Bradman Turns 110: 5 Incredible feats you never knew.

#4 The Reversed Batting order: 270 at No.7

Bradman wasn't only a class batsman, but he was also a smart captain. There have been many tactics used in Test cricket. English Captain Douglas Jardine’s bodyline tactic in the 1932-33 Ashes in Australia was so brutal, it forced a change in the rules. However, it proved to be effective as England won the series 4-1.

But, perhaps the most insane tactic in cricket history, coming from the mind of Sir Donald Bradman himself, is one that seems extremely absurd, but actually makes a lot of sense. It makes for a really good cricket story.

Bringing the tailenders up, and the best batsmen in the tail down the order.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat in the 1937 Ashes series' New Year's Test in Melbourne. This was a mistake. Bradman came in at 7/1, got out after scoring 13, and Australia was 9-200 in 65 overs, on a wicket that was crumbling down to get even worse.

Bradman declared on this score to send England early on day 2 on a wet wicket. The English team collapsed. They went from 68/3 to 76/9. They had lost nine wickets in 28 overs(8-ball), and the wicket was in a very dreadful shape. The English captain, Gubby Allen, then declared too on 76/9.

Bradman knew he would have to face the worst wicket of his career, even worse with the sky getting dimmer (30 mins to close of day's play). He also was aware of the fact that the sun beating down on the rest day on Sunday would dry the wicket, making playing significantly easier.

He wasted some time first and then, he sent his tailenders, Bill O’Reilly and Chuck Fleetwood-Smith, to open the innings.

The crowd, and possibly the English fielders cracked up when they saw this. What was wrong with Bradman? O'Reilly was caught first ball and England believed they might actually have a chance. Bradman still persevered. Frank Ward, whose original position was number 10, was sent in at number 3. He and Fleetwood-Smith managed to last till stumps.

Wickets fell at regular interval on Monday and then Bradman finally came in to bat when the score read 97-5 and unleashed himself and the other batsmen. He went on to score 270 at number 7, a world record, and took Australia from 97-5 to 564!

Australia won the match by a mammoth 365 runs, perfect for a New Year's Test.

The Don did what no one thought would work. Indeed, a cricketing master.