View source for Garfield Sobers

{{Short description|Barbadian cricketer (born 1936)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| honorific_prefix = [[The Right Excellent]] [[Knight Bachelor|Sir]]
| name             = Garfield Sobers
| honorific_suffix = [[Order of National Heroes|NH]] [[Order of Australia|AO]] [[Order of the Caribbean Community|OCC]]
| image            = Sir Garry Sobers 2012.jpg
| caption          = Sobers in 2012
| birth_date       = {{Birth date and age|1936|7|28|df=y}}
| birth_place      = [[Bridgetown]], [[Colony of Barbados]]
| height           = 5 ft 11 in
| spouse           = {{marriage|Prudence Kirby|1969|1990|reason=div.}}
| children         = 3
| awards           = {{plainlist|
*[[Wisden Cricketer of the Year]] (1964)
*[[Wisden Cricketers of the Century|Wisden Cricketer of the Century]] (2000)
*[[ICC Cricket Hall of Fame]] (2009)
*[[Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy]] (named after him)
 }}
| signature        = Garry Sobers autograph.svg
| module           = {{Infobox cricketer
 |embed             = yes
 |fullname          = Garfield St Aubrun Sobers
 |batting           = Left-handed
 |bowling           = {{ubl|Left-arm [[Fast bowling|fast medium]]|[[Slow left-arm orthodox]]|[[Left-arm unorthodox spin]]}}
 |role              = [[All-rounder]]
 |international     = true
 |internationalspan = 1954–1974
 |country           = West Indies
 |testdebutdate     = 30 March
 |testdebutyear     = 1954
 |testdebutagainst  = England
 |testcap           = 84
 |lasttestdate      = 5 April
 |lasttestyear      = 1974
 |lasttestagainst   = England
 |oneodi            = true
 |odidebutdate      = 5 September
 |odidebutyear      = 1973
 |odidebutagainst   = England
 |odicap            = 11
 |club1             = [[Barbados national cricket team|Barbados]]
 |year1             = {{nowrap|1952/53–1973/74}}
 |club2             = [[South Australia cricket team|South Australia]]
 |year2             = 1961/62–1963/64
 |club3             = [[Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club|Nottinghamshire]]
 |year3             = 1968–1974

 |columns            = 4
 |column1            = [[Test cricket|Test]]
 |matches1           = 93
 |runs1              = 8,032
 |bat avg1           = 57.78
 |100s/50s1          = 26/30
 |top score1         = 365[[not out|*]]
 |deliveries1        = 21,599
 |wickets1           = 235
 |bowl avg1          = 34.03
 |fivefor1           = 6
 |tenfor1            = 0
 |best bowling1      = 6/73
 |catches/stumpings1 = 109/–

 |column2            = [[One Day International|ODI]]
 |matches2           = 1
 |runs2              = 0
 |bat avg2           = 0.00
 |100s/50s2          = 0/0
 |top score2         = 0
 |deliveries2        = 63
 |wickets2           = 1
 |bowl avg2          = 31.00
 |fivefor2           = 0
 |tenfor2            = 0
 |best bowling2      = 1/31
 |catches/stumpings2 = 1/–

 |column3            = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
 |matches3           = 383
 |runs3              = 28,314
 | bat avg3          = 54.87
 |100s/50s3          = 86/121
 |top score3         = 365[[not out|*]]
 |deliveries3        = 70,789
 |wickets3           = 1,043
 |bowl avg3          = 27.74
 |fivefor3           = 36
 |tenfor3            = 1
 |best bowling3      = 9/49
 |catches/stumpings3 = 407/–

 |column4            = [[List A cricket|LA]]
 |matches4           = 95
 |runs4              = 2,721
 |bat avg4           = 38.32
 |100s/50s4          = 1/18
 |top score4         = 116[[not out|*]]
 |deliveries4        = 4,387
 |wickets4           = 109
 |bowl avg4          = 21.95
 |fivefor4           = 1
 |tenfor4            = 0
 |best bowling4      = 5/43
 |catches/stumpings4 = 41/–
| date             = 13 September
| year             = 2007
| source           = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/52946.html Cricinfo
 }}
}}

[[The Right Excellent]] '''Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers''', [[Order of National Heroes|NH]], [[Order of Australia|AO]], [[Order of the Caribbean Community|OCC]] (born 28 July 1936), also known as '''Sir Gary''' or '''Sir Garry Sobers''', is a  Barbadian born former [[cricket]]er who played for the [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]] between 1954 and 1974. A highly skilled and an aggressive batsman, a versatile bowler and an excellent fielder, he is widely considered to be cricket's greatest ever [[all-rounder]]<ref>{{cite web |title=They broke the mould after Sir Garry |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/v-ramnarayan-on-his-favourite-cricketer-garry-sobers-723297 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922013449/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/v-ramnarayan-on-his-favourite-cricketer-garry-sobers-723297 |archive-date=22 September 2021 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=espncricinfo.com}}</ref> and one of the greatest cricketers of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Five cricketers of the century: Sir Garfield Sobers |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154375.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929093053/https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154375.html |archive-date=29 September 2021 |access-date=2021-02-13 |website=Cricinfo}}</ref>

Born in [[Bridgetown]], [[Barbados]], Sobers made his [[First-class cricket|first-class]] debut for the [[Barbados national cricket team|Barbados cricket team]] at the age of 16 in 1953, and his [[Test cricket|Test]] debut for the West Indies the following year. Originally playing mainly as a [[Bowler (cricket)|bowler]], he was soon promoted up the [[Batting order (cricket)|batting order]]. Against [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistan]] in 1958, Sobers scored his maiden Test [[Century (cricket)|century]], progressing to 365 [[not out]] and establishing a new record for the [[List of Test cricket records#Highest individual score|highest individual score]] in an innings. His record was not broken until [[Brian Lara]] scored 375 in 1994. Sobers was made [[Captain (cricket)|captain]] of the West Indies in 1965, a role which he would hold until 1972. He would also captain a [[Rest of the World cricket team in England in 1970|Rest of the World XI]] during their 1970 tour of England.

Overall, Sobers played 93 Tests for the West Indies, scoring 8032 runs at an [[Batting average (cricket)|average]] of 57.78, and taking 235 [[wicket]]s at an [[Bowling average|average]] of 34.03. He has the fifth-highest batting average in Test cricket in the list of cricketers with more than 5,000 runs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=batting_average;qualmin1=5000;qualval1=runs;template=results;type=batting|title=Batting records &#124; Test matches &#124; Cricinfo Statsguru &#124; ESPNcricinfo.com|website=Cricinfo}}</ref> In his 383 first-class matches, he scored over 28,000 runs and took over 1000 wickets, having spent time with [[South Australia cricket team|South Australia]] and [[Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club|Nottinghamshire]] towards the end of his career. Sobers was [[Knight Bachelor|knighted]] by [[Queen Elizabeth II]] in 1975 for his [[List of cricketers who were knighted#Knighted for services to cricket|services to cricket]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britishpathe.com/video/VLVACIV8VPQZQA2LC1R9Y2AZZV44Z-BARBADOS-QUEEN-ELIZABETH-KNIGHTS-CRICKET-HERO-SIR-GARFIELD-GARY/query/Knights |url-access= |title=Barbados: Queen Elizabeth Knights Cricket Hero Sir Garfield 'Gary' Sobers In Open-Air Ceremony. 1975 |author=Staff writer |date=19 February 1975 |website=britishpathe.tv |publisher=[[Reuters]] |access-date=14 August 2021 |quote=Britain's Queen Elizabeth ended a two-day visit to the Barbados by knighting West Indian cricket hero Garfield 'Gary' Sobers before a crowd of 50,000 in Bridgetown on Wednesday (19 February). }}</ref> He became a dual Barbadian-Australian citizen through marriage in 1980.<ref name=cit80>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/1356900/Sobers-bat-that-hit-six-sixes-is-up-for-sale.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/1356900/Sobers-bat-that-hit-six-sixes-is-up-for-sale.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Sobers bat that hit six sixes is up for sale |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=26 September 2000 |access-date=15 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=citmarr>{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/cricket/2003/jun/09waugh.htm |title=Reuters:Cricket, Australia honours Steve Waugh in Queen's Birthday list |publisher=In.rediff.com |date=9 June 2003 |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> By an act of [[Parliament of Barbados|Parliament]] in 1998, Sobers was named as one of the eleven [[Barbadian National Heroes|National Heroes of Barbados]].<ref name=NationNews/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barbadosparliament.com/history.php |title=Parliament's History |author=Parliament of Barbados |author-link=Parliament of Barbados |year=2009 |publisher=Barbadosparliament.com |access-date=15 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523083154/http://www.barbadosparliament.com/history.php |archive-date=23 May 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref> In 2009, Sobers was inducted into the [[ICC Cricket Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Cricinfo |date=2 January 2009 |title=ICC and FICA launch Cricket Hall of Fame |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/385019.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119020423/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/385019.html |archive-date=19 November 2011 |access-date=19 July 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

==1936–1954: early years==

Garfield St Aubrun Sobers was born on 28 July 1936 to Shamont and Thelma Sobers of Walcott Avenue, Bay Land, St Michael, [[Bridgetown]], [[Barbados]],<ref name=GS7/><ref name="Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1964">{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154556.html |title=Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1964 |publisher=Cricinfo.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/0/985/985.html |title=CricketArchive – confirmation of name |publisher=Cricketarchive.com |date=28 July 1936 |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> and was the fifth of six children.<ref name=GS7>Sobers, p. 7.</ref><ref name="BGIS"/> At birth he had two [[polydactyly|extra fingers]], one on each hand.<ref>Sobers, p. 6.</ref><ref>{{cite news
  | title = Boy born with 24 fingers and toes
  | work = BBC News
  | date = 5 February 2009
  | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7870769.stm
  | access-date = 5 February 2009}}
</ref> Sobers was only five when his father died at sea in January 1942, after his ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat.<ref name=GS7/>

From an early age, Sobers demonstrated the ability and enthusiasm to play with great skill almost any sport involving a ball, particularly cricket, [[association football|football]] and basketball.<ref name="BGIS"/> He and his similarly talented brother Gerald helped their Bay Street Boys' School team to win the primary school Inter-School Cricket championship for three consecutive years.<ref name="BGIS"/> When he was 13, he was recruited to play for two local cricket teams; the Kent St Philip club in the Barbados Cricket League (BCL), and the [[Wanderers Cricket Club|Wanderers]] club,{{Dubious|date=July 2011}} located at Bay Land, in the [[Barbados Cricket Association]] (BCA). Garnet Ashby, captain of Kent St Philip, told him that this was his opportunity to play cricket with "the big boys".<ref name="BGIS"/>

Sobers gained useful experience by bowling to Wanderers batsmen, including West Indies Test player [[Denis Atkinson]], at practice in the nets and soon developed his great skill as a left arm spin bowler.<ref name="BGIS"/> More importantly for his career, he was observed by Inspector Wilfred Farmer, captain of the Police team in the BCL First Division. Farmer offered Sobers a chance to play for the Police team in the 1951–52 season, while he was still only 15.<ref name="BGIS"/> In the 1952–53 season, Sobers was invited to the [[Barbados cricket team|Barbados]] trials for the colony's tour match against the [[India national cricket team|Indian touring team]] at [[Kensington Oval]], [[Bridgetown]]. He was initially selected as 12th man but then made the team itself when [[Frank King (West Indian cricketer)|Frank King]] was forced to withdraw with an injury.<ref name="BGIS">{{Cite web|url=http://www.barbados.gov.bb/garfieldsob.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071124143407/http://www.barbados.gov.bb/garfieldsob.htm|url-status=dead|title=Barbados Government Information Service|archive-date=24 November 2007}}</ref> He therefore made his [[first-class cricket|first-class]] debut on 31 January 1953, aged only 16. Batting at number nine, he scored 7 not out in his only innings but made an immediate impression as a bowler, taking 4/50 and 3/92.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Scorecards/20/20522.html |title=match scorecard |publisher=CricketArchive |date=5 February 1953 |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref>

A full year passed before Sobers, now 17, made his second first-class appearance,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Scorecards/20/20977.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043815/http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Scorecards/20/20977.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2016|title=The Home of CricketArchive|date=4 March 2016}}</ref> again playing against a touring team. He batted at number five against [[Marylebone Cricket Club]] (MCC), scoring 46 and 27; and took two wickets in the match. He had shown enough talent in these two matches to be selected for West Indies and his third first-class appearance was his [[Test cricket|Test]] debut.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First-Class Matches played by Garry Sobers (383) |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Nottinghamshire/Players/0/985/First-Class_Matches.html |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref>

==International cricket career==

===1954–1957: early Test career===

Sobers had progressed quickly and made his Test debut in March 1954, aged 17, against [[England cricket team|England]] at [[Sabina Park]] in [[Kingston, Jamaica]], for the fifth and final Test, after [[Alf Valentine]] had fallen ill.<ref name="Sobers: 36">Sobers (2002), p. 36.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Scorecards/21/21007.html |title=match scorecard |publisher=CricketArchive |date=3 April 1954 |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> Sobers was selected as a bowler, despite only mediocre performances against England for Barbados. He made a good impression by taking 4/75 in England's first innings, including a wicket in his opening over. Sobers also scored 14 not out and 26 batting at number nine; however, England won the match by nine wickets.<ref name="Sobers:38-40">Sobers (2002), pp. 38–40.</ref>

Australia toured the West Indies in [[Australian cricket team in West Indies in 1954-55|1954–55]], and their all-rounder [[Keith Miller]] thought that Sobers would become a better batsman than bowler despite batting in the lower-order. Sobers was not selected for the First Test, which the West Indies lost by nine wickets. However, he regained his place for the Second Test in [[Port of Spain]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]]. The match was a high-scoring draw, with Sobers scoring 47 and eight not out. He was barely used with the ball, bowling three overs for ten runs, as Australia amassed a first-innings total of over 600.<ref name="GS Sobers / Test matches/ All-round records">{{cite web|url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/52946.html?class=1;template=results;type=allround;view=innings|title=GS Sobers / Test matches/ All-round records | publisher= ESPN| work = Cricinfo| access-date= 24 January 2010}}</ref><ref name="Sobers:44">Sobers (2002), p. 44.</ref> Sobers was given a further opportunity in the next Test in [[Georgetown, Guyana]] (British Guiana at the time) in [[South America]]. Despite scoring only 12 and 11 with the bat, he took three wickets in the Australians' first innings. Nevertheless, Australia won by eight wickets.<ref name="GS Sobers / Test matches/ All-round records"/><ref name="Sobers:44-45">Sobers (2002), pp. 44–45.</ref> West Indian captain and opening batsman [[Jeff Stollmeyer]] twisted his ankle after treading on a ball ahead of the Fourth Test in Barbados, "triggering huge debate about who should open."<ref name="Sobers:45">Sobers (2002), p. 45.</ref> Eventually, Sobers was chosen to open the innings after Australia had amassed another total of over 600. Sobers had a suspicion he might be asked to do the job. "I couldn't see them sending in anyone else—I was a bowler with a little ability as a batsman and they wanted someone to help see off the shine and protect the [[Everton Weekes#The Three Ws|three Ws]]."<ref name="Sobers:45-46">Sobers (2002), pp. 45–46.</ref> Sobers struck his first three deliveries for boundaries, all from the bowling of Miller. In the fast bowler's second over, Sobers hit him for another three fours. He was eventually dismissed for 43 out of a first-wicket partnership of 52 with [[John Holt (cricketer)|John Holt]].<ref name="Sobers:46-47">Sobers (2002), pp. 46–47.</ref> The match was drawn, and Sobers took one wicket in the Australians' only innings, before scoring 11 in the West Indies second innings.<ref name="GS Sobers / Test matches/ All-round records"/><ref name="Sobers:48">Sobers (2002), p. 48.</ref> The home team were again defeated in the fifth and final Test in Jamaica. Sobers performed with the bat, however, scoring 35 not out and 64.<ref name="GS Sobers / Test matches/ All-round records"/>
[[File:Garfield Sobers, 1956.jpg|thumb|Sobers on the New Zealand tour in 1956]]
Sobers went on his [[West Indian cricket team in New Zealand in 1955-56#West Indies 1955–56|first overseas tour]] in the early months of 1956 when, aged 19, he was part of the West Indian tour of [[New Zealand]]. The series was not successful personally for Sobers, who struggled on the foreign batting wickets. West Indies pitches had little or no grass, while in New Zealand the pitches were green. "I took one look and asked myself how I could possibly bat on that? How could I make runs? I was out before I even walked to the crease," Sobers later wrote.<ref name="Sobers:51">Sobers (2002), p. 51.</ref> Playing in all four Tests, he totalled 81 runs and two wickets.<ref name="GS Sobers / Test matches/ All-round records / Series averages">{{cite web|url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/52946.html?class=1;template=results;type=allround;view=series|title=GS Sobers / Test matches/ All-round records / Series averages | publisher= ESPN| work = Cricinfo| access-date= 24 January 2010}}</ref> As a batsman, Sobers needed time to develop at Test level and, in nine Tests as a teenager, he scored only one half century, and averaged 29.33 with the bat.<ref name="GS Sobers / Test matches / Cumulative averages">{{cite web|url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/52946.html?class=1;template=results;type=batting;view=cumulative|title=GS Sobers / Test matches / Cumulative averages | publisher= ESPN| work = Cricinfo| access-date= 24 January 2010}}</ref>

Sobers was sent home from New Zealand early to play an unofficial Test match against an England team that included feared fast-bowler [[Frank Tyson]]. After struggling to cope with Tyson's pace, Sobers managed to score a half-century, raising hope that he would be selected for the upcoming tour to England, something he considered unlikely after his lack of form.<ref name="Sobers:52-53">Sobers (2002), pp. 52–53.</ref> In the first trial match to help select the squad for the upcoming tour, Sobers scored a century in Trinidad. The matches also saw Sobers get his first look at West Indian cricket politics. [[Wes Hall]] and [[Frank Mason (cricketer)|Frank Mason]] were competing for a single place in the touring party, and Sobers and [[Everton Weekes]] decided they "would take on Mason and knock him out of the firing line to try and get our fellow Bajan (countryman) Wes in the team."<ref name="Sobers:53">Sobers (2002), p. 53.</ref> The pair attacked Mason, while they defended Hall in a tactic that paid off with Hall selected, despite Sobers believing Mason was the better bowler at the time.<ref name="Sobers:53"/>

Sobers toured England for their summer in [[West Indian cricket team in England in 1957|1957]]. He played his first match against the Jim Swanton XI in April, and was surprised about how cold the conditions were, often causing him to wear two or three jumpers.<ref name="Sobers:56">Sobers (2002), p. 56.</ref>
His performances with the bat throughout the five Test series were classed as mediocre, scoring 320 runs at 32, with three half centuries. On the bowling front, Sobers struggled, taking five wickets at 71.<ref name="GS Sobers / Test matches/ All-round records / Series averages"/> It was in the final Test at [[The Oval]] that Sobers gained the attention of critics with defiant batting amid a disappointing team performance. The condition of the pitch was subject to criticism and described by ''[[Wisden Cricketers' Almanack]]'' as "a strange sight".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/152661.html |title=Wisden Online – match report |publisher=Content-www.cricinfo.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> After England had scored 412, the West Indies were easily dismissed for 89 and 86 by the [[Surrey County Cricket Club|Surrey]] spinners [[Jim Laker]] and [[Tony Lock]], who were playing on their home ground. Batting at number 3, Sobers made 39 and 42, while none of his colleagues passed 30 in either innings. In its summary of the tour, ''Wisden'' said: "(of the newcomers) [[Collie Smith]], Sobers, [[Rohan Kanhai]] and [[Roy Gilchrist]] were particularly impressive"; adding that "to Sobers, a tall left-handed all-rounder, fell the distinction of hitting the highest score of the tour: 219 not out against Nottinghamshire at [[Trent Bridge]]. Sobers undoubtedly was a very fine stroke-player who should go far".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/152656.html |title=Wisden Online – 1957 tour summary |publisher=Content-www.cricinfo.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref>

===1958–1964: 365 not out===

At this stage of his career, Sobers had frustrated his admirers by failing to convert good starts into high scores. He had reached double figures in 18 of his 22 Test innings, although his highest score was still only 66. But, in the three years following the 1957 tour, he fulfilled his promise. In his next 24 Tests, he scored 2,250 runs at the exceptionally high average of 93.75. In 1958, he scored his maiden Test century against [[Pakistan]] in Kingston and expanded it to an unbeaten 365, breaking the [[Test cricket records|world record Test score]] of 364 set by England's [[Len Hutton]] in 1938.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/22/22847.html |title=match scorecard |publisher=CricketArchive |date=4 March 1958 |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> Sobers batted for 614 minutes and scored 38 fours but, unusually in such a large total, no sixes. At 21 years and 216 days, he is the youngest player to break the individual scoring record in Tests, and remains the youngest triple-centurion.<ref>[[Don Bradman]], at [[Headingley Cricket Ground|Headingley]] in 1930, was three months older than Sobers when he broke the record. Bradman's innings remains the only other instance of a Test triple century scored before the player's 22nd birthday.</ref> Sir Garfield Sobers set the world records for the highest maiden test ton (365*) as well as becoming the first batsman in test history to convert his maiden test ton into a triple ton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/230132.html |title=Highest maiden ton in test cricket |publisher=Cricinfo |date=4 March 2000 |access-date=23 March 2017}}</ref> He made 824 runs with three centuries in the five Tests against Pakistan, and followed this with 557 runs and three more centuries on the West Indies tour of [[India]] in 1958–59.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/IND/West_Indies_in_India_1958-59/t_West_Indies_Batting.html |title=CricketArchive – 1958–59 Test averages |publisher=Cricketarchive.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> Sobers underwent trauma following the death of Collie Smith in September 1959, but he continued to play cricket successfully. In the home Test series against England in 1959–60, he scored three centuries in five matches, totalling 709 runs.<ref>[https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/WI/Marylebone_Cricket_Club_in_West_Indies_1959-60/t_West_Indies_Batting.html CricketArchive – 1959–60 Test averages].</ref>

Largely inspired by new West Indies captain Sir [[Frank Worrell]], who was a close personal friend, Sobers had an outstanding [[West Indian cricket team in Australia in 1960-61|1960–61 series in Australia]]. He scored a celebrated 132 on the first day of the First Test at [[Brisbane Cricket Ground]], the match which resulted in the first [[Tied Test]]. ''Wisden'' confirmed that "some observers considered it the best hundred they had ever seen".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/155246.html |title=Wisden Online – 1960–61 tour summary |publisher=Content-www.cricinfo.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> Sobers scored 430 runs in the series, which Australia won 2–1, with two centuries; his fielding was outstanding and he took 12 catches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/AUS/West_Indies_in_Australia_1960-61/t_West_Indies_Batting.html |title=CricketArchive – 1960–61 Test averages |publisher=Cricketarchive.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> He felt he had "had a good series, starting badly but then coming on" and a very positive outcome for him was to receive an invitation from [[Don Bradman]] to play for [[South Australia cricket team|South Australia]] in 1961–62.<ref>Sobers, p. 128.</ref>

Sobers took 15 wickets in the 1960–61 series, including a best analysis of 5/120, at an average of 39.20, and his bowling allowed Worrell to play an extra batsman in the final three Tests, thus using Sobers for the first time as a designated all-rounder, a role in which he became the dominant player in world cricket over the next decade, being awarded the [[Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World]] title (retrospectively) eight times in 13 years.<ref name="Wisden Online">{{cite web|url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/wisden/content/story/350988.html |title=Wisden – Wisden'S Leading Cricketer In The World |publisher=Content-www.cricinfo.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> Sobers was never a prolific wicket-taker in Test cricket, and his average of three wickets per game in this series typified his whole career. Overall, he took 235 wickets in his 93 Tests at an average of 34.03 and was more effective when operating as a pace bowler. His best performance was 6/73 and, although he achieved five wickets in an innings six times, he never took ten in a match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/0/985/985.html |title=CricketArchive – GS Sobers: career record |publisher=Cricketarchive.com |date=28 July 1936 |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref>

His success continued in the next two series at home to India in 1961–62 and away to England in 1963. He was elected [[Wisden Cricketer of the Year]] in 1964,<ref name="Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1964"/> and then succeeded Worrell, who had retired, as West Indies captain for the [[Australian cricket team in West Indies in 1964-65|1964–65 home series against Australia]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Chambers |first=Michael |date=2021-09-09 |title=The Rt Excellent Sir Garfield St. A Sobers Part 2 |url=https://crickethof.org/2021/09/09/the-rt-excellent-sir-garfield-st-a-sobers-part-2/ |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=Cricket Hall of fame |language=en-US}}</ref>

===1965–1974: West Indies captaincy===

Sobers enjoyed immediate success as West Indies captain when his team defeated Australia by 179 runs in the First Test at Sabina Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/27/27307.html |title=match scorecard |publisher=CricketArchive |date=8 March 1965 |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> West Indies went on to win the series 2–1 and so claim the new [[Frank Worrell Trophy]]. This was the first time West Indies had beaten Australia in a Test series.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australia in the West Indies, 1964-65 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/australia-in-the-west-indies-1964-65-155227 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119194904/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/australia-in-the-west-indies-1964-65-155227 |archive-date=2025-01-19 |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/headtohead/team-series-results/australia-west-indies-2vs4/test-matches-1</ref>

Sobers enjoyed spectacular success in England in 1966 and was widely acclaimed as "King Cricket". In the five Tests he scored 722 runs at an average of 103.14 with three centuries, and had 20 wickets at 27.25, as well as taking 10 catches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/ENG/West_Indies_in_British_Isles_1966/Team_Averages.html |title=West Indies averages for 1966 tour |publisher=Cricketarchive.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> West Indies won the series 3–1, with one match drawn. His status was celebrated at that time by the [[Trinidadian]] [[Calypso music|calypso]] artist [[Mighty Sparrow]], with his song "Sir Garfield Sobers".<ref>{{cite web|author=Mighty Sparrow |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0000508PD |title=Track listing of the Mighty Sparrow album featuring "Sir Garfield Sobers" |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref>

In 1966–67, Sobers captained the West Indies team to India in 1966–67 and they won the series 2–0 with one match drawn.<ref>https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-india-1966-67-61937</ref>

He lost a series for the first time in 1967–68 when West Indies were surprisingly beaten at home by England. Four matches were drawn and England won the Fourth Test at [[Queen's Park Oval]] following a controversial declaration by Sobers which enabled England to score the necessary 215–3 to win at just four runs an over.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WI vs ENG Cricket Scorecard, 4th Test at Port of Spain, March 14 - 19, 1968 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-west-indies-1967-68-61747/west-indies-vs-england-4th-test-63017/full-scorecard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708080034/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-west-indies-1967-68-61747/west-indies-vs-england-4th-test-63017/full-scorecard |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

In 1968–69, Sobers captained the [[West Indian cricket team in Australia in 1968-69]] but they lost the series 3–1<ref>{{Cite web |title=West Indies tour of Australia {{!}} 1968 West Indies tour of Australia {{!}} Live Score, Schedule, News |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-australia-1968-69-61899 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202130607/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-australia-1968-69-61899 |archive-date=2024-12-02 |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> and then drew a three-Test series in New Zealand 1–1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=West Indies tour of New Zealand 1968/69 {{!}} Live Score, Schedule, News |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-new-zealand-1968-69-61925 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425235318/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-new-zealand-1968-69-61925 |archive-date=2025-04-25 |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

In 1969, West Indies lost 2–0 in England with one match drawn.<ref>https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-england-and-ireland-1969-61885</ref>

Sobers captained West Indies for the five-Test home series versus India in 1970–71. India won the series 1–0 with four matches drawn.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India tour of West Indies {{!}} 1971 India tour of West Indies {{!}} Live Score, Schedule, News |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-west-indies-1970-71-62312 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118100154/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-west-indies-1970-71-62312 |archive-date=2025-01-18 |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> A year later, Sobers led West Indies in five home Tests against New Zealand and all five were drawn.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Zealand tour of West Indies 1971/72 {{!}} Live Score, Schedule, News |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-west-indies-1971-72-62104 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250714150538/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-west-indies-1971-72-62104 |archive-date=2025-07-14 |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

Sobers was succeeded as West Indies captain by Rohan Kanhai for the 1972–73 home series against Australia. Sobers did not play in that series but returned to play under Kanhai in England in 1973. He played his last Test in March 1974 at Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, against England.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Garry Sobers Debut and last played matches in Tests, ODIs, T20Is and other formats |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/garry-sobers-52946/matches |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523061752/https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/garry-sobers-52946/matches |archive-date=2024-05-23 |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

===Rest of the World XI===

When [[South Africa national cricket team|South Africa]] were banned from international cricket because of the country's [[apartheid]] policy, South Africa's two lucrative tours to England in 1970 and to Australia in 1971–72 were cancelled. The cricket authorities responded by forming a Rest of the World team to play two unofficial Test series instead, and these teams included some leading South African players. Sobers was invited to captain the [[Rest of the World cricket team in England in 1970|Rest of the World XI in England]] and a [[World XI]] [[Rest of the World cricket team in Australia in 1971–72|in Australia]].<ref>Sobers, p. 140.</ref>

In 1970, captaining the [[Rest of the World cricket team in England in 1970|Rest of the World XI against England]], he took 6/21 on the opening day of the First unofficial Test at Lord's with pace bowling, the ball swinging and seaming at high speed. He then scored "a magnificent" 183 and helped bowl out England in the second innings using his left arm wrist spin.<ref name="W71">{{cite web|url=http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/152436.html |title=Wisden – The 1970 Test Matches |publisher=Content-uk.cricinfo.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> In the Fourth Test at [[Headingley Cricket Ground|Headingley]], Sobers scored 114 and 59 as his team won by two wickets.<ref name="W71"/> Following the Rest of the World series, he outraged many in the West Indies by [[Garfield Sobers Rhodesia affair|playing]] in a friendly double-wicket tournament in [[Rhodesia]] in September 1970.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Sobers's Rhodesian misjudgement
|last=Williamson
|first=Martin
|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/235653.html
|work=ESPNcricinfo
|publisher=ESPN Inc.
|date=4 February 2006
|access-date=25 June 2013}}</ref>

In January 1972, in the third unofficial Test between Australia and The World XI at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]], Sobers played an innings of 254 which was described by Don Bradman as "probably the greatest exhibition of batting ever seen in Australia".<ref>Tribute by Bradman, [https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2lEVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cOUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2960,1405919&hl=en ''Sydney Morning Herald'', 6 January 1972]. Retrieved 7 October 2009.</ref> [[Australia cricket team|Australian]] captain [[Ian Chappell]] also rates the innings as the best innings he ever saw.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-01-01|title=Garry Sobers annihilates Australia with a merciless 254|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/garry-sobers-annihilates-australia-with-a-merciless-254-21568|access-date=2021-02-15|website=Cricket Country|language=en-US}}</ref>

He reached his century in 129 balls and after a rest day, reached 254 in 326 balls. It was "one of the most magnificent innings seen on the Melbourne Cricket Ground" and his "superb display of forceful cricket" lasted 376 minutes and included two sixes and 33 fours.<ref>Harte, p. 534.</ref>

Sobers wrote in his autobiography that these two "unofficial" series should be given full "Test" status due to the quality of the players involved.

==League cricket in England==

Sobers spent several seasons in English league cricket. Having completed his first tour of England with West Indies in 1957, he followed the advice of his mentor [[Frank Worrell]] and became the professional at [[Radcliffe Cricket Club]] in the [[Central Lancashire League]], staying for five seasons from 1958 to 1962.<ref>Sobers, p. 50.</ref> This experience enabled him to hone his skills in varying conditions and Sobers says that playing in the league furthered his cricket education.<ref>Sobers, p. 46.</ref> He enjoyed considerable success at Radcliffe. In 1961, he achieved a rare "double" by scoring 1008 runs and taking 144 wickets, his performances being instrumental in Radcliffe winning both the league's championship title and its supplementary Wood Cup competition.<ref>''Playfair Cricket Annual 1962'', pp. 128–129.</ref>

While he was engaged at Radcliffe, Sobers underwent emotional trauma after a road accident in September 1959 on the [[A34 road (England)|A34]] near [[Stoke-on-Trent]] which resulted in [[Collie Smith]]'s death. Sobers was driving a car in which Smith and another West Indian Test player [[Tom Dewdney]] were passengers. Smith's back was broken by the collision and he died three days later. Sobers could not recall much about the crash and was fined £10 for [[driving without due care and attention]].<ref>Sobers, pp. 1–3.</ref> He "began drinking more" and there were concerns, expressed by himself and others, that the experience might affect his cricket career.<ref>Sobers, p. 4.</ref> He got over the trauma by deciding that he would be letting his country down if he "disappeared into the mists of an alcoholic haze" and he resolved to play not just for Garfield Sobers but for Collie Smith as well, thus setting himself the task of playing for two men.<ref>Sobers, p. 5.</ref> He recovered well and, after an outstanding home Test series against England in 1959–60, he returned to Radcliffe where he continued as club professional for the next three seasons.{{Citation needed|date=July 2019}}

Sobers gives an insight into the life of the club professional in his autobiography.<ref>Sobers, p. 48.</ref> He was paid £500 a season by Radcliffe. That was a reasonable wage but he relied on matchday collections to augment it and a good performance would boost the collection. He sometimes received as much as £50 in a collection and "that represented a massive bonus". Radcliffe placed no restrictions on him and, when they had no game, he could play as a guest professional in other leagues throughout Lancashire and Yorkshire. He particularly liked playing in Yorkshire when he could because they would pay him £25 per appearance with a collection on top if he did well.{{Citation needed|date=July 2019}}

After touring England with West Indies in 1963, he moved to the [[North Staffordshire and South Cheshire League]] in 1964 to play for Norton Cricket Club, who duly won the league title.<ref>Sobers, p. 51.</ref> Sobers made 549 runs in 18 innings at 49.90, finishing second in the league averages behind only his amateur brother Gerald, also playing for Norton, who averaged 50.12. Gary Sobers did even better with the ball, his 97 wickets at 8.38 heading the league averages.<ref>''Wisden 1965''.</ref> 1965 saw a repeat performance with Norton again winning the league and, though Sobers only averaged 25.38 with the bat, he again topped the league bowling averages with 76 wickets at 8.03.<ref>''Wisden 1966''.</ref> Norton lost the league title in 1966 while Sobers was touring England with West Indies but regained it in 1967 when he returned. He was fourth in the 1967 league batting averages with 41.83 and third in the bowling with 95 wickets at 9.37 (the two bowlers with better averages took only 22 and 24 wickets).<ref name="W68"/>

==Sheffield Shield with South Australia==

In the 1961–62 Australian season which followed the [[West Indian cricket team in Australia in 1960-61|1960–61 West Indies tour]], Sobers and his West Indian colleagues [[Wes Hall]] and [[Rohan Kanhai]] returned to Australia to take part in the [[Sheffield Shield]]. Sobers played for [[South Australia cricket team|South Australia]] and had an enormous impact on attendances, causing an 89% increase with gate receipts rising "by two and a half times".<ref>Harte, p. 481.</ref> He topped both the batting and bowling averages at South Australia, his best performance being against champions [[New South Wales cricket team|New South Wales]] at the [[Adelaide Oval]] when he scored 251 and took 3/51 and 6/72.<ref>[https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/25/25321.html CricketArchive – match scorecard.] Retrieved on 16 August 2009.</ref>

He was even more outstanding in 1963–64 when, largely due to his efforts, South Australia won the Sheffield Shield. Sobers was the season's leading runscorer with 973 at 74.84 and the leading wicket taker with 47 at 28.27.<ref>Harte, p. 491.</ref>

Sobers spent three seasons with South Australia and in two he achieved the rare double of 1000 runs and 50 wickets.<ref name="W68">{{cite web|url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/152386.html |title=Wisden – Notes by the Editor |publisher=Content-www.cricinfo.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref>

==Shell Shield with Barbados==

Sobers played intermittently for Barbados throughout his first-class career. He made his [https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/27/27936.html first appearance] in [[1965–66 Shell Shield season|the inaugural season]] of the new [[Shell Shield]] competition in February 1966. His last appearance for Barbados came in the [[1973–74 Shell Shield season|1973–74 Shell Shield]] match against [[Jamaica cricket team|Jamaica]], at Kensington Oval.<ref>[http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Scorecards/34/34026.html CricketArchive: match scorecard]. Retrieved on 7 November 2008.</ref>

==County Championship with Nottinghamshire==

At the end of the [[1967 English cricket season]], it was agreed that each county club could immediately sign a non-English player for the 1968 season. Seven clubs approached Sobers and, on 14 December 1967, [[Nottinghamshire CCC|Nottinghamshire]] announced that he had signed for them and had been appointed club captain. Sobers stated that, although he had enjoyed his time in league cricket, he had a definite preference for the first-class game and he looked forward to restoring Nottinghamshire's fortunes. Though details were undisclosed, ''Wisden 1968'' speculated that his contract would run for three years and be worth £7000 a year (a very high income at the time), including an apartment and a car.<ref name="W68"/>

===Six sixes in an over===

On 31 August 1968, Sobers became the first [[batsman]] ever to hit six [[boundary (cricket)#Scoring runs|sixes]] in a single [[over (cricket)|over]] of six consecutive balls in [[first-class cricket]]. Sobers hit the first four balls cleanly out of the ground but was caught on his fifth attempt by [[Roger Davis (cricketer)|Roger Davis]] on the boundary at long-off. However, while doing so, Davis fell on his back and landed on the line. Umpire [[Eddie Phillipson]] ruled that Davis had carried the ball over the boundary and signalled six.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/45341168 |title=Malcolm Nash: The Glamorgan bowler on the end of Sir Garfield Sobers' six sixes |work=BBC Sport |access-date=8 June 2021}}</ref> Sobers then smashed the next ball—the sixth ball of the over—clean over the East Terrace of the St. Helen's Cricket Ground. As commentator [[Wilf Wooller]] put it: "And he’s done it! He’s done it! And my goodness, it’s gone ... way down to Swansea!"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1082906/mike-rowbottom-malcolm-nash-garry-sobers |title=Malcolm Nash - fixed in history for six fateful deliveries; but delivered from that by his talent and humour |date=August 2019 |publisher=insidethegames.biz |access-date=8 June 2021}}</ref> Sobers was playing as captain of [[Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club|Nottinghamshire]] against [[Glamorgan County Cricket Club|Glamorgan]] at [[St. Helen's Rugby and Cricket Ground|St. Helen's]] in [[Swansea]]; the unfortunate bowler was [[Malcolm Nash]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Scorecards/29/29736.html |title=The Home of CricketArchive |publisher=Cricketarchive.co.uk |date=2 September 1968 |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> This tally of 36 runs in an over broke a 57-year-old record of 34 runs, held by [[Ted Alletson]].<ref name="MR">{{cite web|url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/content/records/146057.html |title=Most runs off one over |publisher=Stats.cricinfo.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> The ball was collected from a garden by 11-year-old Richard Lewis; he later gave the ball to Sobers. In 1984–85, Indian batsman [[Ravi Shastri]] equalled the record by scoring six sixes in an over while playing for [[Bombay cricket team|Bombay]] versus [[Baroda cricket team|Baroda]].<ref name="MR"/>

==Style and technique==

An outstanding all-rounder, Sobers was left-handed as both [[batsman]] and [[Bowler (cricket)|bowler]]. His versatility enabled him to bowl all varieties of left-arm bowling from [[left-arm spin|spin]] to [[fast bowling|fast-medium]]. As a [[Fielding (cricket)|fielder]] he was usually stationed close to the wicket but he was also a very capable outfielder.

In a 1988 interview with [[Norman May]], the great Australian batsman and cricket administrator Sir [[Donald Bradman]] described Sobers as the best all rounder he ever saw, and gave this assessment of his style and technique:<ref>''The Don Declares''; Chapter: ''Farewell to Cricket''; Interviewer Norman May, ABC Audio, 1988</ref>

{{blockquote|I've got no hesitation at all in saying that Gary Sobers is the greatest allround cricketer I ever saw... Sobers made over 8000 runs for the West Indies in test matches at the splendid average of 57.7, and only [[Everton Weekes|Weekes]] and [[George Headley|Headley]] have beaten that average. He also took 235 wickets. Although his bowling average of 34 was high, it is understandable because he bowled fast with the new ball, left hand [[googly]] or first finger spin according to what the situation demanded, and this took away some of the accuracy that the less versatile bowlers developed. Without a doubt he was the best batsman in the world against fast bowling, on top of that he was a superb fielder in any position.|Sir Donald Bradman, 1988}}

[[Richie Benaud]] described Sobers as "the greatest all-round cricketer the world has seen".<ref name="RB">Benaud, p. 119.</ref> Benaud wrote, "Sobers was a brilliant batsman, splendid [[Fielding (cricket)|fielder]], particularly close to the wicket, and a bowler of extraordinary skill, whether bowling with the new ball, providing orthodox left-arm spin or over-the-wrist spin".<ref name="RB"/>

[[Fred Trueman]] enjoyed a great rivalry with Sobers and later described him as a "sublime left-hand batsman" who was "one of the greatest cricketers ever to have graced the game, certainly the greatest all-rounder". Trueman went on to say that Sobers as a batsman "has a great cricketing brain and his thought processes are lightning quick".<ref>Trueman, p. 294.</ref>

[[C. L. R. James]], when describing the batsmanship of [[Wilton St Hill]], commented upon St Hill's ability to judge the ball early in its flight and so quickly decide which stroke to play. In James's view, only Sir [[Don Bradman]] and Sobers were comparable with St Hill in having this capability of "seeing" the ball.<ref>James, p. 109.</ref> ''Wisden 1969'' described the "lightning footwork" of Sobers as he got into position for his stroke.<ref name="WC">''Wisden Collection'', p. 181.</ref> Commenting upon Sobers's six sixes in an over against his team in 1968, [[Glamorgan County Cricket Club|Glamorgan]] captain [[Tony Lewis]] said: "It was not sheer slogging through strength, but scientific hitting with every movement working in harmony."<ref name="WC"/>

As a bowler, Sobers began as an orthodox left arm spinner (SLA) and later developed the ability to bowl left arm wrist spin and [[googly|googlies]]. Sobers could also operate as a seamer, sometimes using medium pace, but he was much more effective when he bowled fast. With the new ball, he could make the delivery curve late in flight at high speed; his action being a loose, springy run followed by a "whiplash" delivery.<ref>Frith, p. 195.</ref>

Though he mostly fielded close to the wicket, Sobers was an exceptional outfielder who was seen on one occasion, when he had fielded the ball on the boundary, to "bend his hand back almost parallel with his arm before flipping the ball a full seventy yards to the wicketkeeper".<ref>Major, p. 214.</ref>

Following his success as captain of West Indies on the [[West Indian cricket team in England in 1966|1966 tour of England]], the 1967 edition of ''[[Wisden Cricketers' Almanack]]'' declared that for Sobers "(the 1966 Tests) were one triumph after another with bat and ball, as well as in the field as a master tactician and fantastic catcher close to the bat".<ref>''Wisden at Lord's'', p. 163.</ref> Sobers's exploits in 1966 earned him the media-bestowed sobriquet of "King Cricket", which soon afterwards became the title of a book about him.<ref>[[Alan Bestic]], ''King Cricket – Gary Sobers'', Pelham Books Ltd, 1967.</ref>

==Football career==
Sobers was a natural athlete and played football at a competitive level in Barbados, primarily as a left-back (defender). His physical strength, tactical awareness, and athleticism made him a formidable player.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

His most notable football achievement came when he was selected to play for Barbados in an international match against [[Martinique]] in the 1950s. In this match, Sobers helped his team to a 2–0 victory, scoring one of the goals — a rare feat for a defender.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Sobers remains one of the few athletes to have represented his country internationally in two sports. His brief but successful stint in football, capped by a goal-scoring international match, adds another layer to his sporting legacy.

==Personal life==

Sobers was briefly engaged to Indian actress [[Anju Mahendru]] after he met her on the 1966–67 tour of India.<ref>Sobers, pp. 168–69.</ref> He married Prudence "Pru" Kirby, an Australian, in September 1969.<ref>Sobers, p. 244.</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/105804|title=Sobers Wedding|publisher=[[British Pathé]]|location=[[Nottinghamshire]], [[England]]|type=[[newsreel]]|people=Pathé Gazette|date=1969-09-14|accessdate=2024-09-08}}</ref> They had two sons, Matthew and Daniel, and an adopted daughter, Genevieve.<ref>Sobers, p. 241.</ref> The marriage ended in divorce in 1990 after the couple broke up in 1984;<ref>Sobers, p. 245.</ref> however, Sobers acquired dual Australian citizenship through marriage in 1980.<ref name=cit80/><ref name=citmarr/>

He says that his was a multi-sporting family who were all good at [[football (soccer)|football]], [[basketball]], [[table tennis]] and [[tennis]].<ref>Sobers, p. 11.</ref> His own favourite sport is [[golf]] and he has been an enthusiastic gambler.<ref>Sobers, ch. 20.</ref> He is the author of a children's novel about cricket, ''Bonaventure and the Flashing Blade'', in which computer analysis helps a university cricket team become unbeatable.<ref>Garfield Sobers, ''Bonaventure and the Flashing Blade'', Pelham Books, 1967.</ref>

In 2021, Sobers expressed his opposition to the constitutional change made by the government of Barbados to become a republic and abolish the [[monarchy of Barbados]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/11/29/sir-gary-sobers-stumped-barbados-removing-queen-itll-sad-lot/|work=The Telegraph|title='It'll be sad for a lot of us': Sir Gary Sobers stumped over Barbados cutting ties with the Queen|date=29 November 2021|access-date=1 December 2021|archive-date=1 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201175705/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/11/29/sir-gary-sobers-stumped-barbados-removing-queen-itll-sad-lot/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Honours and legacy==

[[File:Sobers statue kensington.jpg|thumb|Statue of Sobers outside Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados]]

In the [[1975 New Year Honours]], [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]] created Sobers a [[Knight Bachelor]] for his services to cricket.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=46444 |supp=y|pages=1–2|date=31 December 1974}} Retrieved on 27 April 2008.</ref> The award was made in the British Diplomatic and Overseas section of the list, rather than on the nomination of the Government of Barbados, which had stopped putting forward recommendations for British honours. This caused the British [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] some unease, as shown by papers released by [[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]] in 2005. However, since Barbados had not yet introduced its own system of honours, the [[Prime Minister of Barbados]] was pleased that an honour would be forthcoming for Sobers.<ref name=TNA>[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATLN=6&CATID=8506883&j=1 Catalogue data for file FCO 57/606], [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?queryType=1&resultcount=1&Edoc_Id=6792853 pdf copy of full document relating to award of knighthood to Sir Garfield Sobers] (fee required to view pdf)</ref>

The award was originally intended to be made in the 1975 [[Queen's Birthday Honours]], but since there was a royal visit to Barbados planned for February 1975, it was moved forward to the New Year list so that Sobers could be knighted by the Queen in person during the visit. The very short turnaround between the decision to make the award and its announcement meant that the [[Governor-General of Barbados]] was not informed of the award before the public announcement, which caused some hurt feelings between London and Bridgetown.<ref name=TNA /><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=46502|page=2671|date=27 February 1975}} Retrieved on 27 April 2008.</ref>

He was the subject of ''[[This Is Your Life (UK TV series)|This Is Your Life]]'' in 1975 when he was surprised by [[Eamonn Andrews]] while attending a reception at the [[High Commission of Barbados, London|Barbadian High Commission in London]] to celebrate his recent knighthood.

Sobers was made a [[Barbadian National Heroes|National Hero of Barbados]] by the Cabinet of Barbados in 1998<ref>[http://www.barbados.gov.bb/garfieldsob.htm National Heroes of Barbados—Sir Garfield Sobers] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071124143407/http://www.barbados.gov.bb/garfieldsob.htm |date=24 November 2007 }}, [[Government of Barbados]].  Retrieved on 26 June 2008.</ref> and is thus accorded the honorary prefix "The Right Excellent".<ref name=NationNews>{{cite news |title=Sir Garry: What about Wes? |first=Kenmore |last=Bynoe |url=http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/sir-garry-what-about-wes/ |newspaper=[[The Daily Nation (Barbados)|Nation Newspaper]] |date=3 May 2011 <!-- @ 12:00 AM  --> |access-date=28 June 2011 |quote=Just a couple of days after Barbados celebrated its heroes, the sole living National Hero, The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, has expressed amazement that one of his closest comrades on the cricket field, Wesley Hall, has not been given a knighthood by his country. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508145409/http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/sir-garry-what-about-wes/ |archive-date=8 May 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He is one of only eleven people to have received this honour and one of two recipients still living, along with [[Rihanna]].<ref>[http://www.barbados.gov.bb/bdosnathero.htm Barbados National Heroes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905130732/http://barbados.gov.bb/bdosnathero.htm |date=5 September 2008 }}.  Retrieved on 6 September 2009.</ref>

Sobers coached internationally, having a one-time stint with Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/451948.html |title=Sa'adi Thawfeeq, "A slinger and some swingers", All-time XI: Sri Lanka, ESPN Cricinfo. 18 March 2010 |publisher=Cricinfo.com |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> In 2003 he was appointed an [[Officer of the Order of Australia]], where he had played many first-class games for [[Southern Redbacks|South Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1043247 |title=Australian Government—It's an honour—Australia Celebrating Australians. Entry for Sobers, Garfield St Aubrun |publisher=Itsanhonour.gov.au |date=9 June 2003 |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref>

==Cricket awards==

Among the awards that Sobers won during his playing career were:

* [[Wisden Cricketer of the Year|''Wisden'' Cricketer of the Year]]: 1964<ref name=":1">https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-s-highest-accolade-named-after-sobers-143030</ref>
* The Cricket Society Wetherall Award for the Leading All-Rounder in English First-Class Cricket: 1970<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Wetherell Award - English First Class Cricket |url=https://www.cricketsociety.org.uk/pages/21-wetherell-all-rounder |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=The Cricket Society}}</ref>
* Walter Lawrence Trophy winner: 1974<ref>{{Cite web |title=NCCC News : Cambridge MCCU vs Nottinghamshire: Statistical Preview |url=https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2016/april/cambridge-mccu-vs-nottinghamshire-statistical-preview.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802110719/https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2016/april/cambridge-mccu-vs-nottinghamshire-statistical-preview.html |archive-date=2 August 2017 |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=www.trentbridge.co.uk}}</ref>
* One of the ''Wisden'' Cricketers of the Century: 2000<ref name=":1" />

In 2000, Sobers was named by a 100-member panel of experts as one of the five [[Wisden Cricketers of the Century|''Wisden'' Cricketers of the Century]]. He received 90 votes out of a possible 100. The other four cricketers selected for the honour were [[Donald Bradman|Don Bradman]] (100 votes), [[Jack Hobbs]] (30), [[Shane Warne]] (27) and [[Viv Richards]] (25).<ref>[http://content-www.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153387.html "Five cricketers of the century"]. ''Wisden Cricketer's Almanack'', 2000 edition. Retrieved on 8 November 2008.</ref>

In 2004, the [[International Cricket Council]] (ICC) inaugurated the [[Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy]] which is awarded annually to the player selected by ICC as its Player of the Year. The recommendation to name the award after Sobers was made by a panel consisting of [[Richie Benaud]], [[Sunil Gavaskar]] and [[Michael Holding]], who were asked by the ICC "to select an individual with whom to honour cricket's ultimate individual award".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2004/sep/06trophy.htm |title=India Abroad |publisher=Rediff |date=31 December 2004 |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref>

In 2007 ''Wisden'' retrospectively selected the [[Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World|Leading Cricketer in the World]] for every year dating back to 1900 (except 1915–18 and 1940–45), Sobers being selected for eight years (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964–66, 1968 and 1970). Only Sobers and Bradman (10) received the accolade more than three times.<ref name="Wisden Online"/>

To mark 150 years of the Cricketers' Almanack, ''Wisden'' named him in an all-time Test World XI.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/24640224| title= WG Grace and Shane Warne in Wisden all-time World Test XI
|date=23 October 2013|work=BBC|access-date=26 July 2019}}</ref>

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==Cited sources==

{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/garrysobersmyaut0000sobe |last=Sobers|first=Garfield|title=Garry Sobers: My Autobiography |year=2003 |publisher=Headline |isbn=0-7553-1007-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Benaud |first=Richie |author-link=Richie Benaud |title=My Spin on Cricket |year=2005 |publisher=Hodder and Stoughton |isbn=0-340-83393-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780340833933 }}
* {{cite book |last=Frith|first=David|author-link=David Frith |title=The Fast Men |year=1975 |publisher=TransWorld Publishing |isbn=0-552-10435-3}}
* {{cite book |last=Harte|first=Chris|title=A History of Australian Cricket |year=1993 |publisher=Andre Deutsch|isbn=0-233-98825-4}}
* {{cite book |last=James |first=C. L. R. |author-link=C. L. R. James |title=Beyond A Boundary |year=1963 |publisher=Hutchinson |isbn=0-8223-1383-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/beyondboundary00jame }}
* {{cite book |last=Major|first=John|author-link=John Major |title=More Than a Game |year=2007 |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-00-718364-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Trueman|first=Fred|author-link=Fred Trueman |title=As It Was |url=https://archive.org/details/asitwasmemoirsof0000true|url-access=registration|year=2004 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=0-330-42705-9}}
* {{cite book |last=Wright|first=Graeme |title=Wisden at Lord's |year=2005 |publisher=John Wisden & Co. Ltd |isbn=0-947766-93-6}}
* {{cite book |last=Wright|first=Graeme |title=A Wisden Collection |year=2004 |publisher=Bloomsbury |isbn=0-7475-7435-9}}
* {{cite book |last=Wisden|title=[[Wisden Cricketers' Almanack]] |year=1964 |publisher=John Wisden & Co. Ltd | location=London}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==

{{commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071124143407/http://www.barbados.gov.bb/garfieldsob.htm Garfield Sobers] from the [[Barbados]] Government Information Service
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100616161315/http://caricom.org/jsp/projects/personalities/sir_garfield_sobers.jsp?menu=projects Sir Garfield Sobers], Caribbean Community (CARICOM) website
* {{ESPNcricinfo|id=52946}}

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{{West Indies Test Cricket Captains}}
{{Test cricket doubles to 1977}}
{{BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year}}
{{Wisden Cricketers of the Century}}
{{Wisden All-Time World Test XI}}
{{ICC Cricket Hall of Fame}}
{{Batsmen with a Test batting average above 50}}
{{World XI Tour of Australia 1971/72}}
{{National Heroes of Barbados|state=collapsed}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sobers, Garfield}}
[[Category:1936 births]]
[[Category:Australian people of Barbadian descent]]
[[Category:Naturalised citizens of Australia]]
[[Category:Barbadian cricketers]]
[[Category:Barbados cricketers]]
[[Category:Barbadian knights]]
[[Category:Cricket people awarded knighthoods]]
[[Category:Commonwealth XI cricketers]]
[[Category:International Cavaliers cricketers]]
[[Category:Officers of the Order of Australia]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of the Caribbean Community]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Marylebone Cricket Club cricketers]]
[[Category:Nottinghamshire cricketers]]
[[Category:Barbadian expatriate cricketers in England]]
[[Category:Nottinghamshire cricket captains]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Bridgetown]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Trinity Cross]]
[[Category:South Australia cricketers]]
[[Category:West Indies Test cricket captains]]
[[Category:West Indian cricketers of 1945–46 to 1969–70]]
[[Category:West Indies One Day International cricketers]]
[[Category:West Indies Test cricketers]]
[[Category:Wisden Cricketers of the Century]]
[[Category:Wisden Cricketers of the Year]]
[[Category:Wisden Leading Cricketers in the World]]
[[Category:BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year winners]]
[[Category:A. E. R. Gilligan's XI cricketers]]
[[Category:E. W. Swanton's XI cricketers]]
[[Category:Prospect cricketers]]