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Mark Taylor's sporting sacrifice

In 1998 Mark Taylor declared on 334 against Pakistan, equalling Sir Donald Bradman's highest Test score. Taylor decided to stop batting rather than surpass Bradman's feat.

In 1998, Australia's cricket captain Mark Taylor declared on 334 against Pakistan, equalling Sir Donald Bradman's highest Test score. Taylor decided to stop batting rather than surpass Bradman's feat, putting his team first and their chance to win, before his own personal ambition.

Everyone had an opinion on what he should do - carry on batting and become Australia's highest test scoring batsman or declare and put Pakistan in to bat. He tells Uma Doraiswamy about the sleepless night he had coming to his decision.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

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(Photo: Mark Taylor congratulated by his team after his unbeaten 334 against Pakistan in 1998. Credit: Usman Khan/AFP via Getty Images)

Release date:

10 minutes

On radio

Sat 10 Oct 202617:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 10 Oct 202617:50GMT
  • Sun 11 Oct 202600:50GMT
  • Sun 11 Oct 202603:50GMT
  • Sun 11 Oct 202604:50GMT

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