Monday, February 26, 2001

On the eve of the first Test match here in Mumbai, it saddened me to read a note left underneath the door of my hotel room, when I woke up this morning.

"Justin, please be aware Sir Donald Bradman has passed away."

Had our team manager not left the note, I soon would have heard the news. Within five minutes of my wake-up call, I had received two telephone calls from Indian residents who could not believe that the greatest batsman to ever live, was living no more. One of the callers expressed a shattered dream, as his great ambition in this life was to meet the great Sir Donald Bradman. Now his dream was in tatters and he was in a state of mourning.

In this cricket loving society, The Don is like a God. It is as simple as that!

At home, it is almost the same. Few people in the course of Australia's relatively short history have made the same impact as the great Bradman. As a cricket player, he bought hope to millions of people through the depressing war years. He was a hero for every man, woman and child alike. There wouldn't be an Australian who doesn't know the name Bradman to one degree or another.

One of the main reasons I have achieved the ambition of wearing the baggy green cap is due to the folklore of Bradman. If this batting genius could make such an impact through his deeds on a cricket field, then, like hundreds of thousands of aspiring young players, why couldn't I also give it a go. His feats were so great they were almost mythical. I am sure, and I hope, his passing will bring his legend more to life, forever.

"Sir Don, what did you do when you were in a slump or out of form?' To this he simply smiled coyly and replied: "Son, I was never out of form or in a slump." Priceless!"

I remember writing Sir Don a letter in 1985. This was something since I was a young boy that I always wanted to do, but for one reason or another, I had never gotten around to it. When I finally plucked up the courage to write I received a reply within two days. His promptness amazed me but not as much as the content of his reply. His first line to me was: "I am honoured that you have asked an octogenarian like myself for advice." Can you believe, the great Sir Donald Bradman was honoured to have me ask him for advice. I was blown away by his humbleness.

During my stint at the Cricket Academy, based in his hometown in Adelaide, Sir Don came to a dinner function held in his honour. During the course of the evening one of my eager and curious fellow scholarship holders asked some advice. He said: 'Sir Don, what did you do when you were in a slump or out of form?'

To this he simply smiled coyly and replied: "Son, I was never out of form or in a slump." Priceless!

To this day, I, like many other cricket lovers around the world, have photographs of the greatest batsman decorating the walls of my home. He was, and still will be, a source of tremendous inspiration and hope. Yesterday he may have passed from this life but his spirit will always remain.

From Mumbai

JL

You can also read:

Friday February 23, 2001: It is not as glamorous as it looks!
Thursday February 22, 2001: A day of casualties
Wednesday February 21, 2001: Slats turns 31!
Tuesday February 20, 2001: A sad reality check
Monday February 19, 2001: Invaluable exposure
Sunday February 18, 2001: A tough day in the field - Day 2 Vs India A
Saturday February 17, 2001: Kaspa or Kimbo?
Tuesday February 13, 2001: Pre-tour preparations
Sunday February 14, 2001: Getting the run-down
Tuesday February 11, 2001: Leaving Home