On November 2, 1931, cricket legend Sir Don Bradman etched his name into history with a breathtaking performance, scoring 100 runs in just three overs during a match between Blackheath and Lithgow in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. This extraordinary feat, achieved when overs consisted of eight balls each, showcased Bradman’s unparalleled dominance and remains a topic of awe among cricket enthusiasts.
The historic match and Bradman’s onslaught
The game, played to inaugurate a new malthoid pitch at Blackheath, saw Bradman, then 23, join his New South Wales teammate Wendell Bill on the Blackheath XI. Facing a local bowler, Bill Black, Bradman unleashed a relentless assault after being reminded by wicketkeeper Leo Waters of a prior dismissal by Black, which had reportedly fueled some local bragging. Motivated, Bradman reportedly told Bill, “I think I’ll have a go,” and what followed was a masterclass. He smashed 33 runs off Black’s first over (6, 6, 4, 2, 4, 4, 6, 1), followed by 40 runs off Horrie Baker’s over (6, 4, 4, 6, 6, 4, 6, 4), and 27 runs off Black’s return (1, 6, 6, 1, 1, 4, 4, 6)—with Bill contributing two singles to keep the strike alive. Estimated at 18 minutes, this blitz included 10 sixes, per eyewitness accounts.
Context and aftermath
This wasn’t a first-class match, so it doesn’t rank as an official record, but the 100 runs off 22 balls highlight Bradman’s ability to dismantle bowling attacks when challenged. He went on to score 256 in the innings, with 14 sixes and 29 fours, outshining the rest of Blackheath’s lineup, which managed just 33 runs combined. Notably, four days later, both Bradman and Bill were dismissed for ducks against Queensland’s Eddie Gilbert, a humbling follow-up. Bradman later gifted the bat—2lbs 2oz—to the Blackheath mayor, where it was mounted as a local treasure.
Legacy of the feat
Bradman himself called it an unplanned outburst, surprising even him, and credited Bill’s singles for the opportunity. Lacking video evidence, the achievement lives through oral histories and writings, like those from Syd Edgar, who watched as a child. It underscores Bradman’s flair beyond his famed Test average of 99.94, proving his capacity for explosive, carefree batting when the moment called.
