For me, Bradman and Sobers are the same: Madan Lal

CHENNAI: Sir Garfield Sobers, one of cricket greatest all-rounders, passed away in Bridgetown, Barbados on Friday. His son Daniel confirmed the death after which tributes started pouring in from all quarters. Former India all-rounder Madan Lal though never played a competitive match against Sobers but had quite a few memories of the legendary West Indian cricketer.

Madan Lal made his India debut months after Sobers quit international cricket at a relatively young age in 1974. He, however, got the opportunity to meet the former West Indies’ captain when the latter wasIndia. “Once I met him at great Bishan (Singh Bedi) paaji’s place. It was pleasure to hear two legends talk then,” Madan Lal told The New Indian Express.taking a wicket. Besides, he was also a splendid fielder.

The Amritsar-born former India cricketer though never played for an English first-class County team but took part in league cricket in England. “On a few occasions during my days in English league cricket, I met Sir Sobers. We also played benefit matches there. He was one of the best human being I have ever met. It would not be an exaggeration if I say that the word all-rounder was coined after he graced the game,” added Madan

Sobers played 93 Tests and scored 8,032 runs at 57.78 with 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries between March 1954 to April 1974. A left-handed batter, who also could also bowl left-arm pace, wrist spin and orthodox spin, Sobers claimed 235 wickets in Test cricket. Ironically, he played just one ODI and got out for a duck before