There is perhaps a small similarity between Sir Don Bradman and India’s Independence. Don Bradman played his final innings on 14th August 1948, which was on the eve of the first anniversary of India’s independence. Though Australia had already won the series, the final test at The Oval wasn’t a dead rubber. It would be the last time that cricket’s one and only legend, Sir Donald Bradman would bat for Australia in his lifetime. The stage was set and Don was a whisker away from creating history – 7000 runs in test cricket at a sublime average of 100. He needed just 4 runs in his final innings.
England won the toss and chose to bat first on a smoggy day; however, they were bundled out for just 52 runs. Ray Lindwall ripped through the English batting and claimed 6 wickets. In reply, Australia got off to a great start. Bradman came to the crease when Eric Hollies dismissed Sid Barnes. All eyes were on the legend and the second ball faced by Bradman ended his innings.Hollies bowled a slow leg-break and Bradman couldn’t pick it up.
When he walked off after being dismissed, it was almost certain that it would be his last appearance. Australia finished off the first innings with a mammoth lead of 337 runs. England never looked confident to overhaul that total and ended up losing the match by an innings and 149 runs. Bradman did not get a chance to bat in the second innings and completed his career at 6996 runs at an average of 99.94 runs.
Bradman had a chance after that to make the average 100 runs, however he turned down the offer to bat again for Australia. That was perhaps the decision, which got him so much honor that he probably wouldn’t have got if he had got that 4 runs in the final test. In the centenary year of his birth people still love him and adore him for the qualities of being a great cricketer and a great man.
