:Bradman chaired.jpg
Bradman chaired.jpg
File:Donald Bradman Sam Hood 1932 (retouched).jpg
Donald Bradman Sam Hood 1932 (retouched).jpg
File:Bradman 1933-35 SLNSW FL20728625.jpg
Bradman 1933-35 SLNSW FL20728625.jpg
File:Aus1930Team.jpg
Aus1930Team.jpg
File:BradmanWedding.jpg
BradmanWedding.jpg
File:BradmanDuck32-33.jpg
BradmanDuck32-33.jpg
File:BradmanCigCard.jpg
BradmanCigCard.jpg
File:Bradman 1937.JPG
Bradman 1937.JPG
File:BradmanAllenToss.jpg
BradmanAllenToss.jpg
File:Don Bradman and Stan McCabe.jpg
Don Bradman and Stan McCabe.jpg

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