“His life was a lifetime of service to cricket and his legacy is that cricket continues to grow stronger. Soccer has Pele, cricket has Bradman. No name in cricket conjures up such widespread awe and respect as that of Sir Donald Bradman,” Morgan said.

“That name says all that is best about the game and it is synonymous with cricket. Even now, 60 years after his final Test match and with time to put his achievements into context, his batting average of 99.94 still seems scarcely believable, especially when one compares it to those of the many other players to have graced the game at the highest level.”

Morgan said that his centenary offers an opportunity to reflect upon the role he played in popularising the game.
“As a captain too, he looked to lead as he played, in a positive manner, and his 1948 side including the likes of Keith Miller, Neil Harvey, Arthur Morris and Ray Lindwall is rightly remembered as one of the greatest line-ups of all time.

Morgan said that Bradman will also be remembered as a selector and as an administrator with the Australian Cricket Board and the Imperial Cricket Conference. “I am delighted Australia is leading the tributes to Sir Donald with its captain Ricky Ponting delivering the Bradman Oration in Sydney.

“Cricket is all about tradition and respecting previous generations and I am sure Ricky’s speech will do just that as well as being a fitting tribute to a truly great cricket person.”