How everything went right for me that day
Don Bradman
The day Don Bradman died was a bit like the numbers he posted. Big. It started in the wee hours and didn’t finish until the same time next day. The Australian cricket team and accompanying media were at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. News of Bradman’s passing came from Channel 9’s HQ in Sydney. Obviously, they wanted reaction from India — Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar and Steve Waugh, especially Tendulkar and Warne given their well- documented meeting with Bradman.
I went down to the Taj foyer, where I met Clayton Murzello and Brian Murgatroyd, the team’s diligent and disciplined media manager. I think Brian let every player know via a handwritten note placed through a mail slot or slid under their room door. But time zones meant deadlines were red-lining with Sydney demanding interviews sooner than later. Clayton instantly offered to do half my job.
“If I wake Sachin, can you wake Shane?” “Ok.” Taking a concierge with me so I didn’t pass for some early morning stalker, I knocked on Warne’s door.
“Who is it?” “Andrew McKinlay, Shane.” He opened. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of sad news, but Don Bradman has passed away.”
He wasn’t shocked but obviously sad. “What do you need?” “An interview with you and Sachin.” “I’ll be down in the foyer in five [minutes].”
He was. What’s more, he took great comfort that Sachin was already there thanks to Clayton. The interview? Perfect! Waugh graciously gave his interview beside the Taj’s beautiful swimming pool before breakfast. Steve also, all praise. Interviews done. Sydney deadline met thanks in no small part to Clayton. Australian TV viewers watching three greats paying tribute to the game’s true giant.
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