One of the great batsmen of the game and was a natural successor to WG Grace.
Hobbs first match for Surrey was April 24, 1905 was against 'The Gentleman of England', Grace being the Captain of that side.
Hobbs matured into a prolific run maker. A Hobbs century was barely worth the mention so common were they.
World War One disrupted his career less than most. Having served in the Royal Flying Corps (as Air Mechanic) he was still capable of playing cricket when it resumed in 1919.
Between his 43rd and 46th birthday he scored 11,000 runs.
Hobbs developed the 'second line of defence' to a fine art.
The Victorians considered cricket pads were for protecting a batsmans legs not his wicket. Use for anything else was considered almost cad-like.
Still you do not runs by defending with the pads and you cannot get runs if your sitting in the pavillion.
Knighted in 1953 for services to cricket.