By Bipin Dani
MUMBAI, India (TheSportsNEXT) October 30, 2012: Richard Lewis is a 62-year-old semi-retired history (and politics) teacher in Birmingham. The historical ball which he possessed and had Garry Sobers autograph, fetched him a price of 1,000 pounds on Friday.
The ball, which is likely to have been used during the famous six sixes match at Swansea in 1968, was being put up for auction.
When Sobers made history by smashing Glamorgan’s Malcolm Nash for 36 runs in one over at St Helen’s, the last six disappeared out of the ground. As the players left the field, a 17-year-old schoolboy, Richard Lewis found the Surridge-made ball lying in St Helen’s Avenue. When he returned it to Glamorgan two days later, they showed their appreciation by giving him another similar Surridge ball which was auctioned recently.
Speaking exclusively to TheSportsNEXT.com from his home in England, Richard Lewis said, "The memory of that day is vivid. It was a thrilling and wonderful occasion. Sobers was probably the greatest cricketer that I've seen"."The six sixes in an over-the first time it had ever been accomplished-was awesome. I was in the ground and was lucky enough to find the ball at the end of the over. On handing it back two days later I was given a thank you presentation ball from Glamorgan, signed by Sobers", he said.
"That in itself was a big thrill. 40 years later I met Sobers for a second time at a special Anniversary event at the Glamorgan Sophia Gardens Ground. We chatted for about 10 minutes. We had a very pleasant conversation. I found Sir Garry to be excellent company-a perfect gentleman".
"The presentation ball to me was a way of remembering significant batting at its very best-no helmets in those days!-and a cricketing day to match no other-a true celebratory event".
"I have now sold the ball but the memory with it will be attached with me for ever", he added.
The professor intends to spend this money on a holiday trip, the destination is not decided yet.
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