Comparing Sir Don Bradman and Steve Smith in Ashes
Sir Donald Bradman has been the GOAT in Ashes history. The former Australian hero boasts of many mega records scripted in the fierce Test rivalry against England. Since Bradman's last series in 1948, there have been many strong performers in The Ashes. But nobody managed to dominate the circuit as much as Steve Smith. Here we compare the two and their impact.
Bradman was a real dominance factor for Australia for a period of 20 years between 1928 and 1948 in The Ashes. The legend played in 37 Test matches and scored a whopping 5,028 runs. To date, this remains the highest runs scored by a batsman in Ashes history. With an average of 89.78, Bradman was a different class and stayed above everyone else.
Bradman's impact in the game was top notch. In eight Ashes series during the period from 1928 to 1948, Aussies won a staggering five. They also retained The Ashes in 1938 after drawing the series 1-1. Bradman's aura and influence in The Ashes history were monumental. It marked a new chapter for Australia. The 1948 Ashes series saw Bradman's 'The Invincible' create history.
Smith has been a real champion in recent Ashes history. The 2017-18 Ashes series belonged to him. He helped Aussies win 4-0 with 686 runs under his belt. In the ongoing Ashes 2019, his 144 and 142 helped Australia win from a period of uncertainty. Smith has registered 2,312 runs at 60.84. He is the only modern-day batsman to have this average.
Bradman amassed 19 Ashes centuries in his career. He also scored 12 fifties. Whereas, Smith has amassed 10 tons and six fifties already. He needs three more to surpass former England great Sir Jack Hobbs (12).
When it came to perfecting a plan to stop Bradman, it was always a difficult task for English bowlers. In 1932-33, England captain Douglas Jardine decided to bowl short at the body while packing the leg-side with fielders. This was a ploy to stop Bradman from scoring alongside the other batsmen. It worked. It came to be known as the controversial 'Bodyline' series.
Despite all of England's tactics, Bradman had the last laugh as his numbers suggest. He walked out as a hero. On a similar light, Smith has butchered England. He has been a menace for the Three Lions. They haven't been successful in stopping the stalwart from scoring. In the past, it was Bradman that tormented England. Now, it's Smith who has created similar issues.
