The story of Sir Garfield Sobers – widely acknowledged as cricket’s best all-time all-rounder – is rich with personal financial lessons.

Sir Gary grew up in humble circumstances in Barbados, but he used hard work to convert his capital – his cricketing talent – to enduring success in an era before the money-spinning mega-contracts and franchise leagues. His success shows that skills represent earning potential, which can only be realised with hard, smart work.

Sir Gary is acknowledged as a great all-rounder because he excelled in nearly all areas of cricket. He was a great batsman who held the title for the highest individual Test score for 36 years. He was a bowler for all seasons: he was a medium-pace bowler who sometimes opened the bowling, he was a wrist-spinner and a finger-spinner. He was an outstanding fielder in the slips and the outfield, and even kept wicket when required to, but not at the Test level. Sir Gary also captained the West Indies cricket team, bringing his leadership skills and cricketing knowledge to bear on the regional team.