Whether you're a cricket fan or not, you have probably heard of Sir Don Bradman. This article will provide information about the great batsman's career and batting style, as well how he dated Jessie Martha Menzies. Bradman's relationship with Jessie Martha Menzies is also covered.
Sir Don Bradman
Australian cricketer, Sir Don Bradman. Bradman, who was affectionately known by his teammates as "The Don", was a legend of the sport. Bradman, a true cricket fanatic gave his whole life to the sport. Bradman's numerous achievements in the game earned him many accolades and awards.
In 1946, Bradman declined to play in a tour to New Zealand due to ill health. This caused Bradman to wonder if he'd played his last match. The Ashes series 1946-47 was his final match. However, a doctor told him not to return to the field. He accepted, however, to play in some of the Test series' leading fixtures. There, he scored two centuries.
His batting style
Don Bradman's style of batting was unconventional and bowlers had the challenge to devise 'Bodyline’ tactics to limit run scoring. Bradman also had a long break from the game due to the Second World War, but this didn't deter him. Bradman has spoken and written extensively about his batting technique, but never displayed it.
When he was 11 years old, Don Bradman invented the rotary style for batting. He began by playing imaginary Test Matches with a golf ball and stump in front of the famous water tank, where he practiced the 'Magic Circle' motion. After each delivery, he would make the appropriate stroke. This technique not only created an unorthodox sense of freedom but also restrained the batsman’s ability to swing.
His career
Don Bradman started his cricketing career as a young man playing Saturday afternoon cricket for St George. Bradman quickly gained attention from selectors, and his batting skills were put to the test. He was selected after he participated in trials and earned modest scores. After being selected, Bradman played grade cricket with St. George in Sydney, then moved on to play for North Sydney and the Kensington Club in Adelaide. He scored his first century test in Melbourne in 1927. His next century was in Adelaide the following year.
Bradman was born in Australia, and grew up near Bowral in the southern highlands in New South Wales. He was single at the time, and kept himself busy with a game of golf against a brick water-tank. Bradman's love of cricket and skill would soon pay off. He would go on score over four hundred.
His relationship with Jessie Martha Menzies
Jessie Martha Menzis and Don Bradman met while they were boarders at Bowral, NSW. They married in 1920 in St Paul's Anglican Church, Burwood, Sydney. Their marriage lasted 65 years, but not without its challenges. They had a troubled relationship after John, their son was infected with polio, while Shirley, their daughter was born with cerebral paralysis. They eventually reconciled and John changed his last name from Bradman to Jessie after Jessie died.
Don Bradman lost his competitive edge in 1997 after his wife's passing. In cricket, he stopped playing. Despite his declining performance, he was still able to make a name in sport. Bradman hosted an event between Sachin Tendulkar (and Shane Warne) in the same year his wife died. After the meeting, Bradman did not appear at the Adelaide Oval again. Bradman was hospitalized with pneumonia in December 2000.