Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar (Getty Images)

Sachin Tendulkar often drew comparisons with Australia legend Don Bradman. Even the man himself, considered to be the greatest batsman the game has ever seen, once said that watching Tendulkar bat reminded him of his own playing days.

So when the duo finally met, it was a moment became a moment to remember. On August 27, 1998, Bradman was celebrating his 90th birthday and he invited spin legend Shane Warne and India’s Tendulkar to join him at his home in Adelaide.

Today, Bradman would have turned 110 and tributes are pouring in for the man who averaged an astounding 99.94 in Test cricket. Had he managed to score just four runs in his final innings, he would have ended his career with a perfect average of 100. But instead, he was out for a duck.

Tendulkar recalled that meeting in a tweet on his official handle on Monday, saying he vividly remembers his interaction with the ‘inspirational’ Bradman, recalling his amazing wit, warmth and wisdom.

“It’s been 20 years since I met the inspirational Sir #DonBradman but that special memory is so vivid. I still recall his amazing wit, warmth, and wisdom. Remembering him fondly today, on what would have been his 110th birthday.” Tendulkar posted on Monday.

There s plenty more to Bradman than just being the finest batsman the game has seen. The story of a young Bradman practicing with a cricket stump and a golf ball is part of cricketing folklore. He made his debut against England in 1928 where he scored just 18 and 1. But from there, Bradman picked up pace and constantly performed at a level that made him, in the words of former Australia captain Bill Woodfull, “worth three batsmen to Australia”. There was no format where Bradman didn t leave a mark.