Donald Bradman Birth Anniversary: Cricket Legend’s Records, Achievements, and Iconic Meeting with Sachin Tendulkar

Arguably the greatest batter to ever grace the field of cricket, Sir Donald Bradman continues to live in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide. The world celebrates the Australian legend’s 116th birth anniversary today, August 27. Regarded as the master of the game throughout the 1930s and 40s, Bradman was so far ahead of his competitors that he sunk all comparisons at the time. Even to this day, the Aussie batter tops the list of the impactful batters who revolutionised the sport. Today, let us take a detailed look at his major records and achievements. We will delve deeper into when Sachin Tendulkar met the cricket legend decades ago.

Sir Donald Bradman Records

It has been more than two decades since we lost Sir Donald Bradman to pneumonia in 2001. But several records of his continue to stand even today. Some of them include:

Most runs in a series by a captain

Sir Donald Bradman still holds the record for the most runs scored by a captain in a bilateral tour and he did it on the biggest stage in Test cricket. Bradman notched an incredible 810 runs in the five matches he played in the 1936/37 Ashes. He averaged a whopping 90 with his highest score being 270. In that series, the Aussie icon notched three centuries and one half-century.

Highest Test batting average

A surprise to nobody, Sir Donald Bradman continues to hold firm in the top place of the Test average charts. He boasts an average of 99.94 and remains untouchable in a record that may never be broken. Following him in second place is Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel who remains miles away with an average of 62.12.

Fastest to 6000 Test runs

Another unbreakable record of Sir Donald Bradman is his lightning-fast journey to 6000 Test runs in international cricket. He achieved it against India in only his 45th match and 68th innings. West Indies legend Gary Sobers follows him in second place, having reached the tally in nearly double the innings (111).

Most consecutive hundreds in Test cricket

Sir Donald Brandman still holds the record for the most consecutive Test hundreds when he hit six centuries on the trot in 1937-38. He made England his victim six times at iconic venues including Adelaide, Melbourne, Nottingham, Leeds and Lord’s.

Sir Donald Bradman Achievements

Captain of the South Australian Shield team for 14 years

Sir Donald Bradman’s performance in Shield cricket also remains unparalleled. In the 96 Sheffield Shield innings he played, the Aussie icon averaged 110.19. He was also named captain of the South Australia Shield team from 1935 to 1949 and made a significant contribution to State cricket.

Australian Cricket And Sport Australia Hall of Famer

Sir Donald Bradman made history after becoming the inaugural inductee into Sport Australia’s Hall of Fame in 1985. He was added as an Athlete Member for his contribution to cricket and was soon elevated to the Legend of Australian Sport in 1993. Three years later, Bradman was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.

The first Australian cricketer to be Knighted

Sir Donald Bradman became the first Australian cricketer to receive a knighthood in 1949. Nearly two decades later he was honoured with the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his services to cricket and its administration.

Sir Donald Bradman’s meet-up with Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar’s first meeting with Sir Donald Bradman occurred in 1998. The Indian legend met him at his residence in Adelaide alongside late Shane Warne. Both cricketers were invited to the icon’s 90th birthday.

Speaking about the moment, Sachin Tendulkar told India Today, “It was a big moment because I still remember from the hotel, Warnie was with me.” He added, “Obviously, the natural question was ‘Sir Don if you were batting in today’s era, what would you have averaged?’. He took about 10 seconds to think and said ‘maybe around 70’. The obvious reaction was ‘Why only 70? Why not 99?’”

Sachin Tendulkar then revealed Bradman’s epic response who said, “He said ‘Common kid, it’s not bad for a 90-year-old man’. That was his response. He enjoyed watching cricket. He was up with the game. Those were special moments.”

Regardless of all the debates, Sir Donald Bradman will always have a guaranteed place in the pantheons of cricket greats.