Sir Garfield Sobers: the Greats Called Him the Greatest

PL: Dennis Lillee tells Et Al that Sobers was the best he ever bowled to

SIR GARFIELD SOBERS

Test Batting

160 inns, 8032 runs, 57.78 avg, 365no hs, 26/30 (50s/100s)

Test Bowling

159 inns, 235 wkts, 34.03 avg, 8-80 bbm, 6/8 (5w, 10w)

(*On 31 Aug 1968, Sobers became first batsman ever to hit six sixes in a single over of a first-class match at St Helen’s while captaining Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan.)

Sir Garfield Sobers (28 July 1936 - 17 July 2026)

If Dad was still alive, I’d ask him about that time he took me to my first Test match at the MCG in January 1972. I was eight years old and only had eyes for the rock star Dennis Lillee, but was distracted by the exotic sight of Bishen Bedi fielding in a patka, and impressed by the magnitude of such an event. I saw DK bowl late on the second day, and then we drove back to Bendigo, where the radio would have relayed the news of Garry Sobers seeking his 254-run revenge on the Australians over the next few days.

Callow I was, and incapable of comprehending the magnitude of the innings at the time, but the passing years have insisted its significance be recognised and its architect elevated.

The story of Bradman calling the Rest of the World onto the balcony to witness the “best innings he’d ever seen” has become part of the folklore of the game.

Sir Garfield Sobers was 35 then, presumably slowing down, but the innings was a reassertion of his status as the ultimate cricketer. One praised by peers and adored by fans, a man who could bowl spin of several varieties, swing so swift some said he was as fast as Wes Hall in his prime and one who could make magic happen in the field.

Dad’s not alive, but Dennis still is, and Saturday was his 77th birthday. While out on a walk in the bright Perth morning, he paid tribute to the Sobers who played with him like a cat does a mouse in that innings.