School students from Bowral Public School and Bowral High School received the chance to meet ex-cricketer Brad Haddin and former Prime Minister John Howard as part of the launch of a new cricket-themed education program.

Titled Bradman by the Numbers, the program has been designed to use cricket to drive learning.

Cricket Australia representative Andrew Ingleton said the new education initiative sought to “inspire the next generation of cricket fans in school”.

“The program is another avenue for cricket it make a positive educational impact,” he said.

“It’s also an opportunity to prolong the Bradman legacy.”

Director of the Bradman Foundation John Howard said the interpretation and representation of Bradman cricket for schools was “delightful”.

“It’s for those kids who have a passion for cricket and maths, it’s great that it’s combined,” he said.

Ex-cricketer Brad Haddin brought his son to the launch, and said combining sport with learning would encourage students to enjoy their classes.

“The beauty with this program it is will get kids who are better at physical classes to enjoy the classroom,” he said.

The students blew out the candles for Don Bradman’s cake and then enjoyed a game of cricket with Brad Haddin while John Howard umpired.

The Bradman by the Numbers program is a free online resource for Year 4 to Year 10.