A UNIQUE gift to the Bradman Museum in Bowral in this historic Indian Border-Gavaskar Trophy week symbolises ‘The Don’s’ enduring stature with international and especially Indian cricket audiences, and Sir Donald’s cricketing spirit which inspires modern players, said Bradman Foundation Executive Director Rina Hore.
Ms Hore said the donation of the match-used cricket ball from Sir Donald’s masterful ‘100th 100’ from the 1947 Australia/India match - exactly 61 years ago on Saturday, November 15 - can now be appreciated by visitors both on the Bradman website and at the Bradman Museum.
The donation has been made by David Borwick, grandson of George Borwick who was the umpire at the historic match.
Borwick secured the ball at the end of the match and presented it to Bradman.
Ms Hore said Bradman famously declined the gift of the ball, preferring Borwick to enjoy the keepsake.
The board of the Bradman Foundation has thanked the Borwick family for their significant donation in the centenary year of Sir Donald’s birth.
“This important piece of cricket history will now be appreciated by domestic and international cricket audiences at the Bradman Museum and contribute to the development of the International Cricket Hall of Fame,” said Ms Hore.
Celebrating The Don’s 100th 100
It was a glorious spring day on November 15, 1947, 61 years ago last Saturday, when more than 50,000 cricket-loving Australians made an excited pilgrimage to the Sydney Cricket Ground to witness their favourite son, Donald George Bradman, make history again.
In October, the Indians had arrived in Australia for the first official Test Series between the two countries.
With a haul of 99 First-Class centuries to his credit, Bradman, as captain of the Australian XI, went out to bat on the second morning with his team at 1/11.
As he emerged from the pavilion the excited crowd rose to their feet as one and welcomed their hero with a mighty cheer.
With his 100th century in view, and in the twilight of his extraordinary career, he played a careful and serious innings.
Taking no risks he reached 50 in 78 minutes. It was the last over before tea and he was 99.
In a move that became the defining piece in one of cricket’s most enduring legends, the Indian captain, Amarnath, gave the ball to Kishenchand, who was not a recognised bowler and had not delivered a single ball to date on the tour.
There was not a sound in the packed arena. Bradman eased Kishenchand’s second ball to leg for a single to post his 100th century after batting for two hours and 12 minutes.
Again, Bradman’s adoring fans rose to their feet to acknowledge his remarkable achievement, while on the field, Indian and Australian players came together in warm appreciation for the great cricketer on reaching this historic milestone.
Bradman returned to the crease after tea and went on to add a further 72 runs in 45 minutes with a robust and free display of stroke-play before being caught by Amarnath himself.
For the remainder of his life, Bradman looked back at this match with deep affection. He said: “I think of all my experiences in cricket that was my most exhilarating moment on the field. The huge crowd gave me a reception which was moving in its spontaneous warmth.”
The Borwick 100th 100 Ball is on display at the Bradman Museum, St Jude Street, Bowral, and online at www.bradman.com.au