 As a batsman , Hammond started the tour well , scoring 208 in an early game , but lost form once the Tests began . One of the turning points of the series was a disputed catch in the first Test . Bradman , who looked in poor form and uncertain to continue his cricket career for much longer , had reached 28 when the English team believed he had edged the ball to Jack Ikin at slip . Bradman , as was his entitlement , waited for the umpire 's decision instead of leaving the field . The fielders were certain that he was out , but the umpire said he was not , believing the ball had bounced before it was caught ; opinion among other participants and spectators was divided . However , Hammond was extremely angry , saying loudly , either to Bradman or the umpires , " a fine fucking way to start a series " . Afterwards , relations between Hammond and Bradman deteriorated and there was a coldness between them . Bradman went on to score 187 and Australia won the match and , ultimately , the series . In that first Test , Hammond played two good innings on a very difficult wicket , but in the series , he did not pass fifty , scoring 168 runs at an average of 21 @.@ 00 before missing the final Test . In all first @-@ class cricket , he scored 633 runs ( average 45 @.@ 21 ) . He suffered increasing pain from fibrositis throughout the series , and later admitted that he felt close to a breakdown . Hammond played his last Test in New Zealand at the end of the tour , scoring 79 in his final innings . He ended his career with 7 @,@ 249 Test runs at an average of 58 @.@ 46 . His 22 centuries remained an English record until surpassed by Alastair Cook in December 2012 . 
