Protestant Bradman Vs Cathlolic teammates in the legendary Australian cricket eleven

Protestant 'Don' among Catholic teammates

I find it very interesting that the differences between Bradman and his team-mates also had a Catholic-Protestant angle. Despite the fact that the Australian team was world-beater the differences within the team are well-known.

Bradman's phenomenal success caused jealousies among team-mates who watched as he was showered with financial gifts and remained a private person, aloof from the team.

Fine. But now just read this short excerpt:

"This disaffection was strongest among a group of players-Jack Fingleton, Grimmett, Stan Mc Cabe, Ernest McCormick and O'Reilly--all of IRISH origin and Roman Catholics and a different political persuasion to Bradman, who was a Protestant".

"That Bradman was essentially a patriot and monarchist, a tee-totaller and a non-smoker. This group suspected it was discriminated against by Bradman". Doesn't it sound interesting! I wonder if this issue has been taken up seriously in the past by cricket historians and writers.

When he was bowled out for just four in his last test innings and could not achieve a test average of 100, O'Reilly and Fingleton who were in the Oval press box could not conceal their delight, says Simon Wilde in his book "Number One: The world's best bowlers and batsmen'.

I never knew this. Though Bradman praised O'Relliy through out his career. He called his team-mates when Mc Cabe was hitting his famous century against Larwood during Bodyline saying ' Come and watch you will never see such an innings'.