Author(s): Julian Oakley; Dave Thomas (Illustrator)

Australiana

Bradman Oval, Bowral can trace its competitive cricket roots back to the Glebe Wicket on 20 October, 1888. It became the cricketing birthplace of the game's greatest cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman in the 1920s; was renamed Bradman Oval in 1947 and arose phoenix-like with a magnificent pavilion and museum in 1989. This book chronicles the historical evolution of cricket in Bowral; the chrysalis-to-butterfly-like development of Bradman Oval from an open paddock, prone to swamping, to one of the most romantically picturesque grounds in the world; and the early development of the stellar cricketing career of Sir Donald Bradman, who always held a special fondness for the town - all elements being so inextricably linked. The history has been embellished considerably by illustrating some of the exquisite fine art works of Dave Thomas, renowned cricket artist and Archibald finalist.  As a perfect complement to the fine art, there is a wealth of historical and contemporary photographs.