Melbourne [Australia], December 24: Letters written by the late Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman have recently surfaced, revealing his admiration for fellow icons Shane Warne, Steve Waugh, and his early recognition of a young Ricky Ponting as a “future Test prospect.”
These letters, written during the 1980s and 1990s, were addressed to British entertainer Peter Brough, a close friend of Bradman’s. According to The Age, they provide a unique glimpse into Bradman’s views on fame, cricket, his respect for players, and even politics. Bradman and Brough met through Bradman’s father, Arthur, during tours to England in the 1930s, sparking a lifelong friendship that continued until Brough’s death in 1999. Bradman passed away in 2001, and Brough’s family later donated the letters to the National Library of Australia.
In a letter dated July 31, 1991, Bradman expressed his delight over South Africa’s reinstatement in international cricket after its apartheid ban, stating, “What great news that South Africa has been re-admitted to the fold… They will probably have a fine Test team in three or four years.” He also mentioned that some South African cricketers had been among his closest friends.
Widely regarded as the greatest batsman in cricket history, Bradman’s career includes 6,994 Test runs at an average of 99.94, along with 29 centuries and 13 fifties in just 52 Tests. He was also an admirer of leg-spin bowling and, in a 1996 interview, lamented its decline following the retirement of Richie Benaud in 1964. Bradman attributed this decline to the growing emphasis on economy in One-Day International (ODI) cricket. He wrote, “The great tragedy of modern cricket is the demise of the slow leg-spinner… Young leg-spinners, when learning their trade, are always a bit expensive.”
When Shane Warne made his international debut in 1992, Bradman quickly took note. In a letter dated March 15, 1993, he wrote, “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.” Bradman praised Warne for conceding fewer than two runs an over during a Test against New Zealand, and by November 1994, he had already described Warne as “the best slow spinner produced by Australia excepting Bill O’Reilly.” Bradman’s predictions proved true, as Warne became one of cricket’s greatest players, finishing with 1,001 international wickets, including 708 Test wickets, and playing a pivotal role in Australia’s 1999 World Cup victory.
Bradman also had an eye for emerging batting talent. In 1985-86, he recognized Steve Waugh’s potential, writing, “Young Steve Waugh gives every sign of being a class bat.” Waugh went on to score 18,496 international runs and became one of Australia’s greatest captains, leading the team to World Cup victories in 1987 and 1999.
In 1995, Bradman identified a young Ricky Ponting as a “future Test prospect.” In a letter dated October 22, 1995, he praised Ponting’s beautiful innings, writing, “Young Ponting of Tasmania played a beautiful innings here yesterday and looks a Test prospect.” Ponting, who would go on to score 27,368 international runs, is now considered one of the greatest players in cricket history.
These letters not only reflect Bradman’s cricketing brilliance but also demonstrate his remarkable foresight in identifying future stars who would go on to shape the sport.