Cricket icon Sir Garry Sobers has been left astonished but concerned by England’s latest Test reinvention.
The greatest all rounder the game has ever seen reckons fans will be delighted by the big-hitting, free-wheeling approach of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes ’ team, but is worried the technical mastery of the game is being left behind.
Launching his foundation in London the 85-year-old Bajan admitted: “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing in the Tests, flashing bats and people trying to hit fours and sixes every ball. I’ve seen some astonishing things and I follow the game a lot, but I don't like what I see. I think that doesn't prove anything as far as I'm concerned.
“It’s good from the spectator’s point of view, and they will go along to watch it. If it was dull and boring, pushing it back down the wicket then they wouldn’t go and I think they have achieved something from that point of view, but I do worry about the technical side of the game, though, that it’s suffering.”
The irony of course is that Sobers was the first player to hit six sixes in an over against Malcolm Nash for Nottinghamshire v Glamorgan in 1968. Sobers had it all as a player. One of the finest batsmen full stop, but he could also bowl quick, both orthodox and wrist spin, and was an incredible fielder.
It comes as little surprise then that he has lots of time for Stokes, who claimed the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy as ICC world player of the year in 2019. But there are a couple other England players who have caught his eye too.
“I like Ben Stokes, he can play,” he said. “But I was watching the Test against India and I enjoyed watching Joe Root, he’s a hell of a player. When I watch him bat I think ‘my word, he’s a good player.’ And then there is a fast bowler, James Anderson who is getting better and quicker from the guy I saw bowling years ago!
“He runs in like he’s just 20 years of age. He’s 40 soon and he doesn’t look like he’s about to fall down – I can’t believe it!”
The foundation bearing his name hopes to raise $50 million over the next five years, with the backing of investment firm Bravia Capital, to support underprivileged children with a talent for cricket, to maximise their potential in the game. Sobers held court, revealing to a packed room how he had been supported himself by his family after his father passed away when he was six, before going on to become a legendary cricketer.
Knighted by the Queen in Barbados for his services to cricket in 1975, Sobers’ place in the history of the game is assured, but even now he is trying to give back.
“I was lucky to have the talent I had and to be able to use it,” he reflected. “But I needed plenty of support from friends and teammates. To be here now and able to try and give back with this foundation, I am truly thankful because it feels that what you have done in life has been a success, and people have liked and loved you because of that.
“I’d like to feel it was not just what I did on the field, but how I carried myself off it, and what I did for my family and country. Hopefully this can help others follow my path.”
With thanks to the Sir Garry Sobers Foundation, changing the life trajectories of young people all over the world. For more visit: https://sirgarrysobers.org
