Sir Don's son, John Bradman, leads the funeral procession

About 100 invited mourners, including Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Governor-General Sir William Deane, attended the service at the cemetery chapel.

The man who became known as 'The Don' after his heroic feats at the crease died in Adelaide on Sunday 25 February at the age of 92.

Regarded as the world's greatest player, he averaged an unrivalled 99.94 in 52 Tests, scoring 6,996 runs between 1928 and 1948, including 29 centuries.

Bradman had requested a private service - but a memorial, open to the public, will be held on Sunday 25 March at St Peter's Cathedral next to the Adelaide Oval and broadcast live across Australia.

'Farewell to Gentleman Don'

The reclusive Bradman had turned down the offer of a state funeral - but that did not stop mourners lining the streets.

'The Don' died peacefully at home on Sunday

Traffic banked up behind the procession and slowed further when people surged onto the streets to pay their last respects.

"Farewell to Gentleman Don. Rest in Peace," read one placard, held aloft on the edge of a main road.

The death of Bradman, who was described by another cricketing star, Richie Benaud, as "the greatest Australian", has left the nation grieving.

"I feel very emotional, very sad," said one of the mourners, 73-year-old Des Aplin.

"He was one of the best," said Loretta Keough, 62, who waited outside the funeral home for more than an hour to catch a last glimpse of the greatest cricketer of the 20th century.