BRIDGETOWN (Barbados), Feb 21: Sir Garfield Sobers was hailed as a humble servant of cricket, who gave “heart, mind, body, and soul”, to the game in the West Indies.

The stirring tribute came from another legend –- Wes Hall -- as he delivered a feature address at the rededication of a statue in tribute to Sir Garry, considered the greatest all-rounder in the game’s history.

The 20-foot bronze statue, previously located on motorway in Wildey, 5km east of Bridgetown, was placed at the entrance to the re-developed Kensington Oval.

“There are great players and then they are players of great innings,” said Hall. “We know where Sir Garry fitted in. He was simply the best as consistency was his middle name.

“The thing about great players is that you can only defeat them if you play perfect game. I say Sir Garry had talent galore, but also worked very hard. He gave heart, mind, body, and soul. It was amazingly difficult to outperform him. Sir Garry simply was my hero.”

Hall was the game’s outstanding fast bowler of 1960s when he played beside Sir Garry in Barbados and the West Indies teams. They have remained close ever since.

The ceremony was attended by Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur, ministers, cricket administrators, former Barbados and the West Indies players. –Agencies