Bradman lauds Lala Amarnath

Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest batsman the world has known, on Wednesday said Lala Amarnath was an "absolutely charming and wonderful ambassador for the game" of cricket.

In a condolence message conveyed through the web site Indya.com, Bradman recalled his first meeting with Amarnath on the Indian tour of Australia in 1947 and said, "It was a special time for me as it was during this series that I made my 100th century."

He said Amarnath was one of the first to congratulate him and the series was "one of my most pleasant".

The message said: "I was very sad to hear the news that my old cricketing foe, Lala Amarnath, died over the weekend.

"I remember first meeting Lala on the first tour between our two countries in 1947. I found him absolutely charming and a wonderful ambassador for the game.

"It was a special time for me as it was during this series that I made my 100th century. Lala was one of the first to congratualte me.

"In fact, I believe the series was one of my most pleasant. There was a wonderful spirit of camaraderie amongst the players on both sides.

"Throughout his life I know Lala made a significant contribution to Indian cricket. I extend my sympathies to his family".

Mail Cricket Editor