Bradman’s World Record 452 Bat

The Signed 1930 Sheffield Shield Bat

The bat signed by Queensland and New South Wales players, from the match in which Don Bradman made his record score. January 6, 1930.

On loan to Bradman Museum courtesy Stephen Shostak.

Up until 1930, Victorian and Australian batsman Bill Ponsford held the first-class world record score of 437 runs.

Don Bradman’s world record first-class innings of 452* made at the SCG secured him an immediate spot in the 1930 Australian team to England.

Playing for NSW against Queensland on Saturday 4 January 1930, Bradman opened the NSW second innings. His run rate bettered a run-a-minute, 50 in 51 minutes, 100 in 104 minutes and by close of play he was 205* in 195 minutes.

The next day, Sunday, was a rest day and Bradman consciously decided to have a go at Bill Ponsford’s record score of 437 runs. Refreshed on the Monday morning he reached his third century in 288 minutes and his fourth in 377 minutes.

Eventually passing Ponsford’s record he continued to bat coolly and meticulously. When he’d reached 452, Bradman’s Captain Alan Kippax declared the innings closed with NSW 8/761.

This innings rewrote the record books. It was technically chanceless save for two very difficult catching chances. He hit 49 fours, a match aggregate record of 455, the youngest batsman to ever make 400 and the fastest innings to reach 400.

He was 'chaired' off the field by the Queensland players at the innings conclusion, his name now assured of international recognition.

Since that date only two men have scored more runs in a first-class single innings; Hanif Mohammad of Pakistan in 1958-59, with 499, and Brian Lara of the West Indies in 1994, with 501*.

Don Bradman's signature can be faintly seen above the heading.

The bat signed by Queensland and New South Wales players, from the match in which Don Bradman made his record score. January 6, 1930.