Sir Garfield, widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder of all-time, was invited by West Indies coach Ottis Gibson to attend the session, where he shared his ideas on the game and also urged the players to believe in themselves and always remain focussed on the job.

BRIDGETOWN: West Indies had a special visitor to their training camp when the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers attended a practice session at the Three Ws Oval here.

Sir Garfield, widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder of all-time, was invited by West Indies coach Ottis Gibson to attend the session, where he shared his ideas on the game and also urged the players to believe in themselves and always remain focused on the job.

The 74-year-old also shared his thoughts on the changing face of the modern game, and told the players they have his full backing as they prepare to face Pakistan in a home series, starting this week.

Sir Garfield also took part in a number of informal chats with members of the training squad, spending extended periods with West Indies captain Darren Sammy and batsman Marlon Samuels. He also watched a net session at the ground's indoor centre which bears his name.

Team operations manager Richie Richardson, a former West Indies captain, welcomed Sir Garfield's appearance, and the legend's willingness to mentor the players.

“It was tremendous to have a gentleman of the calibre of the great Sir Garfield Sobers to come and join us in our camp as we get ready for the series,” he said.

“The coach extended the invitation and Sir Garfield happily agreed to come and share some of his vast knowledge with our team.

“His contribution really helped, and the players were all happy to listen to him, and absorb what he had to say.

“We have some of the game's greatest cricketers of all time here in the Caribbean and it is always great to have them sharing their knowledge with our present generation.”

West Indies face Pakistan in a Twenty20 and five One-day Internationals, as well as two Tests over the next six weeks.