Who is the most famous cricket player
Cricket, a sport with unparalleled popularity in countries like England, India, Australia and South Africa has given rise to various cricketing sensations over the years. Some of these players managed to outshine others not just with their performance but also with their consistency and invaluable contribution to cricket. And among that illustrious list is one name that stands tall – Sir Don Bradman – who is considered by many as the most famous cricket player.
Sir Don Bradman’s Early Life
Born on August 27, 1908, in Cootamundra, New South Wales, Donald George Bradman was the youngest son of Emily and George Bradman. It was his love for sports and impeccable hand-eye coordination that led him into playing cricket. His early lessons were mostly self-taught where he would hone his skills by hitting a golf ball against a water tank’s curved brick stand.
His Cricketing Journey
Young Bradman made his international debut at the age of 20 during an Ashes series against England. From there on started the journey that made him synonymous with unprecedented batting brilliance in test cricket history.
The Unparalleled Batting Average
What sets Sir Don Bradman apart from his contemporaries and even cricketers of today is his astonishing Test average of 99.94 runs per innings — a number yet unmatched in more than eighty years since he played his last match ― something which scarcely fails to boggle anyone’s mind even if they’re only remotely aware of what it signifies.
A Lifetime Achievement
Over two decades, Bradman enthralled audiences worldwide with his precision at the crease and formidable scoring prowess. He represented Australia from 1928 to 1948 where he played 52 test matches, scored around 6,996 runs including 29 centuries (scoring hundred or more runs in a single innings), and 13 half-centuries (scoring between fifty and hundred runs).
Full Video in Youtube
Bradman’s Contribution to Cricket
Not limiting his contribution just to the batting side of cricket, Bradman also partook in rolling his arm over as a bowler and held on to exactly 32 catches. As renowned commentator John Arlott had said, ‘He hit the ball less hard and more surely than anyone else.’
Honours and Accolades
The government’s decision to confer upon him knighthood for services to cricket in 1949 elevated him to ‘Sir Don Bradman,’ making him the first Australian cricketer so honoured during their lifetime. Sir Don Bradman’s amazing record was recognised further when he was named male Cricketer of the 20th Century by Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack.
The Legacy Lives On
Even after retiring from practicing professional cricket, Sir Don continued contributing towards it through administration roles including serving as an Australia selector and governing board chairman.
Inspiration To Other Sports Personalities
His legacy goes beyond figures. He has inspired generations of cricketers ― budding or stalwarts alike ― not only from his country but across the globe. Legendary American basketball player Michael Jordan once revealed about how much he admired Bradman’s achievements ― putting into perspective the versatility of Bradman’s sporting greatness.
Astonishingly consistent, awe-inspiring with bat-in-hand, humbly dedicated towards being an exemplary ambassador of sport, undying spirit for giving back to cricket, remarkable even flow ethos on-field despite witnessing World War II; all these standout qualities anchor Respected Sir Donald George Bradman as arguably one of the greatest cricketing legends ever lived — making him stand head-and-shoulders above later greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and the modern marvel Virat Kohli. Hence he is indeed considered by many as ‘The most Famous Cricket Player.’
