Did you know the LBW (Leg Before Wicket) law wasn’t properly implemented until 1937? Before this rule became part of the MCC laws, batsmen were rarely given out, even if the ball struck their pads. This crucial detail plays a significant role in evaluating cricketers from that era, including Sir D. Bradman. He played from 1928 to 1948, and is often hailed as the greatest cricketer ever. But is this legendary status truly deserved? Let’s delve deeper and explore why some believe Sir D. Bradman might be one of the most overrated cricketer in history.

Reasons Why Sir D. Bradman is Overrated

Implementation of LBW Law

The LBW law wasn’t properly enforced until 1937. Before this, batsmen like Bradman were rarely given out for balls hitting their pads. This leniency significantly benefited batsmen, including Bradman, by inflating their averages.

Limited Competition

Bradman played international cricket against only four nations: England, West Indies, South Africa, and India. Out of his 52 Test appearances, he played over 70% against England. Playing the majority of his matches against one team allowed him to become very familiar with their bowlers, providing him with a significant advantage.

Familiar Conditions

Throughout his career, Bradman played on only 10-12 grounds, mostly in England and Australia. He was well-acquainted with these conditions, unlike modern players like Ponting, Tendulkar, and Sangakkara, who have played in over 10 countries and on more than 50 grounds.

Lack of Quality Spin Bowling

During Bradman’s era, spin bowling wasn’t as dominant. The English side lacked quality spinners. It’s uncertain how Bradman would have fared on the spin-friendly tracks of modern-day Asia.

Performance Against Weaker Teams

Bradman averaged 178.75 against India and 201.50 against South Africa, both of which were inexperienced teams at the time. Comparing this to a modern-day player facing weaker teams highlights how these averages might be inflated.

Average Against Stronger Teams

His average against stronger teams like the West Indies (74.5) and England (89.78) wasn’t as extraordinary. If modern-day legends played the majority of their matches against one team, they could achieve similar averages. Imagine V. Kohli playing 70% of his matches against Sri Lanka or Sangakkara against Bangladesh.

Lack of Advanced Strategies

Today’s game involves detailed strategies, with teams analyzing batting videos and devising plans. During Bradman’s era, such facilities didn’t exist. Modern players face more strategic challenges from the opposition.

Single Format and Limited Matches

Cricket in Bradman’s time had only one format, played rarely. Despite a 13-year career (interrupted by World War II from 1939-1945), Bradman played just 52 Tests, averaging four Tests per year. Modern players endure the pressure of all three formats, playing significantly more matches annually.

Boosted Averages by Not Batting

Bradman sometimes avoided batting on difficult pitches, marked as “absent hurt.” This strategy also inflated his average. For instance, he didn’t bat in both innings of the 5th Test vs England at London.

Example of Boosted Average

In the 5th Test match of the 1938 series between England and Australia, Bradman did not bat in either innings, being marked as “absent hurt.” This decision contributed to his boosted average, as challenging conditions were avoided. You can view the detailed scorecard here.

Read more about the Most Underrated Cricketer of all time

Final Thoughts

Given the favourable conditions and strategies of that era, any competent player could have achieved a similar average to Bradman’s. This viewpoint challenges the legendary status often attributed to him, suggesting that his records may not fully reflect the difficulty and competitiveness of the game as it is today.

Gamesys11 Team

At Gamesys11, our team includes dedicated blog writers, who bring a wealth of cricket knowledge and experience to our content. From early cricket careers at divisional and district levels to deep dives into statistics and player insights, our writers are passionate about the sport. They specialize in crafting engaging blogs that explore team lineups, player statistics, and strategic predictions for upcoming contests, enhancing the experience for every cricket fan.