SYDNEY: On a night commemorating the great man's birth centenary, it was fitting that Sir Don Bradman's two passions were on show. Cricket and music came together as Australia's cricketers remembered their brightest star at the centenary dinner function at The Westin Sydney's ballroom.

The evening opened with The Don's voice as lights were turned off. Then, Bradman's granddaughter Greta sang his famous composition 'Every Day Is A Rainbow Day For Me.' Greta mentioned that Bradman and his wife used to sing this song and as a little girl she had come to love it.
 
Captains present

Former Aussie captains Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh graced the occasion along with the present skipper Ricky Ponting. Prime Minister John Howard was also present among the 500 guests, each of who had paid 495 dollars towards the charity dinner.

We also saw a musical theatrical dance, which was a rage in the 1930s. Oddly for a cricket function, the emcee was Hollywood star Hugh Jackman.

When asked why an actor was hosting a cricket function, Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young said, "He's a cricket buff and he's very popular here. He used to play cricket."

Although non-Australian cricketers were conspicuous by their absence, Sachin Tendulkar did make an appearance through a video interview recorded during India's last tour here.

The Master Blaster said that words of appreciation from Bradman has always inspired him. Due to a technical failure, we could not hear Michael Clarke's tribute but Ricky Ponting was loud and clear

"He is above Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Nobody can question his ability. If you look at his average, he batted with the calibre of two cricketers. I would have asked him a question today. Why he could not hit six sixes in an over? Because that's the only thing missing."

Proud family

John Bradman, The Don's son, was on the podium after that. He was presented with a collage of five-dollar coins and photographs.

"Nobody could have imagined when he was born in a cottage in Cootamundra 100 years ago that we would be having this gala dinner today. My father would have liked this function. We are all proud of him.

I can tell you one piece of advice that he gave me: 'Try hard but always with integrity," John said. The evening ended with desserts, some more singing by Greta and a rendition of "From New York to Rio" by 35 Australian women. As a return gift, guests were given a five-dollar coin with Bradman's image as  a memorabilia item.