Bradman had an extraordinary 100 votes and yet before his own death in 2001, “the Don” paid the ultimate tribute to Sobers.
Bradman said: “He is, in my opinion, the greatest cricketer of all time.”
For many, Sobers is perhaps best known for becoming the first player to hit six sixes in one over (Glamorgan’s Malcolm Nash being the unfortunate bowler) when he played county cricket for Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire paid tribute to him, describing him as “cricket’s greatest-ever all-rounder and an iconic figure in Nottinghamshire history”.
A club statement added: “We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers.”
Sobers himself, though always dignified, grew tired of being reminded of that feat.
He once said: “One of the things about the six sixes, which really comes over me every time somebody asks a question, or says to me, ‘I’ve just seen them’, or people always ask me about it … it makes me feel that’s the only thing I’ve ever done in the history of cricket.”
Sobers never seemingly did things by halves. Not satisfied with making his maiden test century, he pushed on from 100 to make 365 not out against Pakistan in Kingston in 1958.
It set a new world record as the highest individual score in test cricket, breaking the old mark of 364 made by England’s Len Hutton in 1938.
His record would last until another West Indian master, Brian Lara, made 375 against England in 1994.
The England team paid tribute on social media, calling Sobers “one of the greatest to ever play the game”.
Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott praised Sobers, who he said “was like a panther with a purposeful, loping and confident walk”.
Boycott wrote in the Daily Telegraph: “I just loved the way Garry walked out to bat. He didn’t say anything. He did not need to. There was no ego. His walk let the opposition know he was there for business.”
Sir Garfield Sobers, 1936-2026.
Indian cricket’s governing body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), paid a fulsome tribute as well.
It said: “The BCCI mourns the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, a true icon of the game and one of cricket’s greatest-ever all-rounders.
“His extraordinary achievements, lasting influence on Caribbean cricket and immeasurable contribution to the global game have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations.”
Former India batsman VVS Laxman called Sobers “a true giant of the game, whose extraordinary skill, grace and sportsmanship inspired generations of cricketers around the world”.
– AFP