West Indies cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers dies aged 89
Sir Garfield Sobers, widely considered one of cricket's greatest all-rounders who famously hit six sixes in an over at a Welsh ground, has died at 89.
Sir Garfield 'Garry' Sobers has died at the age of 89, closing the chapter on a 20-year Test career that established him as one of cricket's most complete players.
While his legacy is rooted in the Caribbean, Sobers left an indelible mark on British sport. He spent seven seasons playing in the English County Championship for Nottinghamshire, and it was on a British ground that he achieved one of the game's most famous feats.
In August 1968, batting for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan at St Helen's in Swansea, Sobers became the first player in first-class cricket history to hit six sixes in a single over. The blows were delivered off the bowling of Malcolm Nash and captured by BBC cameras, embedding the moment permanently in British sporting folklore.
Born in Barbados in 1936, Sobers made his Test debut for the West Indies against England in Jamaica in 1954 at the age of 17. He initially made his name as a left-arm spinner but evolved into a peerless left-hand batsman. He finished his Test career with 26 centuries, a batting average of 57.78, and 235 wickets.
His maiden Test century was a monumental 365 not out against Pakistan at the age of 21, breaking Len Hutton's 20-year-old record. That score remains the fourth-highest individual Test innings in history.
Sobers captained the West Indies for seven years from 1965, leading the side to a series victory in England in 1966 where he averaged over 100. His standing in the global game was later cemented when the International Cricket Council named its leading men's player of the year award the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.
Nottinghamshire Cricket Club confirmed the news, stating they were "extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, at the age of 89." Windies Cricket wrote on its official account: "A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers."
Sobers, who married Australian Pru Kirby in 1969 before divorcing in 1990, leaves two sons, Matthew and Daniel, and an adopted daughter, Genevieve.
