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Bradman's deeds still holds unperturbed
By Bernie Wijesekera
When one talks about world records, it's a galore on paper. Sri Lanka cricketers, too have a fair share of them. But none of them could match the deeds of the humble "Bowral Boy", Sir Don Bradman's. He had a hard time whilst playing on uncovered pitches, no neutral umpires, no match referees and without protective gear - unlike present day cricketers.

Recently another Australian batsman came into reckoning when he smashed Brian Lara's 375 against England was Aussie opener Hayden, who smashed 380 at Perth recently against Zimbabwe. But Matt, was quick to say his effort could not be compared to any of the deeds made by Sir Don that all-time legend.

A fine gesture by Hayden. Don towers over all even in the millennium. Not only for his exploits with the willow, but for his contributions for the game. He maintained the spirit and led a humble life until his last breath. He lived with honour and died with dignity. The entire cricketing world honoured him.

His profiles
Bradman never used his profile or advertised himself like the present cricketers, be it in Australia or elsewhere. Throughout his life his devotion and dedication to the development of cricket among the under privileged at grassroots level. He shunned publicity. But still meeting every fresh challenge with vigour and inspired the young to enhance Australia's national performance and pride.

Don's concept
Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian opener broke Bradman's most number of test 100s - 31. Sunil, now turned commentator and writer said, Sir Don's concept will be there for all-time.

He made it in 52 tests, but it took me over 100 tests. If he went over 100 tests it could have been over 50,000 runs. Imagine unlike at present times there was no Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh with so many tests being played in one calendar year.

Even some pundits in India said, that Tendulkar is better than Sir Don. But Sachin the little master batsman is highly rated by Bradman as one of the rare persons to be invited to his birthday on Aug. 27, 1998, whilst in Australia.

He rates the little Indian maestro as one of the best among the present generation.
Tendulkar boasts no big record scores or hunts for records, but plays for the country leads a humble family life for others to emulate. I had the privilege of getting Sir Don's autograph. It's being treasured.

There are no statues of Bradman in the public highways, for his services rendered on and off the field. But there is a huge photograph of him at the ACB office at Jolimont Street. He was the first living Aussie to feature in a stamp in 1997 to celebrate Australia Day when Prime Minister, John Howard, launched it Sir Don had the vision to put Aussie cricket on the correct path. Today Australia is reaping a rich harvest thanks to him. He retired in 1948 with a test of Av. 99.94 The 'Bowral Boy' served as administrator, advisor and selector. There is also a Bradman Industry.

The funds earned by it help the poor kids at grassroots level. He never chased for records but it just flowed his way. He made 309 runs in one day at Headingley, Leeds, against England. The following day he ended up with 334. Some pundits in some quarters here, tried to compare Sanath Jayasuriya to Sir Don after his great exploits with a near world record against India in 1997 - 348 in test cricket. Sanath the 'Master Blaster' is no doubt is a great batsman.

He was involved in a World record partnership of 457 for any wicket., with Roshan Mahanama. But trying to compare him to Bradman is only causing embarrassment to the genial Lankan batsman. No batsman in the past or present could compare him for his consistency.

This phrase fits those fanatic fans here 'Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise"
His records are too numerous but is involved in some of Australia's memorable stands. 451 with W.H. Ponsford in 1934, 405 with Sid Barnes - 1946-47.
388 - Ponsford-Bradman 1934. 346 for the sixth wicket Fingleton in 1936 is still a world record. There are two batsmen who are near his test Av. - Sid Barnes and Graeme Pollock (S. Africa) with over 60 runs.

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