Newly discovered letters written by Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman offer a glimpse into his cricketing insights and admiration for fellow players. These letters, written between the 1980s and 1990s, were addressed to his close friend, British entertainer Peter Brough.
Bradman and Brough’s friendship spanned decades, originating from a meeting through Bradman’s father during the 1930s tours of England. This friendship endured until Brough’s passing in 1999, with Bradman himself passing away two years later in 2001.
Brough’s family generously donated the letters to the National Library of Australia (NLA), where they provide a fascinating look into Bradman’s views on cricket and beyond.
One letter, dated July 31, 1991, reveals Bradman’s pleasure at South Africa’s return to international cricket after the end of apartheid.
“What great news that South Africa has been re-admitted to the fold. It will help restore the balance on the ICC (International Cricket Council), and in three or four years, they will probably have a fine Test team. I always found the South African cricketers charming fellows and some of them were my greatest friends,” as per ANI.
Bradman, a legendary batsman himself, held a deep appreciation for leg-spin bowling.
Known as the greatest batsman in cricket history, Bradman amassed an impressive 6,994 Test runs at an average of 99.94. He scored 29 centuries and 13 fifties in his 52 Test matches.
In a 1996 interview with Ray Martin for the Bradman Museum in Bowral, Bradman expressed concern over the decline of leg-spin bowling since Richie Benaud’s retirement in 1964.
He attributed this decline to the increasing focus on economy rates in one-day internationals (ODIs).
“The great tragedy of modern cricket is the demise of the slow leg-spinner. Primarily, it seems to be due to the one-day games in which ‘economy’ is the only thing that matters. You do not have to get the other fellow out; you only have to stop him scoring runs. Of course, young leg-spinners, when learning their trade, are always a bit expensive.”
However, the emergence of Shane Warne in 1992 captured Bradman’s attention.
By early 1993, Bradman had formed a high opinion of the young leg-spinner.
“But thankfully, we may at last have produced a good leg-spinner in young Warne. He’s only 23 and really spins the ball. I am impressed by his accuracy. In the Test versus New Zealand now being played, he is conceding less than two runs an over, which is tremendous. He should do well in England.”
Bradman’s admiration for Warne grew, evident in a November 1994 letter.
“Shane Warne is bowling brilliantly and causing all sorts of trouble. Excepting [Bill] O’Reilly, Warne is the best slow leg-spinner we’ve produced, better even than [Clarrie] Grimmett, and that is very high praise.”
Warne’s exceptional performance in the 1994/95 Ashes series, with 27 wickets at an average of 20.33, reinforced Bradman’s assessment.
Eighteen months later, Bradman’s praise for Warne reached its peak.
“Shane Warne is bowling brilliantly and causing all sorts of trouble. Excepting [Bill] O’Reilly, Warne is the best slow leg-spinner we’ve produced, better even than [Clarrie] Grimmett, and that is very high praise.”
Warne’s career lived up to Bradman’s expectations, as he became Australia’s second-highest international wicket-taker with 1,001 wickets across all formats. His remarkable 708 Test wickets remain an iconic achievement. His crucial role in Australia’s 1999 World Cup victory, including the Player of the Match award in the final, cemented his legendary status.
Bradman’s keen eye for talent extended to batting as well.
As early as 1985-86, he recognized the potential of Steve Waugh.
“Young Steve Waugh gives every sign of being a class bat.”
Waugh’s illustrious career, which included 18,496 international runs and captaincy during Australia’s World Cup victories in 1987 and 1999, confirmed Bradman’s foresight.
Bradman also identified a young Ricky Ponting as a future star.
In a letter from October 22, 1995, Bradman wrote about Ponting’s impressive innings.
“Young Ponting of Tasmania played a beautiful innings here yesterday and looks a Test prospect.”
Ponting’s career blossomed, becoming one of cricket’s greatest players. He captained Australia to consecutive World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007 and scored 27,368 international runs, the highest by any Australian.
These letters not only reveal Bradman’s deep understanding of the game but also highlight his extraordinary ability to identify future cricketing greats.