The term "the sport of gentlemen" is most commonly associated with cricket. This phrase reflects cricket's origins and the culture of fair play, respect, and sportsmanship that traditionally surround the game. One such sportsman who displayed all of these qualities was Sir Don Bradman.
He belonged to an era when being a sportsman involved sportsmanship. Unlike so many men who identify as women and seem hell-bent on destroying sportsmanship along with fair play and display so much of that thing that gives truth to the words " It just ain't cricket. "
Playing by the rules is about decency and being a gentleman. And while being a " gentleman " as a term can be deemed in today's insane woke world as ' sexist " .... being a gentleman is so much more than a word. It is a code of living. A rule book for Life if you will. And there are no loop holes in a gentleman's rulebook.
When we see the epidemic or pandemic of insanity that is sweeping the world, I have to wonder where it will all end. Let us please get back to hero worship of heroes worth adoration. Let us get back to celebrating lives well lived. Let us get back to paying homage to men and women who have earned their status and not stolen it by exploiting the fine print and wallowing in empty accolades that have been stolen and gained through deceit and contempt for decency. For instance, the act of "walking"—where a batsman who knows they are out leaves the field without waiting for the umpire's decision—reflects a commitment to honesty and integrity.
Sir Donald George Bradman, often referred to simply as "The Don," is widely regarded as the greatest cricketer of all time. He epitomised decency and was a gentleman throughout his life and his career representing his country in the " sport of gentleman. "
Born on August 27, 1908, in Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia, Bradman's early life was marked by his remarkable talent and love of the game. Growing up in Bowral, he practiced his batting skills using a cricket stump and a golf ball against a water tank, an exercise that honed his reflexes and precision.
By the time he was 19, he had made his first-class debut for New South Wales. In just his second match, he scored his first century, a prelude to the monumental achievements that would follow. His performances quickly caught the eye of selectors, and in 1928, at the age of 20, Bradman made his Test debut for Australia against England.
Bradman's career is filled with records that remain unbroken to this day. His Test batting average of 99.94 is a number that has become legendary, standing as the highest in the history of cricket by a considerable margin. He scored 29 Test centuries in just 52 matches, a feat that many believe will never be surpassed.
One of Bradman's most famous innings came in the 1930 Ashes series in England, where he scored an astonishing 974 runs, including a then-world record 334 in the third Test at Headingley. His ability to dominate bowlers was unparalleled, and his performances played a crucial role in Australia’s success during his era.
The 1932-33 Ashes series, known as the Bodyline series, England, under the captaincy of Douglas Jardine, employed a controversial tactic known as "bodyline" bowling, aimed at restricting Bradman's scoring by targeting his body with short-pitched deliveries. Despite the aggressive strategy, Bradman still managed to score 396 runs in the series, though his average dipped compared to his usual standards.
Bodyline, also known as "leg theory" bowling, involved bowling fast, short-pitched deliveries aimed at the batsman's body, particularly the upper torso and head. The primary objective was to force the batsman to fend off the ball with their bat, resulting in catches by a cordon of fielders positioned on the leg side (known as leg slips and short legs). The tactic was both physically intimidating and strategically effective.
Why does this make me think about what is happening to women's sports these days?
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The Bodyline strategy was considered dangerous because it targeted the batsman's body, increasing the risk of injury. The fast, short-pitched deliveries at the batsman's head and body led to numerous injuries, including bruises and broken bones.
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Spirit of the Game: Critics argued that Bodyline violated the spirit of cricket, which emphasized fair play and sportsmanship. They believed it was unsporting to use such aggressive tactics primarily to injure or intimidate batsmen.
Bradman was not only a prolific batsman but also a respected leader. He captained Australia from 1936 to 1948. Under his captaincy, Australia won several Ashes series and remained unbeaten in a Test series from 1946 until his retirement.
Bradman’s final Test innings is part of cricketing folklore. Needing just four runs to achieve a Test average of 100, he was famously dismissed for a duck (zero) by England’s Eric Hollies. Despite this, his career average of 99.94 remains a testament to his extraordinary skill and consistency.
It’s never the best of feelings for a batsman who gets out without scoring a run. When the batter gets out for zero, his score is commonly referred to as a duck in the game of cricket. The term "duck" originates from the “duck’s egg”. The egg has the shape of 0 and hence a nought is commonly called “duck”.
There is an interesting piece of history related to the discovery of this amusing little term. On July 17, 1866, when the Prince of Wales got out, a newspaper carried out a piece stating that “the prince had retired to the royal pavilion on a duck’s egg”. Since then, the duck has forged a successful relationship with the great game of cricket. Fancy that?
Don Bradman's impact on cricket extends beyond his statistical achievements. His dedication to the sport and his pursuit of excellence set a standard for generations of cricketers to follow.
Off the field, Bradman was known for his humility and sportsmanship. After retiring from professional cricket, he remained involved in the game as an administrator, selector, and mentor, contributing to the development of Australian cricket.
In recognition of his contributions, Bradman was knighted in 1949, becoming the only Australian cricketer to receive such an honor. His legacy is celebrated worldwide, with numerous awards, trophies, and institutions named after him, including the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral.
Sir Donald Bradman's life and career continue to inspire cricketers and sports enthusiasts around the world. His records, his spirit of fair play, and his enduring impact on the game have cemented his place as not just a cricketing legend but a sporting icon.
I conclude this piece by saying that until and unless we allow sportsmanship and fair play to return to sports; until and unless we allow our athletes to play on a level playing field; until and unless we allow our men and women to play fair, we are not playing a game but playing politics.
Can we get back to the spirit of the game? Otherwise, cheap, low shots will see the gentlemen out for a duck and I fear that duck shooting season is open. And we are sitting ducks because we failed to get all our ducks in a row.
