don bradman

The Don's Shadow: Travis Head's Record-Breaking Ashes and the Enduring Legacy of Sir Donald Bradman

In the hallowed halls of Australian cricket, one name echoes louder than any other: Sir Donald Bradman. With a Test batting average of 99.94, "The Don" set a standard that many believed was unassailable. Yet, as the 2025/26 Ashes series unfolds, a new generation of cricketers is not only grappling with the pressure of the present but actively rewriting the history books, measuring their performances against the ultimate benchmark.

From the dramatic auction of a priceless relic to Travis Head eclipsing a Bradman record at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the spirit of the Don is alive and well. This is the story of how Bradman’s legacy continues to shape the modern game, fuel debates among fans, and inspire feats of batting brilliance.

The Don’s Baggy Green: A Million-Dollar Relic

As the cricket world focuses on the battle between bat and ball, a parallel drama is unfolding in the auction houses. A genuine piece of Australian sporting history—a baggy green cap worn by Sir Donald Bradman—has ignited a bidding frenzy, highlighting the enduring reverence for the legend.

According to reports, the cap, worn during the 1947-48 series against India and subsequently gifted to fellow Test cricketer S.W. Sohoni, has already surpassed $430,000. Experts predict the final price could easily exceed $1 million when the hammer falls on Australia Day, January 26.

This isn't just memorabilia; it is a tangible connection to the golden age of cricket. The cap’s journey from Bradman’s head to the auction block serves as a stark reminder of the value placed on his contribution to the sport. It underscores the cultural weight Bradman carries in Australia—he is not merely a former player, but a national icon whose status borders on mythological.

Sydney Showdown: Head Eclipses the Don

While the auction celebrates the past, the action on the field at the SCG has been about the future—and a specific defiance of history. In the ongoing Ashes Test against England, Australian batsman Travis Head has produced a series of knocks that have drawn direct comparisons to the great Bradman.

During the third morning of the Sydney Test, Head brought up his third century of the series off just 105 balls. This blistering knock did more than just steady Australia's innings; it saw him surpass a Bradman record that had stood for nearly a century. Head became the first Australian to score three centuries in a home Ashes series since Donald Bradman achieved the feat in 1928-29.

The significance of this cannot be overstated. To sit alongside Bradman in any batting record is a rare honour. To do so in an Ashes series, the pinnacle of cricket for both nations, is a career-defining achievement.

"It is a stunning knock," cricket analysts noted, observing how Head’s aggressive intent dismantled the English attack. His performance in Sydney, following a "phenomenal match-winning 123 in Perth" and a "170 at Adelaide," has been the backbone of Australia's dominance. In a series often criticised for lower-order collapses, Head’s ability to convert starts into massive totals has been the difference between the two sides.

The Modern Benchmark: Comparisons with Joe Root

Travis Head isn't the only player drawing favourable comparisons to the Don this summer. England’s Joe Root, widely regarded as the best batsman of his generation, has also had his name invoked in the same breath as Bradman.

Following Root’s magnificent 160 in Sydney—a knock that kept England’s hopes alive—former Australian cricketer and coach Darren Lehmann made a bold statement. He hailed Root as the "greatest cricket player since Don Bradman" after the Englishman added another Ashes century to his tally on Australian soil.

"Joe Root is the best since Donald Bradman," Lehmann stated, acknowledging the sheer class and consistency of the England captain. This sentiment highlights a dual narrative in the current series: while Australian opener Travis Head is breaking Bradman’s records, the opposing captain is embodying the consistency that made Bradman a legend.

Root’s innings in Sydney was a masterclass in batting, described by the ABC as a display of "batting class" that prevailed on a "fiery day." His ability to weather the storm and keep the "door ajar for an Ashes return" (as reported by Cricket.com.au) has forced Australian bowlers to work tirelessly, much like opposition teams did against Bradman.

Contextual Background: The Weight of the Baggy Green

To understand why these comparisons matter, one must understand the cultural context of Australian cricket. The "Baggy Green" is the sacred cap worn by Australian Test players. It represents the honour of representing the nation. For Bradman, it represented a level of excellence that remains unmatched globally.

His career average of 99.94 is often described as the most famous statistic in sport. It is a number that looms over every Australian batsman. When a player like Travis Head surpasses a Bradman achievement, it is viewed not just as a personal triumph, but as a validation of the Australian cricketing lineage.

However, the current series has also highlighted the pressures of the modern game. In a contrasting report from The Australian, there was scrutiny over a "brain fade" by a "Star Pom" (an English player), where pundits argued there "has to be consequences" for lapses in discipline. This highlights the intense scrutiny players face—every shot, every error, and every record is analysed under a microscope. When you are playing in an Ashes series, you are playing against the ghosts of the past as much as the opponents in the present.

Immediate Effects: The Series Narrative

The immediate impact of these performances is reshaping the Ashes narrative.

1. Australia's Dominance: Travis Head’s form has given Australia a decisive edge. By consistently posting totals above 300, he has allowed the Australian bowlers to dictate terms. His ability to score quickly shifts momentum, frustrating bowlers and forcing England into defensive fields.
2. England's Resilience: Despite the looming threat of defeat, Joe Root’s batting has provided a silver lining for England. His performances offer a blueprint for how to succeed in Australian conditions, serving as a learning curve for younger English batsmen.
3. Media and Fan Engagement: The specific reference to Bradman’s 1928-29 record in modern match reports (like those from the ABC and The Australian) has sparked intense debate among fans. Social media is awash with discussions on whether Head is currently the "best batsman in the world" or if Root’s technical purity is superior.

Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead?

As the series progresses towards its conclusion, the shadow of Bradman will continue to influence the narrative.

For Travis Head: Having joined the elite company of Don Bradman in terms of Ashes series centuries, the pressure is now on to maintain this standard. The question will shift from "Can he do it?" to "Will he be consistent?" If he can continue to average close to 100 through the remainder of his career, the comparisons will only grow louder. He has proven that he possesses the "X-factor" required to turn a match in a session, a trait Bradman was famous for.

For Joe Root: Root is chasing a legacy of his own. While he may never touch Bradman’s average, his run-scoring volume is immense. His immediate future involves navigating the remainder of this series and potentially returning for the next Ashes in 2025/26. His performance in Sydney has kept the "door ajar" not just for a series comeback, but for his standing as one of the all-time greats.

The Bradman Legacy: The ongoing auction of the baggy green and the statistical achievements of modern players ensure that Bradman remains a living presence in the sport. As long as cricket is played, the number 99.94 will be the yardstick. Whether it is a record-breaking cap sale or a century at the SCG, the "Don" continues to be the headline act.

Conclusion

In the heat of an Australian summer, cricket is more than a game; it is a theatre of history. The current Ashes series is a perfect example of this. While Travis Head and Joe Root battle for supremacy in 2025, they are doing so with the ghost of Sir Donald Bradman watching from the stands.

Whether it is through the astronomical price of his memorabilia or the records being broken by today's heroes, Bradman remains the central figure of Australian sport. And as Travis Head takes his guard, cap pulled low, he carries not just the weight of expectation, but the weight of history—much like the man whose record he just defied.