If Bradman was alive today...

[NUFAN]

Averages during different decades.

Bradman played almost the entirety of his career in the 30s and 40s. Thanks for being so polite though.

I'm sorry but I'll need a lot more evidence then that. Don't you think that maybe the 30's average is slightly the highest because of Don Bradman? Take his numbers out of the picture and check the records then..

 

[Dasa]

I thought it was pretty well known that the pitches of the 1930s were largely flat batting tracks....I can't exactly prove anything right now though as CricInfo Statsguru is down (and even if it was up I'm not sure it could provide the right results), but I don't think one batsman, even one of the calibre of Bradman, would make such a huge difference to the averages.

 

[_Ed_]

Even though he averaged 40 more than the second best at the time?

 

[Dasa]

Yeah well, it'd be like having an additional batsman. I don't know the exact figures used to make that list shortpitched713 linked to, but I doubt it'd be a huge difference. It's no slight on Bradman though nor do I think it's belittling his achievements or anything to say that he did have the benefit of some good batting conditions to make his runs.

 

[Prince EWS]

I thought it was pretty well known that the pitches of the 1930s were largely flat batting tracks....

In Australia, quite probably, but certainly not in England where Bradman averaged 102.84.

 

[shortpitched713]

It's no slight on Bradman though nor do I think it's belittling his achievements or anything to say that he did have the benefit of some good batting conditions to make his runs.

Couldn't agree more. Just wanted to counter the idea that Bradman batted on pre WWI minefields.

 

[Richard]

Bradman did indeed have some good batting conditions in the 1930s.

So have just about all players who've played since 2001.