Don Bradman – 5 lesser-known records of the legend
Don Bradman is considered to be one of the greatest ever to have played the game and his records are still unmatched. The Australian played 52 Tests from the period of 1928 to 1948 in which he amassed 6996 runs at a phenomenal average of 99.94. He scored 29 centuries and 13 half centuries with the highest score of 334 and dominated the bowling attacks with his crafty batting style. With just four runs needed to complete an average of 100, Bradman was dismissed for a duck in his last Test innings. The world is yet to come across a batter of such stature and here are 5 lesser-known records of him.
Most double centuries in Tests
Bradman holds the record for the most double centuries in Tests with 12 to his name and he had a brilliant conversion rate. The right-hander played a lot of big knocks once he got his eye in and this will be a tough record to break in the coming years. Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara was the closest to the record with 11 double centuries in his Test career.
Most centuries against one team
Bradman liked playing against the England side and he had always been a massive thorn to the English bowlers in the battle between the two nations. He scored a tally of 19 centuries against England in his Test career which is the most centuries against one team. The second best in the list is former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar with 13 centuries against West Indies.
Fastest to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 runs
Bradman ran away with most of the records in the book in his early stages and he still remains the quickest to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 runs in Tests in terms of innings. He got to the 6000-run mark in just 68 innings which is unbelievable as the next best on the list is Gary Sobers in 111 innings.
Most runs scored in a day
Bradman could find the boundaries consistently with his trademark wristy shots and he still holds the record for the most runs scored in a day in Tests. The legendary batter scored 309 runs in a day against England in Leeds in 1930 while the second best is Wally Hammond with 295 runs in a day.
Most centuries in consecutive Tests
Bradman holds the record for the most consecutive centuries in Tests still and he managed to achieve the feat in 1937-38 season in six Tests. All the centuries came against England with the first three coming at home in Australia. The second most centuries in consecutive Tests is held by Zaheer Abbas with five consecutive in as many Tests.
