The life of Sir Donald Bradman was remembered tonight in a moving service in front of about 700 invited guests at St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide.

Past and present prime ministers, Australian captains and international cricketing identities, as well as people representative of all facets of Australian society, attended the service which lasted one hour and forty-five minutes and was televised live throughout Australia, New Zealand, India and Pakistan.

The service was also relayed to giant video screens at both Adelaide Oval and Sydney Cricket Ground, both home grounds of Sir Donald during his playing career. Inclement weather in both cities kept crowds lower than was anticipated, around 2000 at Adelaide Oval and 1000 at the SCG.

Speeches were given by Sir Donald's son, John, a close friend, Jill Gauvin, former Australian captain Richie Benaud, and by Governor-General Sir William Deane, who read a message from the Queen. But the most moving part of the service came when firstly Sir Donald's 21 year-old grand-daughter Greta, and then his 20 year-old grandson Tom, addressed the congregation.

Greta spoke of her memories of her grandfather, who died on February 25 at the age of 92, before singing Pie Jesu from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem, in duet with Emily Roxburgh. Her brother Tom spoke of Sir Donald's relationship with his wife Jessie, who died in 1997. He then read a poem, whose origin was unknown but was found, typewritten, among Sir Donald's personal papers when he died. It mirrored strongly the relationship between Don and Jessie.

Singer John Williamson performed his composition, Sir Don, at the conclusion of the service.

Sir Donald was given a private funeral on March 1 at Centennial Park, Adelaide. The final resting place for his ashes has not yet been announced.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd