Sporting icons: Sir Jack Hobbs: The Master of Cricket & all time great batter , Career HLs , video

 

Sir John Berry Hobbs, widely known as Jack Hobbs, was born on December 16, 1882, in Cambridge, England. Revered as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Hobbs was a technically brilliant right-handed batsman who excelled in all conditions. His calm demeanor, extraordinary consistency, and unmatched dedication earned him the title The Master. He was also a part-time right-arm medium bowler, though it was his batting prowess that immortalized him in cricket history.

Style of Play

Hobbs was celebrated for his classical technique and adaptability. Equally adept on challenging pitches and pristine surfaces, he combined elegant stroke play with unmatched precision. His ability to score prolifically in all conditions made him the backbone of England’s batting lineup.

Records in Tests and First-Class Cricket

Test Career:

Hobbs played 61 Test matches for England, scoring 5,410 runs at an impressive average of 56.94. He struck 15 centuries and 28 half-centuries, with a highest score of 211.

First-Class Career:

Jack Hobbs holds an unparalleled record in first-class cricket, scoring 61,760 runs at an average of 50.70, including a staggering 199 centuries and 273 fifties. These feats remain unmatched in cricket history.

Career Highlights

1. Test Success:

Hobbs made his Test debut against Australia in 1908 at Melbourne, where he scored 83 in challenging conditions.

His partnership with Herbert Sutcliffe in the Ashes series was legendary, particularly their efforts in the 1926 Ashes, which England won thanks to their contributions.

Hobbs scored centuries in four successive Test matches during the 1911-12 Ashes series, leading England to victory.

2. First-Class Excellence:

Hobbs dominated domestic cricket for Surrey, regularly piling up runs across decades. His consistency across seasons, even well into his 40s, showcased his incredible fitness and focus.

3. Post-War Return:

Despite the interruptions caused by World War I, Hobbs resumed his career post-war and reached new heights, scoring prolifically even in his late 30s and 40s.

Major Batting Performances

His 187 at Lord's in 1926 against Australia is regarded as one of his finest innings, played under immense pressure during a series-deciding Test.

In 1924, Hobbs scored a masterful 211 against South Africa at Lord’s, demonstrating his ability to construct monumental innings.

Legacy

Sir Jack Hobbs' contributions to cricket are unparalleled. His records, particularly in first-class cricket, remain untouched, symbolizing his dominance and longevity. In 1953, Hobbs became the first professional cricketer to be knighted, a testament to his influence both on and off the field.

Hobbs’ sportsmanship, technical brilliance, and gentlemanly conduct earned him admiration worldwide, inspiring generations of cricketers. To this day, The Master is celebrated as one of cricket's true legends. His name remains synonymous with excellence and grace in the game.

In the below video , Jack Hobbs is showing some cricketing shots