Cricket Captains’ Walk – A Celebration of Australian Cricket
The Cricket Captains’ Walk in Cootamundra is a truly unique tribute to Australia’s national game and the men who have led the country on the cricket field. This remarkable collection of specially commissioned bronze busts honours every Test captain of the Australian men’s cricket team and proudly acknowledges Cootamundra’s connection to Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest batsman of all time.
Planned and created by the former Cootamundra Shire Council (now Cootamundra–Gundagai Regional Council) with the approval of Cricket Australia, the walk offers visitors a chance to journey through cricketing history. The all-weather, wheelchair-accessible path is approximately 150 metres long and provides an inspiring stroll through the legends of the game.
- Stage 1, unveiled on 30 August 1998, included the busts of pioneers such as Unaarrimin (Johnny Mullagh), Dave Gregory, Bill Murdoch, Arthur Morris, Richie Benaud, Bobby Simpson, Bill Lawry, Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, and Mark Taylor. A life-sized bronze sculpture of Sir Donald Bradman in action was added during his 92nd birthday celebrations in August 2000.
- Stage 2, unveiled on 27 August 2008 (the centenary of Bradman’s birth at 89 Adams Street, just a short walk away), completed the line-up with the remaining 30 captains, unveiled by renowned sculptor Tom Bass.
- Stage 3, unveiled on 12 March 2020, brought the Walk up to date with busts of Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Tim Paine, and a plaque honouring Michael Clarke.
- In 2023, the pedestals were re-arranged into a more formal layout, creating a stunning avenue with the Bradman statue as its central focal point.
Each bronze bust is mounted on a polished marble plinth with a plaque recording the player’s career and achievements, making the walk both informative and visually striking.
The Cricket Captains’ Walk is a must-visit for cricket fans, history lovers, and anyone wishing to celebrate the spirit of Australian sport in a beautiful, open-air setting in the heart of Cootamundra.