Beginnings and Debut

The fifth of Shamont and Thelma Sobers's six children, Sir Gary was born Garfield St. Aubrun Sobers on July 28, 1936, at Bay Land, St. Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados.

He was born with two additional fingers—one on each hand—that he cut off by himself when he was young using catgut and a sharp knife. Sobers was just five years old when his father passed away at sea in January 1942 as a result of a German U-boat torpedoing his ship.

Sobers honed his exceptional talent as a left-arm spin bowler by bowling to Wanderer's batters during practice in the nets, notably West Indies Test star Denis Atkinson. He was seen by Inspector Wilfred Farmer, the captain of the Police team in the BCL First Division, which was more significant for his professional development. Sobers was just 15 years old when Farmer offered him an opportunity to play for Police in the 1951–52 season.

Sobers received an invitation to the Barbados trials for the colony's tour game against the Indian touring team at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, in the 1952–53 season. He was initially chosen as the 12th man, but after Frank King was forced to withdraw, he was added to the actual team. So, at the age of just 16, he made his first-class debut on January 31, 1953. He batted at number nine and finished his lone innings with a score of 7 not out, but he also quickly established himself as a bowler by taking 4/50 and 3/92.

Ascend to Glory

Sir Garfield served as the captain of the West Indies cricket team for thirty-nine matches between 1965 and 1972. Additionally, he led the Barbados team from 1966 to 1967, Nottinghamshire from 1968 to 1971, and the Rest of the World for two trips, one to Australia and the other to England.

He has so much to enjoy as a captain that in 1964, the squad won a series against Australia for the first time. West Indies defeated England in 1966 by a score of 3-1, with one game being tied. He was acclaimed as "King Cricket" after this victory.

Sir Garfield is regarded as a significant national icon and hero. His image was featured on a Barbados Independence Postage Stamp in 1966.

Statistics and Records

Sobers played 93 Tests for the West Indies in all, amassing 8032 runs at an average of 57.78 and 235 wickets at an average of 34.03 while scoring runs at a rate of 57.78.

He ranks fifth among cricketers with more than 5,000 runs in terms of batting average in Test matches. He played in 383 first-class matches, scoring over 28,000 runs and claiming over 1000 wickets. He later played for South Australia and Nottinghamshire.

Sir Garfield set certain records that are still valid. He made a remarkable three hundred and sixty-five (365 not out) at the age of 21, which wasn't surpassed for 36 years. Brian Lara scored (375 not-out) points in 1994.

Career Journey

Garry Sobers was a great icon. Donald Bradman famously referred to him as a "five-in-one cricketer" because of his versatility.

As he readily reveals in his autobiography, Sobers battled with bottles for years at the start of a promising career. His close buddy O.G. "Collie" Smith was injured in a car accident in 1959 that Sobers was driving, and he later passed away.

Sir Garfield set certain records that are still valid. He made a remarkable three hundred and sixty-five (365 not out) at the age of 21, which wasn't surpassed for 36 years. Brian Lara scored (375 not-out) points in 1994.

Sir Garfield became the first batsman to hit six sixes in a six-ball over. Sir Garfield Sobers retired from cricket in 1974 because the cartilage in his knee started to wear out.

Honors and Awards

Queen Elizabeth II honored Garfield Sobers with the knighthood at the Garrison Savannah rather than Buckingham Palace in 1975.

Sobers received the honorific title "The Right Excellent" when the Cabinet of Barbados designated him a National Hero of Barbados in 1998. Only ten persons, including him, have gotten this honor, and he is the only one who is still alive.