The Don weighs into cricket's scandalous year

Cricket would survive the recent scandals which had tarnished its reputation, the legendary Sir Donald Bradman said last night.

Sir Donald was honoured by the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) yesterday with the inaugural Sir Donald Bradman oration in Melbourne.

Sir Donald was unable to attend, but in a message read by his son John, he said cricket had a future and that he was proud to have been a part of its past.

"As my days on earth rapidly draw to a close, I am proud to have set an example of all that is best in our noble game," he said.

"Despite recent sad developments, cricket will survive and remain our most noble game and I shall always remain proud of the part I played in its history and development."

Prime Minister John Howard delivered the oration before 250 guests, including leading cricket identities and media magnate Kerry Packer.

"In my view, it is not his record alone, not just the times in which he played, but also the quality of the man himself, which has elevated Sir Donald Bradman, in the eyes of many, to the status as the greatest living Australian," Mr Howard said.

"Even now, in another century, in a world scarcely recognisable to that in which he played, the name Bradman resonates with meaning - talent, determination, commitment, fair play, honour."

Mr Howard also touched on the area of match-fixing but in the main, he honoured his hero with heartfelt praise and unabashed admiration.

"The ... allegations of match fixing represent a challenge to the very fine qualities encouraged by the game of cricket - to the very values personified by Sir Donald and so many of our other sporting champions," he said.

"We have all been saddened by allegations of match-fixing. Hansie Cronje's admissions represent a great personal tragedy to our friends in South African cricket and claims from the sub-continent are still unresolved."

Cricket, though, would triumph, Mr Howard reassured his audience, which included former Australian captains Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Kim Hughes.

"With the example of Sir Donald as our inspiration - not just in cricket but in life - we can make this dream, or any dream, come true," he said.

Sir Donald, who turns 92 on August 27, said he was honoured that the ACB had honoured him.

"Little did my parents dream that on 27th August, 1908 their new-born son would have an oration named after him and delivered by the Prime Minister," he said in his message.

"On their behalf, I thank the Australian Cricket Board for the idea and our most distinguished citizen for so generously giving of his time to deliver the address."