BRIDGETOWN, Barbados—The cricketing fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the death of Barbados’ National Hero, Sir Garry Sobers on Friday.
Sir Garry passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Highgate Gardens, 11 days shy of his birthday.
Considered as the greatest all-rounder in this sport’s history, his son Daniel Sobers, who was at his father’s side at the time of his death, said he had been ailing for some time.
“His breathing had increased and we had him on oxygen. I couldn’t believe how powerful he is; he just refused to go.
“This morning his rate of breaths had increased, and it came to a point where it couldn’t increase anymore and he let go and he passed peacefully and he is now with Jackie, his other half in heaven at peace,” Sobers said in an interview on Starcom Network.
“But he put up a good fight. He is a very, very strong man, and he is deeply loved by his family and will be deeply missed.”
Sir Garfield St Auburn Sobers was born on July 28, 1936, and went on to become one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders to have played the game, Sobers featured in 93 Tests, scoring 8032 runs at an average of 57.78, and one ODI during his 20-year playing career from 1954 and 1974.
Born and raised in Barbados, Sobers was known for his versatility as a left-arm bowler, bowling both orthodox and wrist spin as well as medium pace. He made his first-class debut aged 16 and his international debut aged 18. Sobers showcased his batting prowess by converting his maiden Test century into a then-record 365 against Pakistan in 1958. It remained the highest score in Test cricket until fellow West Indian Brian Lara’s 375 in 1994 and remains the highest maiden Test century.
The innings also marked the beginning of a Bradmanesque run as Sobers piled up 500+ runs in each of the subsequent five series, with the cover-drive and hook standing out among an array of other shots. Sobers then nailed three centuries on the tour to India in 1958-59, before churning out 709 runs at an average of 101.28 against England the following year—a series that included an epic 226 in a 399-run association with Frank Worell, which lasted a total of nine and a half hours.
The Aussie challenge came calling next and Sobers was at it again. He cracked 132 in the fairy-tale Brisbane Test - the first ever tied Test- before the counter-attacking 168 at the SCG in 1961. His finest bowling figures (6-73) also arrived against Australia when he opened the bowling at Brisbane in 1968-69.
Notably, his fitness came to the fore in the series as Sobers sent down 22 eight-ball overs in succession amidst sultry conditions.
Following the departure of Sir Frank Worell, Sobers was enlisted with the task of leading the team. He had considerable success as a captain, leading the West Indies in 39 Tests. He is also one of only two players, alongside Jacques Kallis, to achieve the double of 8,000 runs and 200 wickets in Test cricket.
Sobers also famously became the first man to hit six sixes in an over in professional cricket, achieving the feat in 1968 while playing for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan.
“This is probably the saddest day for the game of cricket,” Sunil Gavaskar said. “The greatest cricketer to walk the earth has left us. No words can ever do justice to Sir Garfield Sobers the cricketer. He was everything we dream of becoming when we pick up the bat or the ball as kids.
Sobers also claimed 235 wickets at an average of 34.03 and an economy rate of 2.22.
By an act of Parliament in 1998, Sobers was named as one of the 11 National Heroes of Barbados.
Sobers was also the first batsman to hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket, achieving the feat for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan in 1968.
Knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket, Sobers remains the benchmark for all-round excellence.
His legacy endures through the ICC’s Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, awarded annually to the men’s Cricketer of the Year, ensuring his name will forever be synonymous with cricketing greatness.
