Piers Morgan has led tributes to Sir Garfield Sobers.

The broadcaster spoke out after the cricket icon died at the age of 89, just days before his 90th birthday, bringing to an end the life of the cricketer widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder the game has produced.

The Barbados and West Indies icon leaves behind a record that reshaped cricket across two decades, with tributes pouring in from around the world following confirmation of his death by Cricket West Indies.

Garfield, known throughout the cricketing world as Sir Garry, represented the West Indies between 1954 and 1974, scoring 8,032 Test runs at an average of 57.78 while taking 235 wickets with an extraordinary mix of pace, finger spin and wrist spin.

His unbeaten 365 against Pakistan at Sabina Park in 1958 stood as the world Test record for 36 years before fellow West Indies great Brian Lara surpassed it in 1994.

Garfield also became the first player to hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket when he achieved the feat for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan bowler Malcolm Nash in Swansea in 1968.

The ICC's annual award for the world's leading men's cricketer bears his name - the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy - reflecting the enduring influence of his career.

Piers Morgan said: "The greatest all-round cricketer the world has ever seen... a brilliant fielder in any position, a magnificent swashbuckling batsman, and both a superb fast bowler AND spin bowler. Garry was a lovely man, too, and a West Indies hero. Very sad news."

Windies Cricket said: "A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers."

Northamptonshire County Cricket Club said: "Cricket's greatest-ever all-rounder, and an iconic figure in Nottinghamshire history. We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers."

Garfield made his first-class debut for Barbados as a 16-year-old and was selected to play for the West Indies at 17, making his Test debut against England in Jamaica in 1954.

Initially recognised for his left-arm spin bowling, he soon developed into one of cricket's most destructive left-handed batters while remaining capable of bowling seam, orthodox spin and wrist spin at the highest level.

His innings of 365 not out against Pakistan rewrote the record books, surpassing Len Hutton's 364, a mark that remained untouched until Brian Lara established a new world record in 1994 before extending it to 400 not out a decade later.

Garfield finished his Test career with 26 centuries and 235 wickets, while his influence as West Indies captain helped lay the foundations for the Caribbean dominance that followed through subsequent generations.

Garfield's achievements extended beyond international cricket.

During seven seasons with Nottinghamshire, he became part of county cricket folklore by striking Malcolm Nash for six successive sixes in an over during a County Championship match against Glamorgan at St Helens, Swansea.

The feat, captured by BBC cameras, remains one of the most celebrated moments in cricket history.

Malcolm later said: "The captain asked me if I fancied having a go at bowling some slow-left armers.

"Sobers came along and quickly ended my slow-bowling career. It was a pretty short experiment."

Garfield said: "I wasn't bothered if I was out or not."

His career also included individual honours that reflected his standing in the sport.

Garfield was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1964 and was later selected as one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Century.

He was knighted for services to cricket in 1975 and was named a National Hero of Barbados in 1998.

His influence remains visible across the modern game, with players continuing to compete annually for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, one of international cricket's highest individual honours.

Away from the field, Garfield endured personal tragedy, including the 1959 car accident that claimed the life of his friend and fellow West Indies cricketer Collie Smith.

He later played in Australia following an invitation supported by Sir Donald Bradman, whose admiration for Garfield's abilities became one of the defining endorsements of his career. Bradman famously described him as the greatest all-round cricketer he had ever seen.

Garfield is survived by his sons, Matthew and Daniel, and his adopted daughter, Genevieve.