Australian Cricket – January 1969 (Number Three)
Bradman Talks with Benaud
 
A landmark early issue of Australian Cricket, published in January 1969, and best remembered for its exceptional centrepiece: a frank, extended conversation between Don Bradman and Richie Benaud.
 
Presented as a discussion between two Australian Test captains from different eras, Bradman Talks with Benaud offers rare insight into batting philosophy, leadership, tactical thinking, and Bradman’s reflections on contemporary Test cricket. Illustrated with period photography, it stands as one of the most accessible and collectible post-retirement appearances by Bradman in magazine form.
 
Beyond the headline interview, the issue delivers substantial international and technical content. Of particular interest is an article examining West Indies Test cricket, reflecting on the team’s style, influence, and growing stature during the late 1960s — a period that laid the foundations for the dominance that would follow in the 1970s under figures such as Clive Lloyd.
 
This inclusion significantly broadens the magazine’s appeal beyond Australia and into the highly sought-after West Indies collecting sphere.
 
Additional highlights include:
“Bobby Simpson’s World Eleven” — a thoughtful selection and analysis by Bobby Simpson, comparing elite international players across conditions and eras.
“The Art of Leg-Spinning” — a detailed coaching feature by Peter Philpott, exploring technique, flight, and variation in the classical Test match context.
“A Word from Keith Miller” — reflective commentary from Keith Miller, offering perspective on modern cricket and its changing demands.
 
Supported by editorials, match reports, news briefs, and state cricket coverage, this issue exemplifies Australian Cricket’s early ambition to be a serious journal of record rather than a fleeting sports magazine.
 
A highly desirable issue for collectors of Bradman material, Richie Benaud writing, West Indies cricket history, and pre–World Series Cricket periodicals.