August 14 remains a special date in cricket calendar for two incidents which happened in the course of 42 years. First up, in 1948, the England cricket team hit the rock bottom during a home series against Australia after being bowled out for mere 52.
That edition of Ashes, however, is mostly remembered for Sir Donald Bradman’s dramatic duck in what was the final Test match of his glorious career. Needing just four runs to reach the 7000-run mark and achieve an average of 100, Bradman walked onto the pitch after Sid Barnes and Arthur Morris had taken Australia to 117. While on his way, the greatest batsman of all time was duly honoured by the home team who decided to take off their caps as a tribute.
Facing leg-spinner Eric Hollies, Bradman defended the first ball and while he only needed four odd runs to reach the landmark, his fate had some cruel intentions in store. Next ball and Hollies somehow managed to clean bowled the great man.
As for Australia, they went on to win the match by 149 runs and an innings, thus Bradman didn’t get a chance to bat further.
Some 42 years later, a certain Sachin Tendulkar announced himself on world stage by scoring a match-saving maiden Test ton in the same country, against same opponent, at the tender age of 17 years 112 days.
With six wickets down in their second innings, India were almost headed towards a crushing defeat after England had scored 519 (in first innings) and 320/4d (in second). The likes of Tendulkar and Manoj Prabhakar batted throughout the course and took India out of that losing position.
For the reminder of his career, Tendulkar went on to score 100 international tons, and just like Bradman, was jinxed by a figure of 99.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter
