RIP Tony Greig

[AmericanHistoryX]


Cricketing legend Tony Greig has died after a battle with lung cancer, the Nine Network has announced.

The former England Test cricketer turned Channel Nine commentator was 66 and had been diagnosed with the illness just two months ago.

Greig was in stage four of lung cancer and went into cardiac arrest this morning.

He was rushed to Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital from his home in Vaucluse between 10am and 11am and died about 1:45pm.

Greig first became aware he had a health problem during Australia's one-day series against Pakistan in Dubai in August and September.

Initially diagnosed with bronchitis in May, the condition lingered and, by the time of the ICC World Twenty20 that finished in Sri Lanka in October, Greig had tests that revealed a small lesion at the base of his right lung.

On his return to Australia he had fluid removed from the right lung and testing revealed he had lung cancer.

Last month, he spoke to the Channel Nine commentary team, of which he is usually a member, during their coverage of the first Test between Australia and South Africa in Brisbane.

Greig was candid about the disease.

"It's not good. The truth is I've got lung cancer. Now it's a case of what they can do," Greig said.

He had on operation later that month.

The South Africa-born all-rounder made his Test debut against Australia in 1972 and had a five-year international career including a stint as captain of England.

Greig then enjoyed a long career as a commentator on Channel Nine after being offered the job by Kerry Packer.


 

[Yossarian]

That is sad news. He was certainly entertaining and played that love/hate villain role to perfection. Things already haven't been the same without his distinctive voice. Thanks for the memories Tony.

 

[stryker]

Yeah damn shame. I loved Tony's attitude when the commentators started talking up the Aussies too much…he always had a crack at them.

Sad that he only lasted a couple of months, as so often is the case with that miserable bastard of a disease, he will be missed.

I am off to listen to my 12th man cd's.....

 

[tigermaniac]

R I P. You're in a better place now. One of my favorites.
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[westTAHger]

R.I.P Tony Greig.
had dealings with him when he tried his hand at motorsport.
all round genuine nice guy.

 

[happy_tiger]

A very tough uncomprimising player Remember reading a story in his autobiography about him getting a case of Delhi belly the morning of a Test Match and him battling through and scoring 60 odd and getting 4 or 5 for to help England win a match

Few would probably know that he suffered with Epilipsy also and his mother was a shark attack victim in SA

Loved his stoushes in central missionary position with Bill and the boys

RIP Tony Greig

My condolences to your friends and family

 

[Guest]

RIP Tony. A cricketing and commentary legend who will be missed, and the game just won't be the same without him.

 

[Flippedy]

Very sad news. RIP Tony and condolences to your family.

 

[Blackpearl]

very sad news today. will miss his commentary and his verbal sparring with bill lawry was always classic stuff. first time i ever saw tony greig play was at the scg playing for a world xi walking out to bat with suni gavaskar. gavaskar i reckon came up to greigy's waist at best, against australia which had a raw, new faced d k lillee steaming in.

RIP tony greig

 

[innsaneink]

Its almost like when a family member goes, when an affable fella thats been on your radio, in your newspapers or on your TV in the corner of your lounge room for basically as long as you can remember, your lifetime
RIP Greiggy

 

[weststigers4life]

Admittedly not being a massive cricket follower, but i always found him entertaining and it would always crack me up after his banter with Bill and the team, Greiggy will be sorely missed. Expecting to see some moving tributes and footage during the Sydney test. RIP Tony Grieg

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Poor old Greiggy… Always enjoyed his banter on Channel Nine with Lawry and his knowledge was well up there.

Sad in itself that it also is signifying a change in the times for cricket and particularly the commentary team most of us grew up and identified cricket with.

 

[mike]

RIP mate.
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[Citizen_Tiger]

Could not forget how Greig infuriated Thommo and Lillee in the 74/75 series, that took talent and a lot of guts. Liked his directness and the fact that he never draped himself in an Australian flag, just looked at things more objectively than most. Had to chuckle at his dislike of political correctness. Never loved in the same way as Walters or Benaud, but then few are

 

[innsaneink]

I think Justin Langer summed it up….we loved him cause we gave him heaps and he gave it right back to us, and then some