Bradman's Greatest Hour: How Australia Came from 2-0 Down to Win the Ashes
The 1936-37 Ashes series saw England take a commanding 2-0 lead after the first two Tests, setting the stage for a remarkable Australian comeback. Despite facing profound personal tragedy, as his first-born son died six weeks before the series began, Don Bradman led Australia with resilience and determination.
The Third Test at Melbourne was pivotal. Play was affected by rain, and Bradman declared at 200 for 9. The Australians then built a crucial 13-wicket day in front of a massive crowd of 87,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Bradman scored a masterful 270 runs, sharing a world-record 346-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Jack Fingleton. This performance propelled Australia to lead by 221 runs and ultimately win the match.
Bradman continued his dominant form at Adelaide, scoring 212 runs in 437 minutes. Australia won that Test by 148 runs, leveling the series at 2-2 and setting the stage for a dramatic final Test.
In the decisive match, Bradman made 169 runs, and Australia won by an innings and 200 runs, completing a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to reclaim the Ashes urn.
The series outcome was described by Cardus as a failure of character as much as technique. Wisden, in 2001, named Bradman’s innings of 270 at Melbourne the greatest innings of all time.
