Jack Hobbs: Cricket
Sir John Berry “Jack” Hobbs (December 16, 1882 – December 21, 1963) was a professional cricket player for nearly thirty years and was considered to be one of the greatest to ever play the game. He became cricket’s most prolific batsman finishing 61,237 first-class runs and 197 centuries which are mostly made from the top of the Surrey or England batting orders. He was born into poverty but always wanted to play cricket professionally then in 1901, local teams caught his attention and successfully joined Surrey with the support of England batsman Tom Hayward. Jack Hobbs made his Test debut in 1908 against Australia scoring 88. He established effective opening partnerships with Tom Hayward and Andy Sandham for Surrey and Wilfred Rhodes and Herbert Sutcliffe for England. His partnership with Sutcliffe continues in 2014 known to be the most effective for the first wicket in terms of average partnership in Test history.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Jack Hobbs became Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1909 and 1926. He also became the Wisden Cricketer of the Century in 2000. Only he and Pelham Warner have received this award twice. He became the first professional cricketer to be honored in 1953. In 2009, he was selected by cricket historians and writers as a member of England’s all-time best team and included a similar team to represent the best players worldwide in the history of cricket. Hobbs’ average batting score 56.94 continues to be the fifth best among batsmen as of 2014.
Why Was He So Good?
Jack Hobbs’ became successful thanks to his swift footwork. He had the capability to play many different shots and outstanding positioning of the ball. He used his own technique but met new styles of bowling that became known during the years of his professional career. He effectively combined classic shots with effective defense.
What You May Not Know
- Jack Hobbs inherited a love of cricket from his father. He spent most of his childhood playing the sport.
- Before becoming a professional cricket player, he was an errand boy then later became a college servant.
- Hobbs’ was at first reluctant to accept to be honored and knighted but was convinced that it was an honor not just for himself but for cricket as well.
Related Pages
- More cricket players
- About Cricket
- Athlete Database home
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