Bradman's 304 at Headingley — Second Triple, 1934

Bradman had been seriously ill in early 1934 — appendicitis followed by complications — and his place on the tour had been doubted into the final month. He arrived in England under-bowled and with a hesitant first month. By Lord's he was scoring; by Headingley he was Bradman.

Australia 1-1 after Trent Bridge (Aus won) and Lord's (Eng won). Old Trafford had been drawn. Bradman won the toss at Leeds and chose to bat in fine sunshine.

Australia were 1-1 in the series, with Hedley Verity's 15 wickets at Lord's having given England their wet-pitch win. Headingley, baked dry, was perfect for batting. Bradman won the toss and chose to bat. Australia were 3 for 39 when Ponsford, the underrated Victorian opener, joined Bradman.

The stand that followed lasted nearly seven hours and added 388 — a world record fourth-wicket Test stand at the time. Ponsford made 181, Bradman 304: his second triple century in Tests, both at Headingley. Bradman batted 430 minutes, hit 43 fours and two sixes, and was eventually caught Ames bowled Bowes in the half-hour before stumps on day two.

Australia made 584. England, with Maurice Leyland 153 and Hedley Verity 60*, eked out 200 for 6 declared at the close after rain wiped out most of day three; the match was drawn. The series moved to The Oval, where Bradman and Ponsford did it again — 451 for the second wicket, world record — and Australia took the Ashes 2-1.

“He played as Bradman, and there is no other cricket adjective.”

“We seemed never to bowl a bad ball; he just never let us bowl a good one.”

At The Oval, Bradman 244 and Ponsford 266 added 451 for the second wicket — another world record. Australia regained the Ashes 2-1. Bradman's series tally was 758 runs at 94.75; Ponsford 569 at 94.83. The two batters retired together after the Oval Test in Bradman's case temporarily — he came back — and Ponsford's case permanently.