Cricketing world mourns for Tony Greig

By Dinesh Weerawansa reporting from England

LONDON, Dec. 29. - The death of former England captain turned international commentator , Tony Greig shocked world cricket fraternity.

The 66-year-old all-rounder who represented England in 58 Tests between 1972 and 1977, was an ardent supporter of Sri Lanka. His love for Sri Lanka cricket reached the zenith after Arjuna Ranatunga and his men won the 1996 World Cup, beating Australia in the final.

Since then, Greig has been a sporting ambassador for Sri Lanka, promoting the country’s natural beauty and its cricket team. Greig, who died of a heart attack in Sydney today, was diagnosed with a lung cancer two months ago. While commentating during the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka he was moved to undergo medical tests that uncovered a lesion in his right lung. Subsequent examinations and operations revealed the extent of the cancer, and he was unable to fulfil his usual duties for Channel Nine in the Brisbane Test against South Africa.

He led England in 14 Tests before giving up the captaincy to join Australian media magnate Kerry Packer’s breakaway World Series. He later became extremely popular in Australia as a television commentator.

Born on October 6, 1946 in Queenstown, South Africa Greig aggregated 3,599 runs (average 40.43) and captured 141 wickets (average 32.20) in his Test career. His illustrious career includes over 16,600 runs and 856 wickets in first class cricket.

Australian broadcaster Channel Nine, for whom Greig was contracted as a popular commentator, said the former England captain died after being rushed from his home to Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital earlier today.

“It’s not good. The truth is I’ve got lung cancer. Now it’s a case of what they can do.” Greig was quoted as saying to his Channel Nine colleagues last month. “Thanks to all of you whp have sent me good wishes for recovery. With your prayers and the help of my family I will give it my best shot,” he said after undergoing surgery in October.

“Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to you all. Would love to be at Test but son Tom and I will be tuned in?” Greig tweeted on the Christmas day. Current England Test and Sussex wicketkeeper Matt Prior tweeted; “Can’t believe one of my heroes Tony Greig has passed away. One of the greatest voices in cricket and will be sorely missed”.

Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore, who guided Sri Lanka to World Cup triumph 17 years ago, tweeted: “Great man, great career. He will be missed.”

Greig’s familiar presence on television screens was missed greatly at the outset of the current Australian summer. The heart attack that claimed him, shocked the cricketing world after the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Sri Lanka.

At the time of his death, Greig hoped that he would be fit to return to work at the final Test of the summer in Sydney, scheduled to begin on January 3. His commentary colleague for long time on international telecast and fellow former captain Bill Lawry said world cricket has lost one of its great ambassadors.

He loved travelling the world to places such as Sri Lanka, India, England, Dubai, wherever there were international matches. Cricket Australia’s chairman Wally Edwards said Greig’s illness and early death came as a “terrible shock” and that he will be greatly missed. Former Australian paceman Dennis Lillee described Greig “a tough contender who took on all opposition with aggression and a determination to win”. There have been many tributes and condolence messages from world renowned cricketers and commentators including West Indian world record holder Brian Lara and Sri Lankan commentator Russel Arnold. “RIP Tony Greig. Mentor and friend. We will miss you, a genuine friend and admirer of SL cricket. It was indeed a pleasure to have known you,” former Sri Lanka batsman turned commentator Russel wrote on Twitter.

“RIP Tony Greig. You have left a great footprint on the world of cricket. My condolences to the Greig family.” former West Indies captain, Lara said on Twitter while former Australian all-rounder and ex-Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody said; “Saddened to hear the passing away of Tony Greig, RIP. Great commentator, mentor, player & friend will be missed by the cricketing family.”

Celebrated Australian wicket keeper Rodney Marsh said Greig will be remembered more for his commentary in Australia. “He was very special as a commentator. He got the place alive and working, that Channel 9 commentary box. He loved the game and he served the game very well,” ABC quoted Marsh as saying.

“I was only speaking with Tony a couple of days ago so news of his passing is absolutely devastating. Tony has a long and decorated history with international cricket both as a player and commentator and cricket will be much poorer for his loss. Personally, he has also been a great mentor for me, providing great advice through the good times and the bad.” Australian captain Michael Clarke said.

Former Australia captain Greg Chappell on the Cricket Australia website said “Tony was a very willing opponent on the field, but was equally willing as a friend off the field. He made himself into a successful Test cricketer and Test captain by that willingness to take the game up to his opponent whether with bat or ball.

Greig, at the time of his death, was with his family, second wife Vivian, daughter Beau, son Tom, and two adult children from his previous marriage - daughter Sam and son Mark.