AUS: Cricket Officials Deny Bradman In Ill Health (17 Jun 1996)

17 June 1996

Cricket officials deny Bradman in ill health

Australian cricket officials on Sunday countered media reports that Sir Donald Bradman, the sport`s most prolific batsman and a national hero, was in failing health after a recent stroke.

The Sunday Telegraph newspaper reported on Sunday that Bradman, 87, had suffered a stroke. The Sydney newspaper also said his wife, Lady Jessie Bradman, was seriously ill with inoperable cancer.

South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) chief executive Barry Gibbs told reporters Bradman was in good health and had played golf on Friday after working for over two hours in the association`s Adelaide offices.

Gibbs said Bradman had suffered a "very mild`` stroke six months ago and that Lady Jessie Bradman was in good spirits and was undergoing treatment for cancer.

"Any inference that they are both critically ill is far from the truth,`` Gibbs said.

The SACA has for many years acted as the official mouthpiece for the reclusive Bradman, who last month granted what he said would be his final media interview to Australia`s Channel Nine television network.

Bradman was last month described by Australian Prime Minister John Howard as "a national treasure".

During a career spanning 21 years and 52 tests, Bradman scored 6,996 runs at an average of 99.94. No batsman before or since has even threatened to equal the achievement.

Source :: Daily News (http.//www.lanka.net)