Tony Greig. Photo Getty
Former England captain and prominent cricket pundit Tony
Greig has died at the age of 66, Australian media reported
today.
"In sad news, beloved Tony Greig, former England Cricket
Captain has passed away today at the age of 66. To his family
and friends we pass on our best wishes," broadcaster Channel
Nine, which employed Greig as a cricket commentator, said on
Twitter.
Greig, who played 58 tests for England, was diagnosed with
lung cancer in October.
The South Africa-born Greig made his test debut for England
against Australia in Manchester in 1972 and amassed 3,599
runs for an average of 40.43 until his last match at the Oval
against the same opponents in 1977.
An imposing figure standing at 6ft-6in, Greig was also a
successful bowler with 141 test wickets at an average of
32.20.
Greig's captaincy ended in controversy when he was stripped
of the post for his role in helping late Australian
businessman Kerry Packer set up World Series Cricket in the
1970s.
Greig, a long-time resident Down Under, became a summer
fixture in Australian lounge-rooms as a commentator for
Channel Nine's international cricket coverage, among a number
of roles in the media.
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