Freaks of nature
The Surfer
25-Feb-2013
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In the Sydney Morning Herald John Huxley reports that four Australian sports scientists have worked out the reason for Don Bradman's freakish ability. The researchers point out to Bradman's unorthodox technique - including his grip and stance - and psycho-physical tests which showed that he had a slower reaction time than the average university student. And they add that both these helped him develop a "perfect" technique".
Another Australian, another legend, another freak. Shane Warne is a unique specimen and cannot be aped, writes Robin Mckie, the science editor of the Observer. He says:
His firm clutch of the cricket ball; the powerful fingers that send it swerving on unguessable trajectories; and the sweeping arcs of his arm propelling it on pinpoint flights: all highlight attributes that have sent Homo sapiens to planetary domination. It may seem unlikely, but the lad from Ferntree Gully [Warne] is a pinnacle of human evolution.
The Surfer wants to investigate why only Australia produces these freaks of nature. Oh, silly Surfer. It's the beer, mate.