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Sir Garfield Sobers dies aged 89 as ‘greatest innings comes to an end’
Cricket has lost one of its greatest-ever players after Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies all-rounder and former Nottinghamshire star, died at the age of 89.
Sir Garfield Sobers has died at the age of 89, Cricket West Indies has announced.
Barbados-born Sobers, who is widely regarded as one of the finest cricketers ever to play the game, played for the West Indies for 20 years.
He made both his first and last Test appearances in 1954 and 1974 respectively against England.
A statement on Windies Cricket’s official X account simply said: “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
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Iconic figure
Perhaps modern cricket’s finest all-rounder, Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, was an elegant batsman, a versatile bowler, a brilliant fielder and a respected captain.
He died just 11 days short of his 90th birthday
In all, he made 93 Test appearances and scored 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78. Meanwhile, his 235 wickets came at a cost of 34.03.
He burst on to the scene with Barbados, making his first-class debut as a 16-year-old. Sobers was then elevated to the West Indies ranks a year later.
However, he was 23 by the time he registered his first Test century, a world record 365 against Pakistan.
Sobers is perhaps best remembered in England, where we spent six seasons with Nottinghamshire from 1968 to 1974, for the six successive sixes he hit in a single over from Glamorgan’s Malcolm Nash.
Nottinghamshire said in a statement on their official X account: “Cricket’s greatest-ever all-rounder, and an iconic figure in Nottinghamshire history.
“We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers.”
PICTURE: Philip Toscano/PA
Forever in our hearts
News of Sobers’ death sparked an outpouring of warmth for a cricketer who transcended national loyalties.
England Cricket posted on X: “One of the greatest to ever play the game. Forever in our hearts, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
There were tributes too from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
A post on X read: “The BCCI mourns the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, a true icon of the game and one of cricket’s greatest-ever all-rounders.
“His extraordinary achievements, lasting influence on Caribbean cricket and immeasurable contribution to the global game have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
“Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the global cricketing fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”
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