OTD| One of the greatest batters of all time, Don Bradman was born in 1908

Arguably, Sir Donald Bradman is one of the best batters who has ever played the game of cricket and has also been one of the biggest brand ambassadors of the game when it came to playing cricket in the early 20th century. In that era, whenever any opening Australian wicket fell then at that time then the team would be frightened because it was Bradman who used to come into bat. The legendary batter was born on August 27 in the year 1908. 

The entire cricketing fans stood still whenever; Bradman used to come into bat because he made batting look really easy with his jaw-dropping shot selection as well as his tendency to score big runs. Throughout his career, the prolific batter had scored 6996 runs in the 52 matches that he played for the Australian team with an astonishing average of 99.94 and 29 hundreds to his name. The Australian legend also recorded a high score of 334 runs. 

The two testing phases for Bradman in his career were the Bodyline Saga as well as a phase in which the Australian legend was not scoring a century. In the face of Bradman’s exceptional batting prowess, England’s Plum Warner devised Bodyline tactics involving leg theory and short-pitched deliveries. Bradman faced challenges, missing a test due to stress, but ultimately adjusted by adopting off-side strokes. 

Amid controversy and injuries, England won the Ashes. Bradman’s resilience led to his success against Bodyline, prompting cricket rule changes in 1935. The tactics strained Australia-England relations. Bradman’s exceptional skills drove these events, his private nature contrasting with his public influence.

Following the Bodyline series, Bradman faced a slump, enduring 13 innings without a century amid defensive struggles and concentration doubts. Amid rumors of heart trouble, he revived his form with 140 in a Sheffield Shield game. Rejecting Cardus’ invitation for the 4th Test, he aimed for a double-century, disbelieving in averages. He scored 304 over two days, then 244 in a record 451-run partnership with Ponsford, clinching a 562-run win in the Timeless Test. Australia regained the Ashes, redemption after the Bodyline setback. Bradman’s determination and refusal to adhere to averages highlighted his legendary commitment to the game. The cricket game as well as fans will never forget the contribution as well as the impact that the right-hander had on the game.