Donald George Bradman

Donald George Bradman was an Australian cricketer who is widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time. He played 52 Test matches for Australia from 1928 to 1948 and scored 6,996 runs at an average of 99.94, a record that has never been surpassed. He also scored 28,067 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 95.14, with a highest score of 452 not out. He captained Australia in 24 Tests, winning 15 and losing only 3. He was known for his prolific run-scoring, his impeccable technique, his concentration and determination, and his leadership qualities. He was involved in many memorable matches and series, such as the 1930 Ashes in England where he scored a record 974 runs in five Tests, including two triple centuries; the 1932–33 Bodyline series where he faced hostile bowling from the English pacemen; and the 1948 Invincibles tour where he led an unbeaten Australian team to England and scored a duck in his final Test innings, falling four runs short of a career average of 100. Bradman was also a successful administrator, selector and writer after his retirement from playing. He was knighted in 1949 for his services to cricket and was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1979. He was voted the greatest male athlete of the 20th century by Australian sports journalists and was named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Century by a panel of experts in 2000. He was also a patron of many charitable causes and a role model for millions of cricket fans around the world. He died in 2001 at the age of 92 after suffering from pneumonia. He is survived by his son John, his daughter Shirley, and his grandchildren. His wife Jessie had predeceased him in 1997 after a long battle with cancer. He is buried at Centennial Park Cemetery in Adelaide alongside his wife and their first child who died as an infant in 1936. His legacy lives on through the numerous awards, honours and institutions that bear his name or are inspired by his achievements. He is widely regarded as not only the greatest cricketer but also one of the greatest sportspersons and Australians of all time.