Bradman remembered

Donald Bradman scored 29 hundreds in his Test career

International Cricket Council president David Morgan has paid tribute to Sir Donald Bradman on the centenary of his birth.

Bradman, born on this day 100 years ago, died in February 2001, aged 92.

He is widely recognised as the greatest player the game has seen, averaging 99.94 during a Test career with Australia that yielded 29 centuries in just 52 matches.

“No name in cricket conjures up such widespread awe and respect as that of Sir Donald Bradman,” said Morgan.

“Even people with just a passing knowledge of the game or in countries where he never played will invariably recognise the name Bradman as a byword for brilliance.

“That name says all that is best about the game and it is synonymous with cricket. Soccer has Pele and cricket has Bradman.

“Even now, 60 years after his final Test match and with time to put his achievements into context, his batting average of 99.94 still seems scarcely believable, especially when one compares it to those of the many other players to have graced the game at the highest level.

“This centenary offers us an opportunity to reflect upon the role the Don played in popularising the game through his attacking style of batting.

“But he was a captain too, he looked to lead as he played, in a positive manner, and his 1948 side including the likes of Keith Miller, Neil Harvey, Arthur Morris and Ray Lindwall is rightly remembered as one of the greatest line-ups of all time.

“We should also remember the way he gave back to the game after he finished playing, as a selector and as an administrator with the Australian Cricket Board and the Imperial Cricket Conference.

“Sir Donald’s life was a lifetime of service to cricket and his legacy is that our strong sport continues to grow stronger.

“I am delighted Australia is leading the tributes to Sir Donald with its captain Ricky Ponting delivering the Bradman Oration in Sydney.

“Cricket is all about tradition and respecting previous generations and I am sure Ricky’s speech will do just that as well as being a fitting tribute to a truly great cricket person.”

Bradman in figures:

Tests: 52
Runs: 6,996
Hundreds: 29
Average: 99.94

First-class matches: 234
Runs: 28,067
Hundreds: 117
Average: 95.14