Alec Bedser, Tom Graveney and Brian Close pay tributes to Bradman 

London, Feb 26 : Sir Alec Bedser, one of the few bowlers to earn Sir Donald Bradman's respect, led the English tributes on Monday to the greatest batsman in Test history. 

"I played 10 tests against the Don," Bedser recalled. "I got him out six times in seven test innings. 

"He was the best. He played cricket as it should be played." 

Bedser headed England's attack against Bradman's Australia side in the 1946-7 and 1948 series.

"He will never be surpassed," Bedser said. "He was just extraordinary. I am proud that he considered me one of his greatest friends in England. 

"His objective was to get runs, not stay there. He scored 50 an hour every time he played. His record will never be passed. Bradman, in 50 tests, got more runs than people who have played in more than twice as many." 

Former England batsman Tom Graveney said Bradman looked as though could score off nearly every ball. 

"He was a wonderful man and he had a fantastic record," Graveney said. 

"He looked to me as if he could score off practically every ball and they used to say of him that if he could read the bowler's intention and if it was where he thought it would be he would hit the ball for four and if it wasn't he would push if for a single." 

Former England captain Brian Close said Bradman was a humble man who did not go around saying how good he was. 

"He was meek in some ways and did not thrust it down people's throats," Close said. "Today's players could learn a lot from him."