criticalmass

Just heard from Channel Nine News Australia that former England test-team captain and Channel Nine cricket commentator Tony Greig has died from lung-cancer.

I had the pleasure of working with him from time to time, peripherally, on outside broadcasts. In every sense, he was a giant of a man. He spoke with the authority and knowledge of a former captain. With every phrase he communicated his love, respect and reverence for the game. He had credibility that came across the fickle medium of television, untrammelled, undistorted and with his unique point-of-view. Australian cricket-lovers took Tony Greig into their hearts.

Thanks, mate, for your insight, wry humour and that unique, magnificent accent. One of a kind. RIP.

Hokulea

Oh, crap. If this is true it's very sad. He was a controversial chap to be sure, but one of my earliest memories was watching him bowl against the WI in '76 and I ended up imitating him in the school playground. He definitely had a big influence on my love of cricket.

He wasn't my favorite commentator although he did have a good sense of humour and clearly understood the game and even better tried to get professional cricketers the rewards they deserved. He was also a fine all-rounder, his record is pretty good and is up there with the best. He'll definitely be missed.

Hokulea

Tony GREIG Commentary Comedy - YouTube

Tony Greig giggling in the background was wonderful!

ampclamp

Heart attack killed him apparently. I hear his cancer treatment was going ok. A real shock. He was a hard bastard and one of the few with the balls to stand up to Lillee and Thommo.