Don Bradman Photo - AFP

Hampshire County Cricket Club joined the rest of the cricket world in offering their sympathy to the family and the Australian nation on the death at 92 of Sir Donald Bradman.

Speaking at the Hampshire Rose Bowl today (Monday), Chief Executive Tony Baker said he was an icon of the game of cricket, the likes of which we were unlikely to see again.

Don Bradman, whilst touring with the Australians, played at the old County Ground at Southampton against the county on three occasions.

On the first occasion in May 1930, Hampshire batted first and reached a meagre 151, before Bradman thrilled the crowd by reaching the milestone of 1,000 runs before the end of May, and going on to hit a four-hour 191, which included a six and 26 fours.

He was eventually snared by that other prolific run scorer, Philip Mead off the bowling of Stuart Boyes.

On an excellent spring day in May 1934, Mead again caused the great mans downfall, off the bowling of Giles Baring With Australia at 10 for 2, Bradman mis-hit the delivery, which went straight to the surprised fielder, with the Hampshire team in unison shouting, "Catch it".

Where Hampshire may have been delighted at dismissing Bradman for 0, the large crowd that had gathered at Northlands Road, were noticeably disappointed.

Bradman's final visit to the Hampshire shores was in 1938. Again he was looking for the magical milestone of 1,000 runs before May was through. The weather was not kind to his effort and there was no play on the first day. Hampshire batted on the second day, being bowled out for 157, and that evening, Bradman reached the milestone that the crowd had come to see.

Speaking from his Lyndhurst home in the New Forest, Gerry Hill, who played in the 1938 match remembered bowling some 20 overs whilst Bradman was batting. "He was not very comfortable to start with, I remember. It was a turning wicket."

"The skipper had three men on the leg side, and I remarked that this was a little over generous, so he took one out and put into short extra."

"Two balls later, before he had reached double figures, he edged the ball through the gap that had just been vacated. He went on to make a big score!"

Bradman, in fact, hit a sparkling 145 not out which included 22 fours.

Robin Smith, Hampshire's captain recalled meeting Bradman at Adelaide in the 1991-92 England series in Australia. He was amazed when he came into the England dressing room to wish the team luck before the match, and that evening, returned to talk to the side.

"One thing that stuck in my mind about him", he said, "was despite his 85 years, he was very together and his knowledge of the game was superb."

"He spoke highly of the modern day game and not once did he hark into `in-my-day' mode that some old cricketers tend to do."

"He was very accommodating, signing autographs and memorabilia for the lads, and although I never saw him play, I believe him to be the greatest batsman of all time, and not only a great cricketer, but a great ambassador for the game."

Robin then offered his sympathies to his family and to the cricket world in general.

As a tribute to Sir Donald, I would like to hear your views on the Australian legend, especially if you recall seeing him play, perhaps if you are young man on the Internet, you could ask your father or grandfather if they could record their thoughts.

Please keep your comments precise and to the point, and I reserve the right to edit or exclude any e-mail sent.

Please e-mail me at victor.isaacs@btconnect

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