Cricket legend Garry Sobers dies at 89
Garry Sobers. Collected photo
Cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game, has died at the age of 89. He passed away just two weeks before his 90th birthday. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the cricketing world on social media.
Sobers played 93 Test matches for the West Indies between 1954 and 1974. He scored 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries.
In 1958, he made an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan, setting the world record for the highest individual score in a Test innings at the time. Fellow West Indian Brian Lara broke that record in 1994 with an innings of 375.
Sobers was equally formidable with the ball. The left-arm all-rounder claimed 235 Test wickets and excelled in both pace and spin bowling.
Following his death, cricket fans as well as former and current players paid tribute to him on social media.
Broadcaster and commentator Piers Morgan wrote, "Sobers was the greatest all-rounder the world has ever seen. He was a brilliant fielder, a destructive batter, and an equally accomplished fast and spin bowler. He was also a wonderful human being off the field. Cricket has lost a true West Indies hero."
