"One of the greatest sportsmen world has ever known” U N Chief 

United Nations, Feb 27: U N Secretary-General Kofi Annan has paid tribute to Australian cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, saying he stood for the values of fair play and international cooperation "that are at the heart of the United Nations." 

"One of the greatest sportsmen the world has ever known, Sir Donald matched his extraordinary record of accomplishment on the field with grace and honour off it," Annan said in a statement yesterday. 

Bradman, named Australian Sportsman of the Century in 1999, compiled 6,996 runs in an unrivalled Test career average of 99.94 from 52 matches spanning 20 years. Australian Prime Minister John Howard called him the greatest Australian. 

Annan frequently issues statements of condolence when heads of state die, but it is rare for him to issue a personal message after the death of a sportsman. 

"I join cricket lovers around the world in expressing my sincere condolences to his family, the government and people of Australia, and the game of cricket, which have all suffered an irreparable loss."