On this day, in 1948, Sir Don Bradman, one of the greatest batsmen of all time recorded his 29th and final test century.
He was the most prolific player of his time, and even after so many years (64), his record of averaging 99.94 in test cricket remains unbroken, and it is very unlikely that any batter can break this record in near future.
In addition to it, Sir Bradman is the holder of numerous other records. For example, he amassed 6996 runs in 80 test innings, including 29 test centuries, which was a world record at one time.
He also recorded 12 double hundreds, which was a world record at one time. And with 974 runs against England in 1930, the stylish batter holds the record for most runs scored in a Test series. The record has stood unchallenged for 92 years.
ENG vs AUS 4th test, Ashes 1948
During the fourth Test of Australia’s 1948 tour of England, on July 27, 1948, Bradman scored his last century in international cricket.
Australia was 2-0 up in the five-match Test series and needed to win the fourth match to seal the deal. And it was again Sir Don Bradman, who took the charge and handed his team a victory after playing a magnificent 173 not-out knock to chase down an unimaginable score of 404 runs.
The game was started when England after winning the toss opted to bat, and the hosts proved their decision right by posting 496 on board, courtesy of Cyril Washbrook and Bill Edrich’s splendid tons.
In reply, Australia felt just 38 runs short of England as they ended their first innings at 458.
With 38 runs lead in hand, England was ready to make the most of it by scoring good runs and setting a huge target in front of the visitors. And they did that by posting 365 in the third innings of the game to ask a tough question.
When Sir Don Bradman scored his last century?
Chasing a target of 404 in the fourth innings is never an easy task, especially in high-voltage series like Ashes. But Australia being Australia, started their campaign with a positive mindset, and their openers were looking great after putting a 50-run partnership for the first wicket.
When Australia was at 57, they faced a disappointment as they lost Lindsay Hassett, but then came Sir Don Bradman on the crease and the rest is history.
Bradman not just soaked the pressure but also recorded his 29th test century. He did a 301-run partnership with Arthur Morris before the latter got out for 182 runs.
But, Bradman continued his fine run and helped Australia win the fourth Test and the series.
Later on, Sir Don Bradman took retirement from international cricket after Australia won the fifth test to secure the 1948 Ashes by 4-0.
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