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.

He of the clipped delivery has died.

Along with the long gone and lamented John Arlott, Richie Benaud was part of the sound of my childhood – at least when the cricket was on.

Benaud’s commentaries – especially his end of day’s play summaries – were always insightful and his voice was of course a godsend to imitators.

I remember reading once (in the late 60s or early 70s) that Benaud had witnessed – either as a player or commentator – somewhere around 70% of all the Test matches that had ever been played up to that point. Certainly well over half. In those days there were many fewer Test playing nations and the international schedule was lighter but it was still a remarkable feat and went a long way to explaining his deep knowledge of and love for the game of cricket.

The world always seems emptier when a figure who is redolent of a certain sphere of activity, who represents it in your mind – the first thing, the one above all else, I associated with the name Benaud was cricket – passes away. Present day players seem totally insignificant in comparison.

Richard “Richie” Benaud: 6/10/1930 – 10/4/2015. So it goes.