Don Bradman/Alec Bedser

[Parm]

Great interview with Alec Bedser about the great Don, wonder what the Don would have made of all this 20/20 razzamatazz eh?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/7563849.stm

[Scratch]

Quick question to the older generation...DB, great average and all, but what type of bowling was he up against? Was it anything like what you'd face today, 90+ mph, spinners like Murali and Warne? Also, was he playing in an era where test matches could run on for days, or was it five day tests back then?

I'm not trying to diminish the mans reputation, before someone starts, i'm merely wondering how he may have faired in todays modern game? 100 average?

[tommyg]

Quick question to the older generation...DB, great average and all, but what type of bowling was he up against? Was it anything like what you'd face today, 90+ mph, spinners like Murali and Warne? Also, was he playing in an era where test matches could run on for days, or was it five day tests back then?

I'm not trying to diminish the mans reputation, before someone starts, i'm merely wondering how he may have faired in todays modern game? 100 average?

Bowlers didnt really bowl bouncers back then as far as i know? they bowled every ball to get a wicket. Wasnt as aggresive and perhaps Bradman would struggle with that aspect in the modern game, as back then they just wore their baggy caps.

[Tee]

No doubt Bradman would have adapted and still been a great in todays game. You either have it or you don't, and Bradman definitely had it.

[Parm]

saw a clip on Sky last night and they were talking about some video footage of bradman and commented at how his footwork would still put abnyone todayt to shame

[Tee]

saw a clip on Sky last night and they were talking about some video footage of bradman and commented at how his footwork would still put abnyone todayt to shame

Yes, saw that.

Also, see how he practised using a stump and a golf ball!!

[jono]

Thing is if it was easier back then then every other batters average would be higher. Bodyline saw the introduction of the bouncer. Many older sports players, regardless of sport usually say that they would do better in the present day then in the past. Bradman was different. He said that he's average would be lower. Having said that he did say that he would probably get 80. On top of that there was about a ten year gap in playing due to the war and they would've been when he was at his peak. In 1948 he was apparently past it, according to those in the day, and he still managed be the best in the world.

[Parm]

I was amazed to read that most of his shots were played on the ground and he didnt go for big slogs out of the ground. To score 300 in a day at leeds, especially when the track wouldn thave been manipulated like they are these days is just astonishing.

[Tee]

One thing I would say though, and that is that the fielders were absolute ****e in comparison to todays game.

[Parm]

One thing I would say though, and that is that the fielders were absolute ****e in comparison to todays game.

haha true, but you would have thought that would have given rise to bigger shots!

[mersey86]

I was amazed to read that most of his shots were played on the ground and he didnt go for big slogs out of the ground. To score 300 in a day at leeds, especially when the track wouldn thave been manipulated like they are these days is just astonishing.

Of course the weight of his bat would have been a lot less than some of the clubs they use today.

[Parm]

Of course the weight of his bat would have been a lot less than some of the clubs they use today.

actually was thinking the same thing, imagine what he could have acheived if he had all the equipment advances. Just makes his acheivements even more spectacular.

[SouthAfricaRed]

Bowlers didnt really bowl bouncers back then as far as i know? they bowled every ball to get a wicket. Wasnt as aggresive and perhaps Bradman would struggle with that aspect in the modern game, as back then they just wore their baggy caps.

Ever heard of the Bodyline bowling?

The batsmen of Bradman's era were better batsmen. The bowlers were as quick and even more dangerous as batsmen didnt have protective gear like today. It was only the batsmen's reflexes that protected them against serious injury

Also the pitches were not covered during stoppages so the pitches were a lot more unpredictable after a few days

[mersey86]

To be fair, bodyline was the exception, and a very controversial exception. I think Bradman's average for that series was somewhere in the 50s - shocking, for him!
Cricket as a game has changed. Now its more aggressive, more power-based and less gentlemanly. In Bradman's day there was a lot more artistry. Technique has always been of paramount importance, though, and Bradman was the best there has ever been.