Lord’s Pays Tribute To Sir Garfield Sobers As India And England Wear Black Armbands

Cricketers from India and England joined the match officials in paying tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers before the third ODI at Lord’s. Both teams wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence to honour the legendary West Indies all-rounder, who passed away on Friday aged 89.

Players from both sides gathered before the start of the series decider to remember Sobers, whose achievements earned him recognition as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport.

Spectators at the packed Lord’s ground maintained complete silence, reflecting the immense respect he commanded across the cricketing world.

Sobers, who was born in Barbados, enjoyed a distinguished international career that stretched from 1954 to 1974. He accumulated 8,032 runs in 93 Test matches at an average of 57.78, claimed 235 wickets, and completed 109 catches during his remarkable career. He also entered the record books in 1968 by becoming the first player in first-class cricket to strike six sixes in a single over.

As West Indies captain, he led the side in 39 Test matches and remains one of only two players, alongside Jacques Kallis, to complete the unique Test double of 8,000 runs and 200 wickets.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer recalled meeting Sobers in Barbados only a few months ago and said the news of his passing came as a great shock.

England all-rounder Jacob Bethell remembered Sobers as an inspirational figure whose warmth and humility left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

Bethell also revealed that Sobers helped him pursue his cricket career in England by providing a reference, a gesture that played an important role in shaping his future.

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