Sir Donald truly a sporting hero

In a world replete with celebrities in different spheres, there come from time to time heroes who exceed the limelight in which other heroes bask and who, in status if not necessarily in stature, stand taller and shine brighter.

Few individuals ever rise to this special tier of heroism and, in sports, where success comes and goes like night follows day and record-setters of the past seem quickly overshadowed by the rampant record-breakers of today, it requires truly elite accomplishments to keep a name fresh in the minds of fans more than 50 years after that name has ceased to be a factor on the field of play.

One only has to say the name only the surname, in fact and cricket lovers understand the lofty realms of which one speaks. It is indeed a headache to find another name to mention in comparison to the greatest of all Australian cricketers; the game's greatest batsman and, if not the finest cricketer ever, then certainly one of the very best to bestride a cricket pitch.

The passing of Sir Donald Bradman in Adelaide, Australia, on February 25, was the final chapter in the life of a true legend and the world yes, the entire world, not just the cricketing fraternity mourns his death.

Perhaps the most significant tribute to this uniquely remarkable sportsman is not the countless glowing remembrances of his cricketing kin but that his passing has been notably publicised in parts of the globe that have condemned cricket as a slow, boring pursuit and in which the sport is confined to migrants from cricket-playing countries. The United States, Italy, Germany and France are but a sample of such countries whose media have paid their respects to the late 92-year-old.

However, those of us who revel in the duel of bat and ball and are fed a steady diet of cricket from childhood appreciate Sir Donald's mindboggling statistics even more: 6 996 runs in 52 Test matches at the colossal average of 99.94 in a 20-year career from 1928-1948. This included at least five double hundreds and a 334 in 1930 (then a world record). His worst Test series average was 56.57 in the infamous Bodyline series (1932-33) versus England.

After his retirement, this country boy from Cootamundra, New South Wales, was knighted in 1949 and twice served as chairman of the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) during the 1960s and 1970s.

In 1999, he was named his country's Sportsman Of The Century and was one of Wisden's Five Cricketers Of The Century last year. In the latter instance, Sir Donald was the only cricketer to receive a vote from each of the 100 judges. This sporting giant remained close to cricket until his death.

Superlatives have been exhausted throughout the decades as cricket journalists as well as Sir Donald's colleagues, admirers and countrymen have tried to give appropriate description and depth to his performances. That his on-field exploits were coupled with an unassuming, personable manner endeared him all the more to the public, including many modern-day cricketers who have hailed meeting him as a precious highlight in their life.

Given his stellar achievements and his contribution to cricket in general, it is fitting that those associated with the game have, over the years, coined the term Bradmanesque in reference to a feat of rare, magnificent magnitude. Granted it is a term that is not frequently used but reminds all cricket lovers of its awesome origin.

Sir Donald Bradman by title and by deed truly a knight in shining armour; one never to be forgotten.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) joins in mourning his passing and extends deepest sympathy to his family and friends and to the Government and people of Australia.

May he rest in peace.