Former England Captain Tony Greig Dies

Former England captain Tony Greig dies

Former England captain and veteran Channel Nine commentator Tony Greig passed away after suffering a heart attack at his home in Sydney on Saturday.

 The 66-year-old, who was diagnosed with lung cancer two months ago, was shifted at a renowned hospital in the city in critical condition. Doctors tried their best to save him but he lost his battle for life at 1.45pm (AEDT).

“He was rushed into St Vincent’s hospital. The staff of the emergency department worked on Mr Greig to no avail,” St Vincent’s spokesman David Faktor said.

Having initially being diagnosed with bronchitis in May, Tony Greig underwent treatment. He was diagnosed with lung cancer after ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in October.

Speaking about his decease during Australia’s first Test against South Africa in Brisbane, Tony Greig said:

“It’s not good. The truth is I’ve got lung cancer. Now it’s a case of what they can do.”.

The South-Africa born all-rounder represented England in 58 Tests from 1972-1977 during which he scored 3, 599 runs with the help of eight centuries and claimed 141 wickets. Hailed as one of the most complete batsmen of his era, Greig skippered England in 14 Tests.

In 22 one-day internationals that he played, Greig scored 269 runs and begged 19 wickets. After taking retirement from cricket he turned into a successful commentator.

Greig not joined Channel Nine commentary team this summer. The channel paid tribute to the legend in a statement.

“Tony Greig is a name synonymous with Australian cricket – from his playing days as the English captain we loved to hate, to his senior role in the revolution of World Series Cricket, his infamous car keys in the pitch reports and more than three decades of colourful and expert commentary.”