Don Bradman—The Greatest Batsman of All Time

A humble man of great integrity, Bradman was greatly admired by people from all walks of life. He conquered the cricket world, received an OBE, and became one of Australia’s national heroes. His batting average of 99.94 remains unbeaten today.

When Don was a boy the oval had only a rough concrete pitch over which matting was laid by the players to smooth the ball’s bounce. The town bought the oval for £1000 from the local church in 1934, taking 10 years to pay it off. Today the ground has a turf pitch, irrigation and a fast outfield.

In the early 20th century Australia had a cricket craze. Cricket clubs sprang up in towns across the nation and brought communities together. In this photo, Don Bradman is seated front row in cap, his father George stands top right, and his uncle Dick Whatman is seated centre with moustache and cap.

Don’s parents, George and Emily—pictured here in the backyard of their home at 20 Glebe Street, Bowral—both loved cricket, and exposed Don to the sport from an early age.

Don regularly practiced on a rainwater tank stand with a golf ball and cricket stump, at his first home on Glebe Street. This helped his hand and eye coordination become very strong. In those days homes in Bowral did not have town water supply.

This photo shows Don Bradman as a teenager in the backyard of the family home. He was the youngest of 5 children.

“I came into possession of a real bat and I was the happiest boy ever. Given to me by Bowral Town team. It was man’s size but that didn’t matter . . . [My] father cut 3 inches off the bottom. I went into the paddock with my prized possession, played shots at imaginary balls till the light failed.”

This picture was taken on a hot sunny day at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Somewhere in the crowd sits Don with his father, watching his childhood hero, Charlie Macartney, bat a record innings. It took a 3 hour train ride to Sydney from Bowral.

Don not only played on the SCG, in January 1930 he broke the world record there, scoring 452 runs. The feat made international news and Don an instant sports celebrity. The rival team chaired him off the field at the end of play. Cricket was only played in daylight until 1978.

Don made so many runs, they overflowed in the score sheet. Notice the inscription made by the score-person on the far left: ‘Bradman 438 world’s record in 406 m’—meaning Don broke the previous world record in 406 minutes, faster than 1 run per minute.

After his treble century (not out) Don was cheered by crowds at Leeds cricket ground. He had broken the Test record. The date was 11 July 1930.

The person who commentated, for the Daily Mirror UK newspaper, on the day of Don’s record innings ‘treble century’ at Leeds was his childhood hero Charlie Macartney.

As part of Australia’s bicentennial celebrations in 1988 this trophy was presented to Don Bradman in recognition of his 309 runs in a single day’s play at Headingley Cricket Ground on 11 July 1930. The inscription reads, ‘The Best Single Performance by a Male Athlete (1788-1988).’

The 1948 Australian Test team photo. Bradman led a team of experienced and talented players who went undefeated in all 32 matches played a feat still unmatched today. Many of the players had served in the war, and they forged enduring bonds. Today, players enter The Oval through The Bradman Doors.

In 1936 Don was named captain of the Australian team. This Baggy Green cap was given to him at that time. Today, all Test players are given a Baggy Green cap and unique number when they play for Australia. For many, it is their most prized possession as cricketers.

Many children looked to Don Bradman as their cricketing hero much the same way he had looked up to Charlie Macartney. Don inspired children to play cricket and do their best in sport. In addition to skill, he promoted the values of integrity, dignity, courage, modesty and determination.

This life-size statue of Sir Donald Bradman was unveiled in 2002, a year after his death on 25 February 2001. It stands at the head of a memorial pool dedicated to Australian cricketers, which was unveiled by Australian Prime Minister John Howard in 1996.

Cricket legends often visit the museum to pay their respects to Don Bradman and learn about the spirit of cricket. Here, former Test cricket legend Steve Waugh gets a close look at Don’s first bat.