20th July 2026
On Saturday, on hearing of the death of Gary Sobers, I contributed a short post to the White Rose Forum – a website for Yorkshire CCC members and supporters. It is reproduced here.
In July 1969 – 57 years ago, almost to the day – my friend and I left school and caught the bus to Headingley to watch the post-tea session of the 4th day of the England-West Indies test match. (In those days – amazingly – it was free entry after tea).
We took up a great position in front of the low wall behind the terracing next to the pavilion.
Chasing 303 to win, the tourists reached 219 for 3 with Basil Butcher in the 90s. Then, Butcher was dismissed, a victim of the wonderful Underwood/Knott combination.
My eyes were glued on the WI captain as he walked to the wicket. A few minutes later, I was watching him walk back again.
He had attempted a forcing shot off the medium-pacer Barry Knight. An inside edge had sent the ball careering into middle stump. From our vantage point, we had a perfect view.
My immediate sense was one of shock. And, to this day, stored in my memory from 60-plus years of sports spectating, it remains amongst the most dramatic moments.
The shock was followed by amazement, followed by elation at England’s success. And then, after a few moments’ reflection – and notwithstanding that I wanted England to win (which they duly did the following morning) – sadness that the innings had been truncated.
Ten minutes. Four balls. No runs. No matter. He was the greatest all-round cricketer. And – as a youth – I saw him play in a test match at Headingley.
Sir Garfield Sobers RIP.
An Ordinary Spectator 