On this day in 1948: Sir Don Bradman finishes on 99.94

Getting out for zero is a batter’s biggest tragedy. It’s his profession to score runs for his side and go past the opposition. Hence, the batters want to forget their ducks as soon as possible. However, this particular duck on 14th August 1948 captured the imagination of cricket fans like no other. It was Sir Donald Bradman’s final innings.

At the peak of his batting abilities, the Second World War robbed Bradman of five-six years of international cricket. In 1945, he was described as the ‘Ghost of a once-great cricketer’. Yet, in the home Ashes series in 1946-47, he emerged as the leading run-getter from either side. He then overpowered the touring Indian bowling attack. However, at the age of 40, there wasn’t much cricket left in him.

When the Australian team set sail for England in 1948, he resolved to go unbeaten throughout the tour, a feat never accomplished before. He knew it was going to be his final cricketing venture and he gave it his all. Despite his waning powers, Bradman piled up 2428 runs on the tour with 11 centuries (including first-class matches).

The final innings

When Bradman walked out to bat in his final Test, the crowd at The Oval were on their feet. The rousing welcome in a country that he had thoroughly dominated with the bat brewed emotions inside his heart. It is said that the legend was teary-eyed in the middle.

Earlier that day, England had been bowled out for 52 in their first innings courtesy of Ray Lindwall’s 6/20. Australia were off to a solid start with Sid Barnes and Arthur Morris leading them past 100. Barnes was caught by Godfrey Evans as the first wicket fell at a team score of 117.

Bradman walked out at the fall of the first wicket. The bowler was Eric Hollies, a wrist-spinner who bowled fast leg breaks. Bradman defended the first ball calmly. The second one was a googly. As Bradman stretched to defend the ball, it spun past his bat to castle him. After taking a moment to process that, the legend simply tucked his bat in his arms and walked away. He finished his career on 5996 runs. Four more runs would have given him a batting average of 100. It was not to be.

There was no second innings in the game as Australia pocketed the Test by an innings and 149 runs. They won the Ashes 4-0 and became known as ‘The Invincibles’. Bradman stuck to his words and Australia remained unbeaten. However, it was the tragic finish that remains immortal in the cricketing annals.