Jack Hobbs born this day in 1882

Scorer of 5410 test runs in 61 matches, with 15 centuries, at 56.94.
Also scored 61760 first class runs at 50.70, with 199 centuries. Records which are unlikely to ever be bettered.
Perhaps my favourite Hobbs story concerns his last ever first class century. In his final season he went up to Manchester to play for Surrey against Lancashire in a match which was George Duckworth's benefit. In extremely cold, dank conditions Hobbs scored 116. Afterwards he told Duckworth that he'd scored the century 'To keep himself warm.'
Jack Hobbs, 'The Master'. Greatest opening batsman ever?
For me, yes, but what do others think?

Absolute genius of the game, a true legend in every sense, and holder of numerous records that will never be broken.

Happy birthday Master Jack, have a good'un old boy!

Hobbs has to be among the greatest of all English batsmen. Who would you put ahead of him? Hammond, Grace, Woolley, Hutton, Compton, May? Or Fry or MacLaren ? I've probably missed some great names off my list, but you get the picture.
That last hundred. When he was congratulated on it he said that it was a terrible innings. When asked to elaborate, Hobbs replied: "Oh, I was just standing there pulling everything through mid-on for four." !!
When I was a kid I read a book on Hobbs by a Ronald Mason who had been a schoolboy worshipper of the great man and used to turn up with his pals and his bottle of Tizer at the Oval in the 1920s' summer holdiays watching Jack get 100 after 100. It's a lovely book. I've also got John Arlott's book on Hobbs. And I'm a Middlesex supporter!

A true great of the game. Hobbs is unparalleled as a prolific opener.

Of his eventual tally of 199 centuries, Hobbs scored 100 of them after his fortieth birthday.

Corporalhumblebucket wrote:Of his eventual tally of 199 centuries, Hobbs scored 100 of them after his fortieth birthday.

Really shows what can or could be done. I wonder how long two ageing greats of the game - Tendulkar in internationals and Ramprakash in domestic cricket will go on for? Looks like Ramps will still be playing in his 43rd year