The great Garfield Sobers died less than two hours ago

[malaise]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/17/west-indies-cricket-great-sir-garry-sobers-dies

Sobers will forever be associated with the feat he completed in 1968 at Glamorgan’s St Helen’s ground in Swansea when he became the first batsman to hit six sixes in a single over of six consecutive balls in first-class cricket but his achievements in a long and illustrious career were numerous.

The late Richie Benaud, a revered broadcaster and former Australia captain, described Sobers as “the greatest all-round cricketer the world has seen”. He wrote: “Sobers was a brilliant batsman, splendid fielder, particularly close to the wicket, and a bowler of extraordinary skill, whether bowling with the new ball, providing orthodox left-arm spin or over-the-wrist spin.”

Sobers made his first-class debut for Barbados at the age of 16 in 1953, and such was his extraordinary talent he was quickly called up by his country and made his Test debut for West Indies the following year.

It did not take him long to make his mark on the world stage. Against Pakistan in 1958, Sobers scored his maiden Test century, eventually recording 365 not out, a new record for the highest individual score in a Test innings. The record was not broken until Brian Lara did so in 1994.
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Would have been 90 on July 28.
Heartbroken is an understatement.

Here is the Mighty Sparrow

[malaise]

1. It was Sobers Pele and Ali

For millions of people - ask the immigrants in Britain.

Ali went to cricket in England
In June 1966, Muhammad Ali attended the second Test match between England and the West Indies at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London. He famously relaxed on the pavilion balcony and visited the West Indies dressing room, where he met with legendary all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers.