West Indies great with 57.78 Test average breathes his last at 89

The cricket world is mourning the loss of Sir Garry Sobers, the legendary West Indies all-rounder, who has passed away at his home in Barbados at the age of 89. Celebrated globally as perhaps the most complete and naturally gifted cricketer to have ever played the game, Sobers was a true master of all trades.

West Indies' greatest all-rounder Garry Sobers dies

He was a world-class Test batter, a versatile bowler capable of delivering left-arm seam, orthodox spin, and wrist-spin, and an incredibly athletic close-in fielder.

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Over a majestic 20-year international career spanning from 1954 to 1974, Sobers represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches. He amassed 8,032 runs at a stunning average of 57.78 and claimed 235 wickets at an average of 34.03. His immense contribution to the sport is immortalized by the ICC through its most prestigious annual accolade—the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy—which is awarded to the world's most outstanding male cricketer across all formats each year.

Garry Sobers' illustrious career 

Sir Garry Sobers first stepped onto the first-class stage during the 1952-53 season as a gifted 16-year-old, making his Test debut just one year later against England in Jamaica. Initially selected primarily for his bowling, he batted down at number nine, scoring 14 and 26—while asserting his presence with the ball by taking 4 for 75 in England's first innings. His true batting genius erupted in 1958 at Sabina Park. At just 23 years old, he converted his maiden Test century into a monumental, unbeaten 365 against Pakistan. This historic knock shattered Sir Len Hutton’s world record for the highest individual Test score, holding strong for 36 years until Brian Lara famously eclipsed it in 1994 with Sobers warmly celebrating from the sidelines.