Bowled Shane © Getty Images

In the Sydney Morning Herald John Huxley reports that four Australian sports scientists have worked out the reason for Don Bradman's freakish ability. The researchers point out to Bradman's unorthodox technique - including his grip and stance - and psycho-physical tests which showed that he had a slower reaction time than the average university student. And they add that both these helped him develop a "perfect" technique".

Another Australian, another legend, another freak. Shane Warne is a unique specimen and cannot be aped, writes Robin Mckie, the science editor of the Observer. He says:

His firm clutch of the cricket ball; the powerful fingers that send it swerving on unguessable trajectories; and the sweeping arcs of his arm propelling it on pinpoint flights: all highlight attributes that have sent Homo sapiens to planetary domination. It may seem unlikely, but the lad from Ferntree Gully [Warne] is a pinnacle of human evolution.

The Surfer wants to investigate why only Australia produces these freaks of nature. Oh, silly Surfer. It's the beer, mate.