Jack Hobbs, the most prolific run-scorer in cricket history and perhaps England’s greatest batsman, died on December 21, 1963. At the time of his death, Wisden asked Neville Cardus, one of the game’s most famous writers, to provide their tribute.
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Previously from the almanack: John Arlott: Commentary legend & voice of post-war peace
Sir Jack Hobbs, the great batsman whose first-class cricket career spanned 30 years and brought him fame everywhere as a player second to none, was born in humble surroundings at No. 4 Rivar Place, Cambridge, quite close to Fenner’s, Parker’s Piece and Jesus College.
Christened John Berry Hobbs because his father’s name was John and his mother’s maiden name Berry, John – or Jack as he was always known – was the eldest of twelve children, six boys and six girls. His father was on the staff at Fenner’s and also acted as a professional umpire.
Frank Woolley: Jack was one of the greatest sportsmen England ever had, a perfect gentleman and a good living fellow respected by everyone he met. I travelled abroad with him many times to Australia and South Africa, and I always looked upon him as the finest right-handed batsman I saw in the 30 years I played with and against him.
Wilfred Rhodes: He was the greatest batsman of my time. I learned a lot from him when we went in first together for England. He had a cricket brain and the position of his feet as he met the ball was always perfect. He could have scored thousands more runs, but often he was content to throw his wicket away when he had reached his hundred and give someone else a chance. He knew the Oval inside out and I know that A.P.F. Chapman was thankful for his advice when we regained the Ashes from Australia in 1926.
