Well, what a match this has been. It's only lasted 37.1 overs (223 balls), and England go 2-0 up in the series. The 10-wicket win was set-up by a memorable spell from Stuart Broad, picking up 5 for 23 - his first five-for in ODIs, and in doing so he passed 50 ODI wickets. Matt Prior had a fine game behind - and, later, in front of - the stumps, snaffling six catches as South Africa were dismissed for 83, their lowest-ever total against England. For the second-placed side in the world, this was a thoroughly disappointing performance, and although they won the Test series 2-1, ever since they have lost their focus. What a start this has been for Kevin Pietersen, too.
Aug 26, 2008
Sir Don Bradman first match as captain
Bradman had a horror start as captain. He lost the toss at the 'Gabba, watched his main strike bowler Ernie McCormick break down and was out for a duck in the second innings on a sticky wicket. England romped home by 322 runs and won the second Test in Sydney by an innings, rain once again coming to its aid. Bradman made his second successive duck and the critics were not impressed with the scoreboard - England 2, Australia 0 and in grave danger of losing the Ashes. One newspaper reported that Bradman, the spotlight now focused on him all the time and his anxiety level full to overflowing, was not getting the loyal support of all his players. McCabe issued a statement saying the players were behind him.
Things turned around for Australia and Bradman in the third Test in Melbourne. With rain a factor for the third time and England batting on a sticky wicket, the shrewd Bradman told his bowlers not to get England out. When Allen declared (too late, as it turned out) towards the end of play on Saturday, the wicket was still unfriendly. Bradman gambled and opened the second innings with tail-enders Bill O'Reilly and a stunned `Chuck' Fleetwood-Smith.
O¦Reilly was out first ball, but Fleetwood-Smith survived, joking that he had the game by the throat.
BY Monday the wicket had lost its fire and, with Bradman back to his fluent best with 270, Australia won. Bradman's improvisation had paid off. This time Allen's captaincy was under fire. He might have clinched the series 3-0 if he had declared England's second innings sooner and exposed Australia to the damp wicket. Australia won the next two Tests, the captain contributing 212 and 169, to retain the Ashes 3-2 and Bradman had come through his first baptism of fire with his reputation enhanced.
Things turned around for Australia and Bradman in the third Test in Melbourne. With rain a factor for the third time and England batting on a sticky wicket, the shrewd Bradman told his bowlers not to get England out. When Allen declared (too late, as it turned out) towards the end of play on Saturday, the wicket was still unfriendly. Bradman gambled and opened the second innings with tail-enders Bill O'Reilly and a stunned `Chuck' Fleetwood-Smith.
O¦Reilly was out first ball, but Fleetwood-Smith survived, joking that he had the game by the throat.
BY Monday the wicket had lost its fire and, with Bradman back to his fluent best with 270, Australia won. Bradman's improvisation had paid off. This time Allen's captaincy was under fire. He might have clinched the series 3-0 if he had declared England's second innings sooner and exposed Australia to the damp wicket. Australia won the next two Tests, the captain contributing 212 and 169, to retain the Ashes 3-2 and Bradman had come through his first baptism of fire with his reputation enhanced.
Don Bradman: personal setbacks
Sir Donald has had to confront much sadness in his personal life, which perhaps strengthened his resolve to remain a private person.
His son, John, born in 1939, three years after the death of the Bradman's infant son, was afflicted by poliomyelitis was a young teenager. He made a full recovery from the virus but continued to suffer because he was the son of Don Bradman.
In 1972 John changed his name by deed poll. At that time Sir Donald said: "Only those who have to live with the incessant strain of publicity can have any idea of its impact".
Daughter Shirley was born with cerebral palsy. Lady Bradman, who had heart bypass surgery .. and her husband have had periods of indifferent and poor health.
His son, John, born in 1939, three years after the death of the Bradman's infant son, was afflicted by poliomyelitis was a young teenager. He made a full recovery from the virus but continued to suffer because he was the son of Don Bradman.
In 1972 John changed his name by deed poll. At that time Sir Donald said: "Only those who have to live with the incessant strain of publicity can have any idea of its impact".
Daughter Shirley was born with cerebral palsy. Lady Bradman, who had heart bypass surgery .. and her husband have had periods of indifferent and poor health.
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