New Delhi: Don Bradman, the legendary Australian cricketer, remains an unforgettable name in the history of cricket. Revered as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, Bradman’s records are etched in the annals of the sport. His astonishing career average of 99.94 in Test cricket is a milestone that no other player has ever come close to. However, among his many remarkable achievements, one stands out as truly extraordinary—scoring a century in just three overs.
The Incredible Century in 3 Overs
In 1931, playing for the Blackheath XI against the Lithgow team, Bradman delivered an innings that left everyone in awe. He smashed a century in just 22 balls, an almost unimaginable feat. At that time, each over consisted of 8 balls instead of the current 6, meaning Bradman faced 24 balls in total. His explosive innings saw him score 256 runs in the match, with a century coming off just 3 overs.
A Breakdown of Bradman’s Explosive Overs
Bradman’s batting was nothing short of a spectacle during those three overs. Here’s how the runs flowed:
- First Over: 6, 6, 4, 2, 4, 4, 6, 1 (33 runs)
- Second Over: 6, 4, 4, 6, 6, 4, 6, 4 (40 runs)
- Third Over: 6, 6, 1, 4, 4, 6 (27 runs)
In this blitzkrieg, Bradman struck a total of 14 sixes and 29 fours, leaving the bowlers completely stunned.
Bradman’s Glorious Career
Between 1928 and 1948, Don Bradman played 52 Test matches for Australia. In his 80 innings, he amassed 6,996 runs with an average of 99.94—a record that still stands unchallenged. Bradman’s Test career includes 29 centuries and 13 half-centuries. In international cricket, he hit 681 fours and 6 sixes, demonstrating his remarkable consistency and skill.
Bradman’s incredible feat of scoring a century in just three overs remains one of the most extraordinary moments in cricket history, cementing his legacy as a true legend of the game.
