Garfield Sobers, legendary West Indies cricketer, passes away at 89

Legendary West Indies cricketer Garfield Sobers has passed away at the age of 89. Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders to have played the game, Sobers featured in 93 Tests, scoring 8032 runs at an average of 57.78, between 1954 and 1974.

Born in Barbados, Sobers was known for his versatility as a left-arm bowler, bowling both orthodox and wrist spin as well as medium pace. He debuted in first-class cricket at 16 and internationally at 18. Sobers converted his maiden Test century into a then-record 365 against Pakistan in 1958, which remained the highest Test score until Brian Lara's 375 in 1994.

The innings sparked a Bradmanesque run, as Sobers piled up 500+ runs in each of the subsequent five series. He nailed three centuries on the 1958-59 tour to India, then scored 709 runs at 101.28 against England the following year, including an epic 226 in a 399-run partnership with Frank Worrell.

Against Australia, he cracked 132 in the first ever tied Test at Brisbane and a counter-attacking 168 at the SCG in 1961. His best bowling figures (6-73) also came against Australia in 1968-69.

After Frank Worrell's departure, Sobers led the West Indies in 39 Tests with considerable success. He is one of only two players, alongside Jacques Kallis, to achieve the double of 8,000 runs and 200 wickets in Test cricket.

Sobers also became the first man to hit six sixes in an over in professional cricket, while playing for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan in 1968.

"This is probably the saddest day for the game of cricket," Sunil Gavaskar said. "The greatest cricketer to walk the earth has left us. Rest in peace, Sir Garfield. You will stay eternally in our hearts."