Garfield Sobers, legendary West Indies cricketer, passes away at 89

Legendary West Indies cricketer Garfield Sobers has passed away at the age of 89. Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders to have played the game, Sobers featured in 93 Tests, scoring 8032 runs at an average of 57.78, and one ODI between 1954 and 1974.

Born and raised in Barbados, Sobers was known for his versatility as a left-arm bowler, bowling both orthodox and wrist spin as well as medium pace. He made his first-class debut aged 16 and his international debut aged 18. Sobers showcased his batting prowess by converting his maiden Test century into a then-record 365 against Pakistan in 1958. It remained the highest score in Test cricket until Brian Lara's 375 in 1994 and remains the highest maiden Test century.

The innings also marked the beginning of a Bradmanesque run as Sobers piled up 500+ runs in each of the subsequent five series, with the cover-drive and hook standing out among an array of other shots. Sobers then nailed three centuries on the tour to India in 1958-59, before churning out 709 runs at an average of 101.28 against England the following year - a series that included an epic 226 in a 399-run association with Frank Worell, which lasted a total of nine and a half hours.

The Aussie challenge came calling next and Sobers was at it again. He cracked 132 in the fairy-tale Brisbane Test - the first ever tied Test- before the counter-attacking 168 at the SCG in 1961. His finest bowling figures (6-73) also arrived against Australia when he opened the bowling at Brisbane in 1968-69. Notably, his fitness came to the fore in the series as Sobers sent down 22 eight-ball overs in succession amidst sultry conditions.

Following the departure of Sir Frank Worell, Sobers was enlisted with the task of leading the team. He had considerable success as a captain, leading the West Indies in 39 Tests. He is also one of only two players, alongside Jacques Kallis, to achieve the double of 8,000 runs and 200 wickets in Test cricket.

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