OTD in 1936: Cricketing genius all-rounder Garry Sobers was born today

On this day in 1936, the cricketing world was graced with the birth of one of its greatest all-rounders, Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, affectionately known as Garry Sobers. Born in Barbados, Sobers would go on to become a cornerstone of West Indies cricket and one of the most revered figures in the sport’s history.

Sobers made his First-class debut at the tender age of 16 and joined the West Indies national team just a year later. His international career spanned two decades, during which he played 93 Test matches, amassing 8,032 runs at an impressive average of 57.78. 

In addition to his batting prowess, Sobers was a formidable bowler, taking 235 Test wickets. His versatility as a bowler was remarkable; he could deliver left-arm orthodox spin, left-arm medium pace, and even left-arm chinaman. This rare ability to adapt his bowling style made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.

Also Check: Arthur Shrewsbury became the first man to make 1000 runs in Test Cricket

Record-breaking innings against Pakistan!

One of Sobers’ most memorable achievements came in 1958, during a Test match against Pakistan in Kingston. At just 21 years old, Sobers scored an unbeaten 365 runs, setting a record for the highest individual Test score at the time. 

This record stood for 36 years and remains one of the top individual scores in Test cricket history. Sobers’ innings could have reached even greater heights had his captain, Gerry Alexander, not declared the innings at 790/3, preventing Sobers from potentially becoming the first player to score 400 runs in a Test match.

When Sobers retired in 1974 after his final Test against England in Port of Spain, he held the record for the most Test runs scored. His contributions with the bat were complemented by his fielding excellence, as he took the third-highest number of catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket at the time of his retirement.

Today, as the cricketing world celebrates Sobers’ birthday, his legacy endures. His incredible achievements and versatile skills have set a benchmark for all-rounders in cricket. His impact on the game continues to inspire new generations of cricketers, solidifying his place as one of the best all-rounders of all time.

Read More: End of an astonishing Lord’s Test between England and West Indies