A Son of the Rock

So sad to hear of the death of Garry Sobers, one of, if not the, best cricketer(s) of my lifetime.

He broke the record number of runs for a Test innings the first time he scored a century – 365 not out against Pakistan in Kingston in 1958, still the highest maiden test score of 100 or over – and was the first batsman to hit six sixes off one over playing for Northamptonshire against Glamorgan. He was also a fine spin and fast-medium bowler along with being a fine fielder, taking many catches off the bowling of Lance Gibbs and had a good record as captain of the West Indies.

Instantly recognisable with his trademark upturned shirt collar, he played with an elegance and grace.

No less a judge than Richie Benaud described Sobers as the greatest all-round cricketer the world has seen.

Garfield St Aubrun (Garry) Sobers:  28/7/1936 – 17/72026. So it goes.