An average birthday

There is a wonderful letter from a Paul Barton in Toowoomba, Australia, in the latest issue of The Wisden Cricketer magazine that is worth repeating here:

"There will be plenty of celebration regarding Don Bradman's 100th birthday on August 27, 2008. Has there been any thought as to when he would have turned 99.94? This would be on August 5 (using 99.94 rounded) or August 6 (using his un-rounded average of 99.94285714286 etc)."

Congratulations, Mr Barton, on such a supreme act of geekery. You will find many admirers on this website.

Incidentally, yours truly wrote this month's cover story in TWC about the various innovations in batting before Pietersen and his switch-hits. You may find it worth a read on their website. Or even buy the magazine.

Comments

[David in Sydney]

Patrick,

In regards to your piece on Don Bradman's 99.94th birthday, a special dinner is being held at the SCG on 5 August to commemorate the occasion.

The rounded number of 99.94 was used for calculation purposes, hence the function is being held on 5 August.

The special guest for the evening will be Arthur Morris, who was batting with Don Bradman when the Don was dismissed for his famous duck.

The ABC cricket commentator, Jim Maxwell will be the MC for the evening.

Ticket sales close Wednesday 30 July 2008, at 5pm Sydney time.

For payment and other details, please refer to www.5thAugust2008.com