Garfield Sobers

Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, AO, OCC (born 28 July 1936), also known as Gary or Garry Sobers, is a former cricketer from Barbados who represented the West Indies cricket team. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for his services to cricket.

Early Life

Sobers was born in Bridgetown, Barbados, and was the fifth of six children. From an early age, he demonstrated a prodigious talent for cricket, playing for the Bay Street Boys' School in Bridgetown. His first major step into organized cricket came when he was selected for the Barbados Cricket Association's team at just 16 years of age.

Cricket Career

Sobers' international debut for the West Indies came at the age of 17 against England in 1954. Initially playing primarily as a bowler, Sobers' batting skills quickly developed, making him one of the most versatile players in cricket. Over his career, he played 93 Test matches, scoring over 8,000 runs, including 26 centuries, and taking 235 wickets. His highest score was an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958, a record at the time for the highest individual score in an innings in Test cricket.

Sobers was known for his ability to excel in all aspects of cricket: batting, bowling, and fielding. He bowled both fast-medium and slow left-arm, making him a highly unpredictable opponent. As a fielder, he was most often positioned close to the wicket, where his sharp reflexes and athleticism came to the fore.

Captaincy

Sobers was appointed captain of the West Indies in 1965, a position he held until 1972. Under his leadership, the team enjoyed significant success, including a notable Test series victory in England in 1966. His captaincy was characterized by his aggressive tactics and his ability to inspire his teammates.

Post-Retirement

After retiring from international cricket in 1974, Sobers continued to play in various leagues around the world and also served as a coach and cricket administrator. He has been a vocal advocate for the sport, contributing to its development in the West Indies and beyond.

Legacy

Sobers' contributions to cricket have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Century in 2000, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Hall of Fame inducted him in 2009. His autobiography, Garry Sobers: My Autobiography, offers insights into his life and the sport of cricket.

Personal Life

Sobers has been involved in various charitable activities, particularly focusing on youth sports development in Barbados and the Caribbean. He has also been open about the challenges he faced, including dealing with racism and the pressures of international fame.

See Also

• Cricket in the West Indies
• List of international cricket centuries by Garfield Sobers
• Wisden Cricketers of the Century