Cricket icon Sir Garfield Sobers, known as one of the greatest all-rounders in the sport’s history, has passed away at the age of 89. Sobers, a former West Indies captain, achieved numerous milestones with both bat and ball during his illustrious career. He notably became the first player to hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket back in 1968.
Born in Barbados, Sobers made his debut in first-class cricket at the young age of 16 in 1953. His rapid ascent in the sport saw him earn a West Indies Test cap the following year. In 1958, he set a new world record for the highest individual Test score by scoring an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan, a record that stood until Brian Lara surpassed it in 1994.
Retiring from international cricket in 1974 at 38, Sobers’ versatility in all facets of the game made him a sought-after player globally. He played 93 Tests for the West Indies, amassing 8,032 runs at an impressive average of 57.78 and taking 235 wickets at 34.03. Even today, he holds the fourth-highest batting average among players with over 5,000 Test runs.
Sobers’ impact extended beyond international cricket, with a remarkable first-class record that included over 28,000 runs and more than 1,000 wickets in 383 matches. Knighted in 1975 for his immense contributions to the sport, Sobers’ legacy transcends generations, setting the benchmark for all-rounders in cricket.
