West Indies

Garry Sobers

Born: July 28, 1936, Chelsea Road, Bay Land, St Michael, Barbados

Garry Sobers bio

Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, fondly known as Garry Sobers, is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport. Born on July 28, 1936, in Bridgetown, Barbados, Sobers was a cricketing prodigy from an early age. Blessed with immense talent and natural ability, Sobers effortlessly excelled in all aspects of the game, establishing himself as the finest all-round player in modern cricket.

Sobers possessed a remarkable batting technique that combined elegance, power, and a wide array of shots. His exceptional Test batting average of 57.78 only scratches the surface of his batting prowess. Known for his stylish off-side game, Sobers displayed a rare ability to adapt and dominate any bowling attack. He was equally capable of playing both spin and pace, making him a formidable opponent for any opposition.

While Sobers’ batting skills garnered him widespread acclaim, his bowling talent was equally impressive. He possessed the ability to bowl left-arm orthodox spin and wristspin, making him a versatile bowler. Additionally, Sobers had the skill to excel as a fast-medium opening bowler, showcasing his versatility and cricketing acumen.

Apart from his batting and bowling capabilities, Sobers was also recognized for his exceptional fielding skills and catching ability, particularly close to the wicket. His fielding prowess was considered top-notch, making him an asset in any position on the field. Sobers’ commitment to excellence and dedication to the game were unmatched, making him a true cricketing genius.

Sobers’ captaincy skills were equally impressive. Although at times criticized for his enterprising approach, Sobers was known for his ability to make bold decisions and take calculated risks. However, one decision that raised eyebrows was his generous declaration against England, which ultimately allowed them to secure a decisive victory in Port-of-Spain.

Sobers’ cricketing journey began early in life. He displayed exceptional athletic prowess from a young age, excelling not just in cricket but also in golf, soccer, and basketball. Sobers made his first-class cricket debut at the age of 16 and within a year, he found himself making his Test debut for the West Indies. While primarily known for his batting, Sobers initially made his mark as a bowler, showcasing his versatility and all-round abilities.

At the young age of 23, Sobers set a world record for the highest individual score in Test cricket with a phenomenal knock of 365 against Pakistan in 1958. It was his maiden Test century, and he followed it up with five more hundreds in his next five Tests, including a historic double century. Sobers’ achievements continued to mount over the years, including hitting six consecutive sixes off an over against Malcolm Nash, a stunning innings of 254 against Australia in 1971 that even earned praise from the legendary Don Bradman, and a memorable century at Lord’s while nursing a hangover.

In addition to his contributions to West Indies cricket, Sobers also plied his trade abroad, playing for Nottinghamshire in England and South Australia in Australia. His impact and influence on the sport were recognized when he was knighted for his services to cricket in 1975.

Garfield St Aubrun Sobers left an indelible mark on the world of cricket. His exceptional batting skills, versatile bowling abilities, remarkable fielding, and enterprising captaincy made him a true legend of the game. Sobers’ records and achievements continue to inspire cricketers around the world, cementing his place as one of the all-time greats of the sport.

Garry Sobers career stats

Batting stats

Batting Matches Innings Nos Runs High score Ave BF SR 100s 50s 4s 6s Ct St
Tests 93 160 21 8032 365* 57.78 - - 26 30 - - 109 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 1 1 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
FC 383 609 93 28314 365* 54.87 - - 86 121 - - 407 0
List A 95 92 21 2721 116* 38.32 - - 1 18 - - 41 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bowling stats

Bowling Matches Innings Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10w
Tests 93 159 21599 7999 235 6/73 8/80 34.03 2.22 91.9 8 6 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 1 1 63 31 1 1/31 1/31 31 2.95 63 0 0 0
FC 383 - 70789 28941 1043 9/49 - 27.74 2.45 67.8 - 36 1
List A 95 - 4387 2393 109 5/43 5/43 21.95 3.27 40.2 4 1 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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