SIR Garfield Sobers, one of cricket’s greatest ever all-rounders, addressed pupils at Bolton School ahead of their visit to Barbados to take part in a tournament he organises.

Bolton School will take on other schools from around the world in next month’s competition as part of their fourth tour of West Indies.

Sir Garfield was introduced by Bolton School’s master of cricket Andy Compton as “an incredible left-hand batsman, great bowler, athletic fielder, leader of men and outstanding captain, with no equal in his lifetime”.

Sobers played 93 Tests for West Indies between 1954 and 1974, amassing 8,032 runs and building an average of 57.78, while also claiming 235 wickets.

He was the first player to hit six sixes in an over, while playing for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan in 1968.

The 79-year-old West Indian, who played as professional for Radcliffe at the tail end of his career, thanked pupils for their “rousing northern welcome”. He said: “I am speechless after all these things you have said about me, thank you for such a wonderful welcome.”

Sobers recounted stories of his time in cricket, including when he first came to England, looked out from the balcony at Lord’s and asked colleague Everton Weekes: “Where is the wicket?”. He responded “you will learn” – a nod to an era before covered wickets, which he believed helped hone his technique as a batsman.

Sobers also told pupils what to expect during his tournament.

He said “You will make lifelong friendships and have the chance to develop your skills playing in different conditions.”

Previous competitors have included Brian Lara, another West Indies legend, and England Test captain Alastair Cook.